01 What is CAAC?

CAAC is the abbreviation of Civil Aviation Administration of China. Its Flight Standards Department directly issues UAV pilot licenses, which are a must-have for UAV industry practitioners and have authoritative legal effect.

02 When is a CAAC license required?

A CAAC UAV pilot license is mandatory for the following scenarios:

• The empty weight of the operating UAV is ≥ 4kg or the takeoff weight is ≥ 7kg;
• The UAV flies beyond visual line of sight (VLOS) — more than 500m in radius or above 120m in altitude;
• Conducting commercial UAV operations.

03 What can I do with a CAAC UAV license?

With a CAAC UAV license, you can apply for airspace, request flight routes, and legally engage in UAV-related commercial activities.

04 What is legal UAV flight?

Legal UAV flight consists of three parts:

1. The UAV must complete real-name registration;
2. Obtain a UAV license matching the certified aircraft type;
3. Secure legal airspace and report to relevant authorities before flight.

05 What is “illegal UAV flight” (Heifei)? What are the consequences?

“Illegal UAV flight” refers to the act of flying a UAV without legal permits, unauthorized approval, or in violation of relevant aviation regulations.It not only poses safety risks but also violates aviation laws, leading to penalties, fines, or even criminal liability. In China, legal UAV flight — especially commercial operations — requires a CAAC-certified license.

06 What aircraft types are covered by CAAC licenses?

Currently, CAAC UAV licenses cover 4 aircraft types:

• Multirotor
• Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Fixed-Wing
• Fixed-Wing
• HelicopterAmong them, multirotor and VTOL fixed-wing are the most commonly used.

07 How are CAAC license classes classified?

UAVs are categorized by weight into Micro, Light, Small, Medium, Medium Agricultural Plant Protection UAV, and Large — namely Class I, II, III, IV, V, and XI.According to CAAC standards, a civil unmanned aircraft license is required for Class III (Small) and above UAVs.

Classification Level	License Type	Empty Weight (kg)	Takeoff Weight (kg)
I	Micro	0 < W ≤ 0.25	/
II	Light	0.25 < W ≤ 4	1.5 < W ≤ 7
III	Small	4 < W ≤ 15	7 < W ≤ 25
IV	Medium	15 < W ≤ 116	25 < W ≤ 150
V	Medium Agricultural Plant Protection UAV	/	/
XI	Large	116 < W ≤ 5700	150 < W ≤ 5700
XII	Large	W > 5700	/

08 What is a multirotor UAV?

A multirotor UAV is an airframe heavier than air, relying on three or more powered rotors for lift. Its flight status is usually adjusted by changing rotor speed.

09 What is a UAV helicopter?

A UAV helicopter is an airframe heavier than air. Its lift is mainly generated by one or more power-driven rotors on a vertical axis, and its flight status is generally controlled by adjusting rotor blade angles.

10 What is a fixed-wing UAV?

A fixed-wing UAV is a powered airframe heavier than air. Its lift is mainly generated by a fixed wing surface under given flight conditions.

11 What is a VTOL fixed-wing UAV?

A VTOL fixed-wing UAV is an airframe heavier than air. It can take off and land vertically like a helicopter or multirotor (or via thrust) and fly horizontally in fixed-wing mode, with seamless switching between the two modes mid-air.

12 What is a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Pilot?

(1) Definition

A VLOS Pilot operates a UAV within the range of direct visual contact with the aircraft — a radius of no more than 500m and a relative altitude of no more than 120m.

(2) Rights

• Limited to VLOS operation (radius ≤ 500m, altitude ≤ 120m);
• Must fly in GPS mode;
• No airspace application rights;
• Must perform tasks under the guidance of a Captain and cannot independently assume operational responsibilities.

(3) Application Scenarios

Basic aerial photography, small-site surveying and mapping, agricultural and forestry plant protection, and other simple tasks.

13 What is a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Pilot (Captain)?

(1) Definition

A BVLOS Pilot (Captain) operates a UAV beyond VLOS range.

(2) Rights

• Entitled to apply for operational airspace;
• Can work independently and act as a team leader;
• Able to use Attitude Stabilization mode;
• Can use ground station route planning mode;
• Qualified for long-endurance, long-distance, and high-tech UAV operations.

(3) Application Scenarios

Aerial photography, plant protection, surveying and mapping, power inspection, police work, environmental protection, rescue, fire fighting, and other industrial applications.

14 What is an Instructor?

(1) Definition

An Instructor holds a UAV pilot license with an instructor rating issued in accordance with regulations and conducts teaching within the rights and limitations specified by the rating.

