I'm sure you're wrong too.Pit and important rules of domestic drone regulation
Drones that can be used for surveying, inspection, remote sensing, aerial photography, racing, and other hobbies are convenient and fun gadgets. In addition, the models released in recent years have been improved in safety, such as having the ability to automatically return to the takeoff point in addition to the ability to detect obstacles and avoid them.
However, flying a heavy object in the sky always carries risks. No matter how good the aircraft's performance is, even if the operator's skill is good, it is not possible to completely prevent a crash accident due to a collision with a bird, a gust of wind, or a malfunction of the aircraft. Therefore, there are legal restrictions on the use of drones.
・ The latest in 2022! Explaining the outline and changes of the aviation law revision regarding drones [Part 1]
・ The latest in 2022! Explaining the revision of the Drone Aviation Law [Part 2] [Maneuvering license]
・ Drone aircraft registration system will be mandatory from June 2022! Thorough explanation [Beginning of pre-registration]
Based on these, those who use drones industrially should also be aware of the full-scale detailed regulations.
◆ Added on March 9, 2021 ◆
The Japanese government is expected to submit a bill to amend the Aviation Law to the ordinary session of the Diet next year, aiming to start operating the license system in 2022.
On March 9, 2021, the Government of Japan passed a Cabinet decision to amend the Aviation Law, including the introduction of a license system for operating small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). At the same time as the license system, it is expected to establish a new drone aircraft certification system such as a vehicle inspection that measures the safety of the aircraft.
In addition to the license system and aircraft certification system, it is also possible to fly the drone out of sight over a third party when all the conditions are met. A new amendment to the Aviation Law will be submitted to the Diet and will be passed.
◆ Added on December 21, 2020 ◆ In December, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced a policy to reduce the regulated drones from the current 200g or more to 100g or more in order to design a safe and secure drone system.
With this amendment, in order to fly a drone in the future, it will be obligatory to pre-register the owner's name and address, the type and model of the drone to be used, etc. online. Also, if you violate this, you will be penalized.
It is planned to introduce a system such as acquiring an ID individually like a car license plate and attaching a sticker with the ID printed on the drone. Japanese rules are about to change due to the safe system design of drones.
◆ Added on May 22, 2019 ◆
Before and after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the revised drone regulation law prohibiting drone (small unmanned aerial vehicle) flight over the venue was passed and passed at the plenary session of the hospital on the morning of May 17, 2019.
Until now, drone flights have been banned over important facilities such as the Imperial Palace, Prime Minister's Office, and Parliament Building, but Olympic venue-related and defense-related facilities will be added to this. The 19th Rugby World Cup (W Cup) Japan Tournament is also covered, and it is prohibited to fly drones near related facilities for a certain period before and after the tournament.
Unauthorized drones can be forcibly recovered by police officers and coast guard officers, or ordered to be excluded. Due to the number of VIPs coming to Japan during the tournament, drone flights around some major airports will also be restricted.
Table of contents
Avoid drone flights over U.S. military bases
The Ministry of Defense, the Police Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly released a poster on February 20, 2018 that `` notice and request'' to stop the act of flying drones etc. over U.S. military facilities. increase.
Flying a drone over US military facilities can cause major troubles and accidents, so be sure to check if there are any bases around the planned flight.
What happens if you violate drone regulations?
The Aviation Law, which plays a central role in establishing regulations on drones
, stipulates "crimes related to the flight of unmanned aerial vehicles, etc." It has been with.
In fact, there have been cases where people who flew drones without permission in violation of the regulations of the Aviation Law have been arrested, and if they do malicious acts that violate the regulations on drones, they will be severely punished. Has been proven.
»The first arrested person in Fukuoka for allegedly flying a drone without permission
The above example seems to have led to the arrest because there was a reason to be considered malicious, such as not responding to the appearance requested by the police, but avoiding inadvertent mistakes and violating the drone regulations stipulated by law or ordinance. Must be. Therefore, in this article, let's explain typical drone regulations as " NG example patterns that should never be done ".
Drone regulation by aviation law
Most drone regulations are based on the Aviation Law, and if the following patterns apply, you need to apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance for permission and approval. In addition, you can fly the drone without any problem after completing the procedure, but if you fly the drone in the following places and situations without permission , you may be punished by the Aviation Law. Please avoid flying the drone in situations like the following patterns without prior procedures.
