GM2 Article 16 UAS Operations in the Framework of Model Aircraft Clubs and Associations

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 16

GENERAL

A model aircraft club or association may obtain an authorisation from the CAA that is valid for all their members to operate UA according to conditions and limitations tailored for the club or association.

The model aircraft club or association will submit the procedures that all members are required to follow to the CAA. When the CAA is satisfied with the procedures, organisational structure and management system of the model aircraft club or association, it may provide an authorisation that defines different limitations and conditions from those in the Open category. The authorisation will be limited to the operations conducted within the authorised club or association and within the United Kingdom.

The authorisation cannot exempt members of the club or association from the requirement to register in accordance with Article 14 of the UAS Regulation; however, the CAA may allow a model club or association to register their members on their behalf.

The authorisation may also include operations by persons who temporarily join in with the activities of the club or association (e.g., for leisure during holidays or for a contest), as long as the procedures provided by the club or association define conditions acceptable to the CAA.

An application from an association for an Article 16 authorisation must contain a suitable safety case, detailing each requested ‘exclusion’ from the Open category requirements, and why those exclusions are safe. The association must be able to demonstrate how it maintains oversight of its membership, and clubs, and must provide details of any competency scheme, safety reporting scheme, handbooks and guidelines and any other appropriate documentation.