China CAAC/UOM Drone Regulations 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for FPV Pilots

China’s drone regulatory framework has evolved dramatically over the past two years, and as of 2026, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and its Unmanned Aircraft Operation Management (UOM) platform have established one of the world’s most comprehensive drone oversight systems. Whether you’re flying a sub-250g whoop in a park or a 5-inch FPV quad in rural airspace, understanding these regulations is essential to avoid fines, confiscation, and legal trouble.

The Regulatory Backbone: CAAC and UOM

The CAAC oversees all civil aviation in China, including unmanned aircraft. In 2024, the Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management came into full effect, creating a unified framework that replaced a patchwork of provincial and municipal rules. The UOM platform (uom.caac.gov.cn) serves as the central portal for registration, flight applications, and compliance tracking. As of January 2026, all drone operators — recreational and commercial — must maintain an active UOM account linked to their real-name identity.

Real-Name Registration: The 250g Threshold

The 250-gram threshold is the single most important number for FPV pilots. Here’s the breakdown:

• Under 250g (including battery): No registration required for recreational flight. This covers most tiny whoops, 2-inch micros, and ultralight cinewhoops. However, you must still comply with airspace restrictions and altitude limits.
• 250g to 7kg: Mandatory real-name registration on the UOM platform. You’ll need your Chinese ID card (or passport for foreigners), a valid phone number, and the drone’s serial number. Registration generates a unique QR code that must be affixed to the aircraft.
• 7kg to 25kg: Registration plus a Certificate of Compliance from the manufacturer or CAAC-approved testing body. These are typically commercial/industrial drones.
• Above 25kg: Full airworthiness certification required — treated similarly to manned aircraft.

Critical update for 2026: The UOM platform now requires facial recognition verification for account creation and periodic re-verification (every 12 months). Failure to re-verify will suspend your registration and render your flight authorization invalid.

Airspace Classification and No-Fly Zones

China’s airspace is divided into clearly defined zones that FPV pilots must understand:

• Controlled Airspace (Red Zones): Absolute no-fly without special permission. Includes: 10km radius around all civil/military airports, military installations, government buildings, critical infrastructure (power plants, dams, rail hubs), and border zones. Flying here can result in criminal charges.
• Restricted Airspace (Yellow Zones): Flight is permitted but restricted in altitude (typically max 120m AGL) and requires UOM pre-flight notification. Includes: urban areas, national parks, scenic areas, university campuses, and areas within 5-10km of smaller airfields.
• Free Airspace (Green Zones): Designated flying areas where recreational flights below 120m require no pre-approval (with registered drone). These are typically rural areas, designated model aircraft fields, and CAAC-approved flying sites.
• Temporary Restricted Zones (Orange): Activated during major events (NPC sessions, international summits, military exercises). Published 24-72 hours in advance on the UOM platform. Violations during these periods carry enhanced penalties.

Altitude and Distance Limits

For recreational FPV flying, the standard altitude ceiling is 120 meters (394 feet) above ground level in unrestricted airspace. In yellow zones, this may be further reduced to 50-80m depending on proximity to restricted infrastructure. FPV pilots should note: China does not currently have an explicit “visual line of sight” waiver system equivalent to FAA Part 107. FPV flying with goggles is technically legal if a visual observer maintains line of sight, but this is rarely enforced for hobbyists in green zones. However, if you’re flying in yellow zones or urban areas, a spotter is strongly recommended and may be required upon inspection.

Drone Categories Under CAAC 2026

The CAAC classifies drones into the following operational categories:

Category	Weight	Requirements
Micro	< 250g	No registration; altitude restricted per zone
Light	250g – 4kg	UOM registration + QR code; max 120m AGL
Small	4kg – 15kg	UOM registration; compliance cert; insurance recommended
Medium	15kg – 25kg	Full registration; mandatory insurance; operator license
Large	> 25kg	Airworthiness cert; licensed pilot; flight plan filing

Remote ID and Tracking

As of mid-2025, all newly manufactured drones sold in China above 250g must be equipped with broadcast Remote ID capability. For FPV pilots, this primarily affects pre-built BNF (Bind-and-Fly) quads imported or sold domestically. Custom-built FPV drones assembled from individual components are currently in a regulatory grey area — they are not explicitly required to have Remote ID broadcast, but the UOM platform will reject registration of a drone without a compliant serial number. This effectively means that home-built FPV quads over 250g must be registered using a commercial flight controller that supports Remote ID, or the pilot must carry a standalone Remote ID module.

Enforcement and Penalties

China enforces drone regulations through multiple channels: police spot checks, RF detection at sensitive sites, and automated UOM flight log cross-referencing. Penalties include:

• Flying unregistered drone (>250g): 2,000–10,000 RMB fine and/or confiscation
• Flying in controlled airspace: 20,000–100,000 RMB; potential criminal detention (5-15 days)
• Flying during temporary restrictions: Up to 50,000 RMB; equipment confiscation
• Interfering with manned aviation: Criminal prosecution; up to 7 years imprisonment

Practical Tips for FPV Pilots in China (2026)

1. Register early: Complete UOM registration at least 3 business days before your intended flight day. The system has been known to take 48-72 hours for verification.
2. Print and affix QR codes: Physical QR code stickers must be visible on your drone. Keep a digital copy on your phone.
3. Use the UOM app: The mobile app provides real-time zone maps and can submit flight notifications for yellow zones.
4. Carry identification: Always have your ID card/passport and a screenshot of your UOM registration status.
5. Stay under 250g when possible: For casual flying, a sub-250g build saves enormous administrative hassle.
6. Avoid sensitive areas entirely: Even with registration, flying near airports, military zones, or government buildings is never worth the risk.
7. Join local FPV groups: WeChat groups are the best source for real-time updates on local enforcement patterns and temporary restrictions.

Conclusion

China’s 2026 drone regulations are stringent but navigable for the informed FPV pilot. The key takeaways: register everything over 250g on UOM, stay below 120m, avoid red zones entirely, and keep your documentation current. While the rules may feel burdensome compared to less regulated markets, compliance is straightforward once you’ve gone through the initial setup — and far cheaper than the alternatives. For the most current information, always consult uom.caac.gov.cn before flying.

Sources: CAAC Interim Regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Flight Management (2024), UOM Platform Documentation (2026), CAAC Airspace Management Guidelines.