[Drone regulation 1] Fly a drone around the airport
Image Source: For safe flight of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, radio-controlled aircraft, etc.)! ｜ Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, same below
The use of drones near the airport is restricted to prevent the drone from colliding with planes and helicopters. The use of drones is also regulated in the airspace where the plane lands and takes off, and the area within 6 km from all airports falls within this regulation range. In addition, around the airports of Haneda, Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Kushiro, Hakodate, Sendai, Osaka International, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Naha, a wide area of 24km is regulated. ..
[Drone regulation 2] Fly the drone at a height of 150 meters or more
Flying a drone to a height of 150 m or more above the ground or water is also subject to regulation by the Aviation Law. At this altitude, the risk of contact with airplanes and helicopters increases, it is not known where the drone will flow if it becomes out of control, and the impact when falling becomes stronger, so there are restrictions. I have.
[Drone regulation 3] Densely inhabited areas (DID area)
Even with a car or bicycle, you need to be especially careful when passing by the side of a crowd or driving in a place with heavy traffic, but this is the same for drones. There are restrictions on drone flight over areas called "densely inhabited areas" or "DIDs" based on the results of the census. It should be noted that this area may include coasts and riverbanks, and "even if there are no people or houses there, it may be a densely populated area." is.
How to check if drone usage is restricted
For areas with the above three patterns of drone restrictions, you can check whether they are applicable from the map provided by the Geographical Survey Institute at the link below. Before flying a drone, check the map below to see if it falls under the restricted area.
(↑) Example of confirming the flight restricted area on the GSI Map
»GSI Maps (airspace around densely populated areas, airports, etc.)
[Drone regulation 4] Night flight
Flying a drone in a dark place makes it difficult to see it with the naked eye and increases the risk of accidents, so flying a drone in dark conditions after sunset and before sunrise is restricted.
[Drone regulation 5] Non-visual flight
Depending on the model, you can fly the drone to a place that the operator can not see by watching the image sent from the drone in real time with dedicated goggles. It is also possible to send the drone to a place that is invisible to the naked eye by automatic navigation. However, flying with goggles is difficult because there are many blind spots, and automatic navigation outside the sight cannot be avoided by the operator, so it is subject to regulation. Therefore, when flying a drone, the operator must fly within the range that can be seen with the naked eye, unless approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance.
[Drone regulation 6] Flight within a distance of less than 30m by a third party
If you fly the drone to a third party, a third party's building, a car, etc. within a range of less than 30 m, the risk of collision increases and it is subject to regulation. In addition, the drone operator and the person who requested the drone operator to take pictures are not subject to the regulation because they are no longer "third parties".
[Drone regulation 7] Flying over the event venue
The use of drones is restricted above the venues where an unspecified number of people gather, such as outdoor festivals, parades, and festivals.
A crash occurred at an event
A drone weighing about 4 kg, which was crazy at the venue of "Robofest Ogaki 2017" held at Ogaki Park in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, lost its balance and crashed from a height of about 10 meters, and was in the vicinity 6 An accident that injured a person occurred on November 4, 2017. In response to this one case, the number of local governments that canceled drone-related events at the event venue increased rapidly in the latter half of 2017. In addition, flying over the event venue may be subject to stricter screening and stricter restrictions.
»Drone fall, 6 minor injuries Gifu / Ogaki Park | Nihon Keizai Shimbun
New regulations added for flight over events Revised in January 2018 Circular based on Aviation Law
In order to fly a drone over an event venue such as an event or festival, it is necessary to obtain approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance. As items necessary to receive the approval, it will be obligatory to newly "provide an off-limits area under the drone in flight" and "install a propeller guard". This is due to an accident such as a drone that was doing "sweets sowing" crashed at an event venue in Gifu prefecture in November 2017 and injured. The amendment will take place during January 2018.
The newly mandated safety measures listed on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website are as follows.
Necessary safety measures when flying over the event place
The newly added safety measures required for flying over the event venue are as follows.
Safety measures to be taken
It is now obligatory to set off-limits areas according to the flight altitude. This is to reduce the risk of hitting the person underneath in the unlikely event that the drone falls.
Exclusion zone range
Image Source: Necessary safety measures for flying over the event location, same below
* "The restricted zone when flying over 150m is within the range of the distance to the drop point calculated in consideration of the influence of air resistance based on the mass, shape, etc. of the aircraft under the same conditions as 150m or less. I will do it. " If you want to fly the drone at an altitude of 150m or more, you need to apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and obtain permission in advance.
