CAAC China Drone Regulations: FPV Flying Rules for 2026
China’s drone industry is the world’s largest, and its regulatory framework — overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) — has rapidly matured. For FPV pilots operating in mainland China, understanding the evolving regulatory landscape is critical. The “Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management,” effective January 2024, represent the most comprehensive drone legislation China has enacted to date.
The Classification System: Micro, Light, Small, Medium, and Large
CAAC classifies drones into five categories based on weight and performance:
- Micro (微型): Under 250g maximum takeoff weight, maximum speed under 100 km/h. This category covers most Tiny Whoops, small cinewhoops, and ultralight FPV builds. Registration is required, but operational restrictions are minimal.
- Light (轻型): 250g to 4kg, maximum speed under 100 km/h. Most 3-inch to 5-inch FPV freestyle and racing drones fall here. Registration and real-name authentication are mandatory.
- Small (小型): 4kg to 15kg — typically larger commercial or professional drones, though some heavy-lift long-range FPV builds may qualify.
- Medium and Large: Above 15kg, heavily regulated with strict operational requirements.
Real-Name Registration with UOM Platform
All drone owners in China must register on the UOM (Unmanned Aircraft Operation Management) platform operated by CAAC. Registration requires the owner’s real name, national ID number (or passport for foreigners), contact information, and drone serial number. For custom-built FPV drones that lack a manufacturer serial number, CAAC provides a self-assigned identification process.
Registration generates a unique QR code and alphanumeric identifier that must be physically affixed to the drone. The registration process is mandatory for all drones regardless of weight — even micro drones under 250g require registration, making China stricter than many Western jurisdictions for ultralight aircraft.
Flight Altitude Limits and No-Fly Zones
China enforces strict altitude and geographic restrictions:
- Micro drones: Maximum altitude 50 meters above ground level in approved areas
- Light drones: Maximum altitude 120 meters (400 feet) AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- All drones: Prohibited within airport approach and departure corridors, military zones, government facilities, nuclear installations, major infrastructure (dams, power plants), and sensitive urban areas including central Beijing, Shanghai, and provincial capitals
The UTMISS (Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management Information Service System) serves as China’s national drone traffic management platform, integrating real-time airspace status, flight approvals, and electronic fence data. Most consumer drones, including DJI products, include geofencing that prevents flight in restricted zones. For custom FPV builds without geofencing, the responsibility falls entirely on the pilot to verify airspace status.
FPV-Specific Considerations
China’s regulations do not explicitly carve out distinct rules for FPV flight the way EASA or Transport Canada do. However, the general VLOS (visual line of sight) requirement in the Interim Regulations presents the same practical challenge for FPV pilots that it does elsewhere. The regulation states that the pilot must maintain unaided visual contact sufficient to monitor the drone’s flight path and avoid collisions.
In practice, enforcement of VLOS for FPV pilots varies significantly by location. Rural areas and dedicated racing venues see minimal enforcement, while urban and peri-urban areas — particularly near sensitive sites — are closely monitored. Dedicated FPV racing organizations like the China Drone Racing Federation (CDRF) operate sanctioned events under event-specific exemptions.
Pilot Licensing and Training
CAAC has established a tiered licensing system:
- Micro and Light drones: No formal pilot license required, but the UOM platform requires completion of an online safety knowledge test
- Small, Medium, and Large drones: Require a CAAC-issued drone pilot license, obtained through CAAC-authorized training organizations (similar to Part 107 in the US)
- Commercial operations: Require an operation certificate (similar to a ReOC in Australia) in addition to licensed pilots
Most recreational FPV pilots flying micro or light drones need only complete the online safety course and maintain current registration — no in-person examination is required.
Spectrum and Radio Regulations
Chinese radio regulations affect FPV pilots through frequency allocation and transmission power limits. The 5.8 GHz band used for analog and digital FPV video systems is regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Transmission power for unlicensed video transmitters is capped at 25 mW — significantly lower than the 200-1000 mW common in Western countries.
In practice, many FPV pilots use higher-power transmitters, but enforcement at sanctioned events and near sensitive sites is strict. The 2.4 GHz band for control links follows similar restriction patterns.
Manufacturing and Retail Requirements
As the home of DJI, WalkSnail (Caddx), and other major drone manufacturers, China imposes unique obligations on drone producers. All manufactured drones must comply with CAAC standards for remote identification (broadcasting drone ID and position). Custom FPV frames, flight controllers, and components sold domestically must include compliance documentation.
Practical Tips for FPV Pilots in China
- Register on UOM immediately — any drone, any weight, requires registration
- Complete the online safety course — it is required for micro and light drone operators
- Avoid urban centers and sensitive sites entirely — enforcement is aggressive near government and military zones
- Join a local FPV club or CDRF chapter — organized groups often have access to approved flying sites
- Use 25 mW video transmitters near urban areas to stay within spectrum regulations
- Check UTMISS before every flight for real-time airspace status
China’s drone regulatory environment is evolving quickly, driven by the country’s position as the world’s largest drone manufacturer and its unique airspace management priorities. For FPV pilots, the framework is navigable with proper registration and a commitment to flying in approved locations.
Sources: CAAC Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management (2024), UOM.CAAC.gov.cn, UTMISS platform