(2) Rights

• Entitled to apply for CAAC-authorized UAV pilot training institution qualifications;
• Entitled to apply for CAAC license examination center qualifications;
• Inherits all rights of a BVLOS Pilot (Captain).

(3) Application Scenarios

Training, aerial photography, plant protection, surveying and mapping, power inspection, police work, environmental protection, rescue, fire fighting, and other teaching and application fields.

15 What is the difference between a CAAC license and other certificates?

Compared with other UAV certificates (e.g., UTC certificate, MOHRSS skill certificate, ASFC certificate), a CAAC license has the following advantages:

• Universality and Authority: Nationwide validity, the only certificate supporting commercial flight, widely recognized, and irreplaceable in low-altitude economic commercial activities;
• Wide Application Scope: Compatible with Class I-IV UAVs, covering multiple aircraft types and scenarios.

16 What is the difference between a MOHRSS certificate and a CAAC license?

• A CAAC UAV pilot license issued by the Civil Aviation Administration is a prerequisite for entering the UAV industry — similar to needing a driver’s license from public security traffic management departments to drive a motor vehicle, it is a legally required document for UAV-related work.
• A MOHRSS certificate is a vocational skill level certificate, verifying proficiency in a specific area of UAV operation. Eligible holders can apply for corresponding subsidies from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), but applicants must meet requirements for age, industry experience, and social security contributions.

17 What is included in the CAAC license exam?

The exam consists of theoretical, practical, and ground station tests (ground station only required for BVLOS/Instructor candidates):

(1) VLOS Pilot Exam Content/Sequence

a. Theoretical Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes, 70 points to pass;b. Comprehensive Q&A: 10 multiple-choice questions, 20 minutes, 7 points to pass;c. Practical Exam (Electronic Obstacle Course): 360° hover and horizontal “8” flight in GPS mode.

(2) BVLOS Pilot Exam Content/Sequence

a. Theoretical Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes, 80 points to pass;b. Comprehensive Q&A: 10 multiple-choice questions, 20 minutes, 7 points to pass;c. Practical Exam (Electronic Obstacle Course): 360° hover and horizontal “8” flight in Attitude mode;d. Ground Station Exam: Route planning, emergency route operation, and return-to-home.

(3) Instructor Exam Content/Sequence

a. Theoretical Exam: 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, 80 points to pass;b. Practical Exam: Clockwise/counterclockwise 360° hover and inverted horizontal “8” flight in Attitude mode;c. Comprehensive Q&A: 5 short-answer questions, 10 minutes, 3 correct answers to pass.

License Level	Theoretical Exam Duration	Number of Theoretical Questions	Passing Score (Theoretical)
VLOS Pilot	120 minutes	100	70
BVLOS Pilot	120 minutes	100	80
Instructor	60 minutes	40	80

18 What is covered in the theoretical exam?

Theoretical content includes:

• UAV basics and system composition;
• Civil aviation regulations and professional terminology;
• Airspace flight rules and application procedures;
• Aviation meteorological conditions and flight environment analysis;
• UAV classification and common layout design;
• UAV structure, flight principles, and performance parameters;
• Communication link establishment and mission planning methods;
• Specific characteristics of the used UAV system.

19 How many attempts are allowed for the theoretical exam?

Only one attempt is permitted for the theoretical exam. Failure requires retaking the exam in the next cycle, and the practical exam cannot be taken if the theoretical exam is failed.

20 What is covered in the practical exam?

Practical training includes:

• Simulated flight;
• Real aircraft flight;
• Basic UAV disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and upkeep;
• Ground station setup and flight operations.

21 How many attempts are allowed for the practical exam?

A total of three attempts are granted for the two practical subjects (360° hover and horizontal “8” flight). Failure after three attempts requires retaking the exam in the next cycle.

22 What is GPS mode?

GPS mode integrates precise positioning from GPS satellites. By receiving and analyzing signals from multiple GPS satellites, the UAV’s position, speed, and flight direction are determined. In this mode, the UAV can achieve accurate altitude hold and position hold.

23 What is Manual mode?

In Manual mode, GPS does not participate in flight control. The UAV cannot hold position or altitude, and flight stability is maintained by the flight controller’s built-in sensors.

24 What is a ground station?

A UAV ground station typically consists of a computer (or mobile phone/tablet), radio station, and remote controller. The computer is installed with UAV control software for route planning, parameter setting, and real-time UAV monitoring.