Airframe requirements
When flying other than the unmanned aerial vehicle listed on the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it is necessary to accumulate sufficient flight records with the same aircraft as at the time of application, with a guideline of 10 times or more, and confirm that it can fly safely. I have. Also, when applying to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to fly over the event venue, the above "flight time" and "number of flights" will be newly stated. In addition, it is obligatory to install a propeller guard and take measures to reduce the damage even if a person comes into contact with the aircraft.
Wind speed limit
You can only fly if the wind speed is 5m / s or less.
Speed limit
The website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism states that "the sum of wind speed and speed should be 7 m / s or less". For example, when flying under the condition of wind speed of 3 m / s, the drone speed is "7-3 = 4". Must be 4m / s or less.
Exceptional measures
In the following cases, flight is permitted even if the above safety measures are not taken.
»Reference Necessary safety measures for flying over the event location
[Drone regulation 8] Transportation of dangerous goods
Carrying dangerous goods such as gunpowder, gasoline and oil by drone is subject to regulation. Even in a car, you need to be qualified as a dangerous goods handler to drive a tank truck that loads dangerous goods such as gasoline, but it is easy to understand that drones also need prior approval when loading dangerous goods.
[Drone regulation 9] Do not drop things
The use of drones for package delivery is attracting attention due to the influence of efforts such as Amazon and Rakuten, but the usage method of dropping boxes etc. from flying drones is subject to regulation. Also, be careful when spraying not only solids but also liquids as they are subject to regulations.
There are more stringent restrictions on pesticide spraying
When spraying pesticides with a drone, in addition to applying to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries must comply with the regulations of the "Technical Guidance Guideline for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Use in Aerial Spraying, etc."
Supplement: Details of drone regulation by the Aviation Law
Aviation Law (Chapter 9, Article 132) Application for permission: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, airport office under the jurisdiction
Even if the above example applies, you can fly without problems if you apply to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance and obtain permission and approval. Also, the application method is described in the following article, so if you are interested, please check it out.
How to avoid drone restrictions by the Aviation Law
Aviation law applies only outdoors. Therefore, when flying a drone in a place surrounded by walls, ceilings, nets, etc. (indoors), there is no need to worry about regulations based on the Aviation Law. Therefore, if you want to practice dropping objects, or if you want to wear goggles and fly the drone out of sight, it is recommended that you practice indoors first.
Drones subject to aviation law weigh more than 200 grams
Drones subject to regulations related to the Aviation Law are required to weigh more than 200 grams.
Drone regulations other than the Aviation Law
[Drone regulation 10] Around important national facilities, foreign diplomatic missions, nuclear power plants, etc.
Image Source: Parliament Building | Wikipedia
The area around the Diet Building, the Prime Minister's Office, foreign diplomatic missions, and nuclear power plants is stipulated as a no-fly zone by the "Flight Prohibition Law for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, etc." Even in such areas, it seems that there are cases of taking aerial photographs with prior approval, but considering the magnitude of the impact when an accident occurs, avoid flying unless there are special circumstances. Is safe.
[Drone regulation 11] Over private land
The Civil Code stipulates that the ownership of land extends above and below the land within the limits of the law as the "scope of land ownership". Therefore, it is advisable to obtain the permission of the owner or administrator when flying a drone over someone's private land. In addition, the height of ownership is not specified in the Civil Code. Also, even if you are sued for flying a drone, it is a delicate matter whether you are said to have "infringed the rights of the right holder". However, from a manners point of view, there is no doubt that the permission of the land right holder should be obtained, so be sure to contact in advance and obtain permission when flying over the land of a third party. Is recommended.
In addition, train stations, railroad tracks, shrines and temples, sightseeing spots, and forests are also included in private land, so you cannot fly without the consent of the right holder.
[Drone regulation 12] Restrictions by ordinance
In addition to the laws set by the government, there are cases where each prefecture or municipality has its own regulations on drone regulations. It is important to note that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government may have stricter regulations than the Aviation Law, such as the fact that even drones weighing less than 200 grams are totally prohibited from flying in metropolitan parks. Check with your local government office for flight location regulations.
Examples of drone ordinances
»Metropolitan parks are also banned from using drones Notify 81 locations in the city | Nikkei Newspaper
»About the notice of drone prohibition in the prefectural city park | Chiba Prefectural Government
»Parks / Public Facilities Frequently Asked Questions | Sagamihara City
[Drone Regulation 13] Precautions regarding the Radio Law
Generally, radio waves are used to operate a flying drone from the ground. Therefore, in order to prevent crosstalk and interference caused by this radio wave, drones used in Japan are obliged to obtain "Certificate of Conformity to Technical Standards for Specified Radio Equipment (commonly known as technical suitability)".
