Partial revision of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Civil Aeronautics Act on moored drones [Applicable from October 2021]

On September 24, 2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced a partial revision of the Civil Aeronautics Law Enforcement Regulations (partial relaxation of flight regulations). We reviewed permission and approval related to the flight of drones, etc.

In certain conditions such as densely populated areas or at night, drones can be moored with wires that have sufficient strength to eliminate the need to apply for permission and approval in advance.

This will make it easier to introduce drones when inspecting infrastructure such as roads and buildings.

In this article, we will explain in detail the revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Regulations, applicable areas, and flight conditions.

Index

2 What are the revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Regulations that apply from October 2021?

3 Review of No-Fly Zones for Drones, etc.

4 Editor's Note

What is a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) in the first place? Explanation of points to note in the Civil Aeronautics Act

What is an unmanned aerial vehicle

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "Unmanned aerial vehicles are airplanes, rotary wing aircraft, gliders that cannot carry people. , an airship and capable of being flown remotely or by autopilot.”

In addition to drones, this includes radio-controlled machines and helicopters for pesticide spraying.

However, even if it is a radio-controlled aircraft, if it weighs less than 200 grams (total weight of the aircraft body and battery), it is classified as a "model aircraft".

Notes on flight rules for unmanned aerial vehicles

When flying unmanned aerial vehicles, it is necessary to follow the basic rules stipulated by the Civil Aeronautics Act. If you violate the rules, you will be fined up to 500,000 yen.

The flow for obtaining flight permission and approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is as follows. It is necessary to complete the procedure 10 days before the flight (excluding weekends and holidays).

1.Use the online service "DIPS" 2.Submit the application form to the Regional Aviation Bureau or Aviation Office (Tokyo or Kansai)

What are the revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Regulations that apply from October 2021?

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has stated the following regarding revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Regulations (partial relaxation of flight regulations).

By limiting the flight area and flight conditions, we decided that it would be possible to fly the drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) while ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the ground.

Changes to the Civil Aviation Law Enforcement Regulations Regarding Drones

Before the change

In the past, prior permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was obtained when flying drones in the following environments: I needed an application.

Flight environment ・Above densely populated areas ・Above 150 meters or more Excluded from application for approval.

[Conditions] ・Connect the drone with a string with a length of 30 meters or less ・Flight environment that monitors the entry of third parties within the flight range ・Above densely populated areas ・Night time ・Out of sight where the operator's eyes cannot reach

Furthermore, there is no need to apply for permission or approval in advance when dropping cargo or properties from a drone, such as for pesticide spraying, as long as the drone is moored under the same conditions.

▼ Reference Guideline for safe flight of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, radio-controlled aircraft, etc.) https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001303818.pdf

Interpretation in the operation of regulations related to unmanned aerial vehicles https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001303820.pdf

Review of no-fly zones for drones

Quoted from: https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001303818.pdf

The rules for flying around buildings and structures higher than 150 meters, such as chimneys and towers, have changed.

In the airspace within 30m around the target high structure, it is possible to fly the unmanned aerial vehicle even in the airspace above 150m above the ground or water surface.

This is because aircraft are not expected to fly around these buildings.

However, if you fly under the following conditions, please be aware that you still need approval from the Civil Aviation Bureau.

[Applicable conditions] ・When the drone is moored and flies under circumstances where access control by a third party is insufficient ・When performing a specific flight such as transporting dangerous goods Drones can be used without complicated procedures due to the revision of flight rules related to drones. Drones will continue to enter the industry more and more in the future. Also pay attention to future movements.

Viva! Drone Editorial Department

"VIVA! DRONE" is a technology media with 2 million PV per month that distributes the latest drone information and the latest gadget information. We create and distribute articles and videos with the aim of being a "comprehensive technology information site that is fun to read and useful to know."

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