25 What is a simulator?

A simulator uses software to replicate real environments and scenarios, allowing trainees to practice UAV operations in a virtual setting. It simulates realistic scenes, meteorological conditions, and flight parameters, providing an operation experience similar to real flight to help improve flying skills.

26 How to choose the right license level?

(1) Based on Flight Needs

• For personal interest or simple aerial photography: VLOS Pilot license (multirotor) is sufficient;
• For professional tasks (e.g., film photography, power transmission line inspection, aerial surveying and mapping): BVLOS Pilot license is more suitable;
• For UAV training and teaching: Instructor certificate is required.

(2) Considering Personal Ability and Foundation

Fixed-wing UAVs have complex flight principles and operation requirements, demanding higher control skills and theoretical knowledge. Without relevant experience, start with a multirotor license. Additionally, the BVLOS Pilot exam is more difficult than the VLOS exam — assess your learning ability and time commitment before choosing.

27 What is the CAAC training and exam process?

1. Choose a training institution: Must select a CAAC-authorized institution with a Civil UAV Pilot Training Organization Certificate;
2. Attend training: Complete theoretical and practical training at the institution (training cycle is usually around 20 days);
3. Schedule the exam: The training institution assists with exam registration after training completion;
4. Take the exam: Participate in theoretical, practical, and ground station exams (if applicable) as scheduled;
5. Obtain the license: After passing the exam, the institution assists in submitting materials via the Civil UAV Operator Application Management Platform (UOM). The electronic license will be synced to the “UAV Cloud” system within approximately 15-30 working days.

28 What documents are required for the exam?

A valid original ID card is mandatory. If the ID card is missing or lost, bring:

• A copy of the front and back of the original ID card;
• 1-inch white-background ID photo (electronic version).

29 What if I fail the UAV exam?

Similar to a driver’s license exam, you can pay a retake fee and reschedule the CAAC license exam if you fail.

30 How long is the exam score valid?

• Theoretical scores are valid for 24 calendar months;
• Practical scores (comprehensive Q&A, flight, ground station) are valid for 60 calendar days;
• Expired scores require retaking all subjects under that category.

31 How long is the waiting period for a retake?

• 28 calendar days of waiting for the theoretical exam retake;
• 14 calendar days of waiting for the practical exam retake.

32 Can I self-study and directly take the CAAC license exam?

No. CAAC regulations require candidates to complete training at a designated institution and obtain a stamped confirmation before being eligible to take the exam. Professional training helps systematically master knowledge and skills, improve exam pass rates, and familiarize oneself with safety norms and key operational points in actual flight.

33 Is the CAAC license valid nationwide?

Yes. The CAAC license is issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, has legal effect, and is valid nationwide.

34 Is there a physical version of the CAAC UAV license?

No. The Civil Aviation Administration implements paperless office — all CAAC UAV licenses are electronic.

35 Are different license levels and aircraft types compatible?

1. CAAC licenses are classified by aircraft type (multirotor, fixed-wing, helicopter, etc.) and must be obtained separately for each type;
2. Higher-level licenses are downwardly compatible (e.g., a Medium UAV license allows operation of Small UAVs).

36 How long is the CAAC license valid? How to renew it?

The CAAC electronic license is valid for 6 years but requires renewal every 2 years. Renewal extends the 6-year validity period.

(1) Renewal Methods

• Within 2 years of validity: Either pass a practical exam or accumulate 100 flight hours (choose one);
• Between the 3rd and 6th year of validity: Only pass a practical exam to renew;(Example: If the license expires in January, you can renew by accumulating 100 flight hours before January; after January, renewal requires passing the practical exam);
• After 6 years of validity: The license expires, and all subjects must be retaken.

37 What are the requirements for taking the CAAC license exam?

(1) Age and Education

• VLOS Pilot: At least 16 years old, junior high school education or above;
• BVLOS Pilot (Captain): At least 16 years old, junior high school education or above;
• Instructor: At least 18 years old, high school education or above, holding a Captain’s license with at least 100 flight hours.

(2) Physical Conditions

• Corrected visual acuity of 1.0 or above;
• No color blindness or color weakness;
• No infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or mental illnesses;
• No physical disabilities.

(3) Legal Requirements

No criminal record within 5 years.

38 Can I take the CAAC license exam if I am nearsighted or have color weakness?

1. Nearsighted candidates are eligible if their corrected visual acuity (with glasses or surgery) reaches 1.0 or above;
2. Color blindness (e.g., red-green color blindness) results in immediate disqualification. Color weakness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis — candidates may be disqualified if it affects the recognition of flight-related signals or markers, while mild color weakness that does not impact flight operations may pass the physical examination.