There is no problem with drones sold by major manufacturers because they have passed the technical suitability, but if you say "I bought a cheap drone online" or "I bought a drone overseas", it is possible that you have not acquired the technical suitability. So be careful. In addition, the radio band used when transmitting video to FPV (first-person view) goggles may require an amateur radio license for some uses, so it is recommended to check the details at the store when purchasing. it's recommended.
[Drone regulation 14] Takeoff and landing from the road
When taking off and landing a drone on the road or on the shoulder of the road, it falls under the category of " a person who intends to construct or work on the road
" in the Road Traffic Act (Road Traffic Act) (Article 77). It is necessary to submit the application fee of 2,100 yen) to the police station in your jurisdiction and obtain a permit in advance. The same permit is also required when flying at low altitudes that affect the passage of vehicles.
Other drone flight points to watch out for
There are some "don't do" and "don't do" restrictions on the use of drones, although they are not clearly regulated by law or have penalties. Below, from the "Guidelines for Safe Flight of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drone, Radio Controlled Aircraft, etc.)" described in the Flight Rules for Aviation: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drone, Radio Controlled Aircraft, etc.) on the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, " I've picked up cases where it's dangerous to do it carelessly, so please check it out.
When flying over a general road, it is recommended to contact and consult with the police station in your jurisdiction in advance. Not only will you receive safety advice, but you should also communicate with your local police station in advance to prevent the situation from becoming more serious in the unlikely event of a local call.
In addition, when flying a drone on a riverbed, etc., the River Law, the Port Regulations Law and the Port Law for the sea, and the Natural Parks Law for the park may be involved, so consider flying in areas that fall under these. If so, please consult and confirm with the administrator in advance.
Also, when shooting on the road, if you shoot by tracking another person's car without permission, it may be considered as a violation of privacy. Be careful not to inadvertently fly the drone in a way that causes discomfort or anxiety to those around you.
In addition, it may be too obvious ... It is cautioned not to fly even if you are ingesting alcohol (drunk), in windy conditions, or if the aircraft is damaged. It goes without saying that you should refrain from flying even if this is the case.
How will drone regulations change in the future?
The Japanese government has announced that it will create a new system to certify the safety of drones.
We will submit a bill to amend the Aviation Law to the ordinary Diet session next year and aim to start operation in 2022.
Flight system under consideration for establishment▼ Click here for an article summarizing the latest revision of the Aviation Law regarding drones in 2021
Summary of drone regulations
In this article, we have introduced the regulations that you should be aware of when using a drone. I've tried to make it as clear as possible, but there may be some unclear points regarding individual cases. In such a case, please check with the following inquiries!
First, ask the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism about drone regulations.
Many of the drone regulations are based on the Aviation Law, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Therefore, please check this page first for the rules regarding the use of drones. Also, if you still have questions, there is a dedicated contact point where you can make inquiries by phone, so let's make use of it.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism telephone support desk (unmanned aerial vehicle help desk)
・ Telephone: 0570-783-072 ・ Reception hours: Weekdays from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Pit of drone regulation Article summary
Drones are useful tools when used correctly. In fact, it is being used in entertainment fields such as aerial photography, inspection, surveying, and racing, and there is a forecast that the drone-related market will grow to over 210 billion yen by 2022. However, in addition to these expectations, we often hear voices such as "I don't understand the drone regulations well" and "I'm afraid of making mistakes and violating them."
We "Viva! Since the editorial department of "Drone" has a division that performs aerial photography and inspection of drones in the same operating company, we decided to publish the know-how accumulated in daily work as an article in order to eliminate the above anxiety. .. If you have any concerns about drone regulations, we would appreciate it if you could use this article as a gateway to the safe and sound use of drones.
In addition, the following articles describe the regulations for each country that you should know in order to fly a drone when traveling in a popular resort area overseas.
Many people will not only use the drone industrially but also take it on a trip. Recently, the number of low-priced drones that anyone can easily control like a toy and can take aerial photographs is increasing.
Learn about drone regulation and enjoy safe drone flight.
Click here for an article on drone maneuvering qualifications!
Qualifications required to operate a drone and their types / acquisition methods
Viva!Drone editorial department"VIVA! DRONE" is a technology media with 2 million PV per month that delivers the latest drone information and the latest gadget information. We create and distribute articles and videos with the aim of becoming a "comprehensive information site for technologies that are fun to read and useful to know."
