FPV - drone operations with camera goggles

On this page, you can learn about the rules for operating a drone with camera goggles – FPV.

What is FPV?

Operating a drone using camera goggles is referred to as First Person View (FPV). FPV allows the remote pilot to experience the drone operation from the drone’s perspective, rather than observing the drone's position from the ground.

According to the Drone Regulation (EU 2019/947), an observer must monitor the drone and the surrounding airspace and guide the remote pilot using the camera goggles, as the pilot cannot comply with the requirement to keep the drone within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).

FPV requirements

  • The standard rules for operations in subcategory A1 or A3 apply. Read more about the A1/A3 rules here.
  • An observer must be present during drone operations with camera goggles.
  • Only one observer is allowed per drone operation.
  • The drone observer must stand next to the remote pilot.
  • Clear and effective communication must be established between the remote pilot and the observer.
  • No technical aids, such as binoculars, may be used to monitor the drone and the surrounding airspace.
  • The observer must be able to oversee the drone’s position and any potential collision risks.

The role of the remote pilot

During the entire drone operation, the remote pilot is responsible for operating safely and in compliance with applicable rules. This includes ensuring that the operation is monitored by an observer.

The remote pilot must instruct the observer in their role. Since it is not a requirement for the observer to hold a drone certificate, the remote pilot must ensure that the observer is familiar with the applicable rules to safely perform their duties.

The remote pilot must, at the observer's request, take necessary evasive maneuvers, land the drone, or turn it back if it is about to fly out of sight or is too close to other aircrafts.

The role of the observer

An observer is defined as a person standing next to the remote pilot and assisting in keeping the drone within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).

The observer must alert the remote pilot to dangers such as objects, gatherings of people, other aircrafts or prohibited areas, enabling the remote pilot to take necessary evasive actions. The observer must also ensure that the drone does not fly out of VLOS.

The observer does not need a drone certificate but must be instructed to warn of potential dangers. The observer may not use technical aids and must stand next to the remote pilot to meet the VLOS requirement. Only one observer is allowed per drone operation. For multiple observers or other flight methods, an operational authorization based on a SORA, PDRA application, or STS declaration is required.

Drone racing

One of the most popular uses of camera goggles is drone racing, where drone pilots compete against each other. Drone races are typically organized by clubs and associations. In accordance with Article 16 of Drone Regulation (EU 2019/947), Modelflyvning Danmark has received an operational authorization that also covers the organization of such events.

If you wish to conduct an operation with camera goggles outside the scope of Model Flying Denmark, you will fall under the open category’s A3 subcategory – also if your drone is under 250 grams.

This entails, among other things:

  • You must be assisted by an observer.
  • You may not overfly uninvolved persons or assemblies of people.
  • You may not fly in densely populated areas.
  • You must maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from residential, commercial, and recreational (e.g., parks, beaches, etc.).
  • Note that indoor drone operations, including those using camera goggles, are not subject to drone regulations. Local rules and regulations for the premises must be followed.

The images and videos on this page are created using AI. Read more about our guidelines for images and videos.

Senest opdateret 09-04-2025