Laws Surrounding Drones/UAVs - Aviation Law
Knowledge of the relevant laws is essential to operate drones safely and in a legally compliant manner.
"Aviation law" is always involved with drones flying in the sky.
This time, we will introduce an overview of aviation law that drone users should be aware of.
table of contents
- aviation law
- Drone flight application
1. Aviation Law
In accordance with the Aviation Act, when flying a drone
- Flying in a no-fly zone
- Some flight methods
If you wish to do so, you must first apply for a flight to the local aviation bureau or airport office and obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
○Flying in no-fly zones
First, no-fly zones, which are restrictions on "airspace," require prior flight permission in the airspaces A to D below.
- A. Airspace around airports, etc.
- B. Emergency Airspace
- C. Airspace above 150m above ground or water surface
- D. Over densely populated areas (DIDs)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "No-fly zones and flight methods for unmanned aerial vehicles" https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/koku_fr10_000041.html#kuuiki
○ Some flight methods
On the other hand, the following are some of the flight methods that are restrictions on "methods".
- night flight
- Beyond visual line of sight
- Flights that cannot maintain a distance of 30m or more from third parties or third party properties
- Event overflight
- Hazardous Materials Transportation
- Property Drop
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "No-fly zones and flight methods for unmanned aerial vehicles" https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/koku_fr10_000041.html#houhou
In addition, the following rules have been added as "observance matters."
- No flying while drinking
- Pre-flight check
- Collision prevention with aircraft or other unmanned aerial vehicles
- Prohibition of dangerous flying that causes inconvenience to others
○Aircraft subject to the Aviation Act
All aircraft weighing 200g or more are subject to the restrictions.
Please note that the 200g standard is the sum of the weight of the aircraft itself and the battery , so you do not need to worry about the weight of additional accessories (such as propeller guards).
2. Drone flight application
If any of the above applies, you will need to apply for permission to fly to your local aviation bureau or airport office.
○How to apply
- Applying via the online service "DIPS" (this is generally recommended)
- Bring
- Email, fax and telephone (only in the event of an emergency or disaster)
○Application destination
- Regional Aviation Bureau
- Airport offices (when flying in the airspace around airports, etc., at altitudes of 150m or higher)
Please note that you must apply to the agency that has jurisdiction over the area where you intend to fly.
For details, please see the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website for information on procedures for approval of flight permits for unmanned aircraft .
(Additional Note) As of October 1, 2021, the following changes have been made to applications to airport offices:
1. Targets: □ Flying in airspace related to restricted surfaces such as airports, □ Flying in airspace 150m or higher above ground or water, □ Flying in emergency airspace (if designated).
2. Where to apply: The place where you intend to conduct a flight that requires an application is:
◆ For areas east of Niigata, Nagano, and Shizuoka prefectures ⇒ "Tokyo Airport Office Director"
◆ For areas west of Toyama, Gifu, and Aichi prefectures ⇒ "Kansai Airport Office Director"
* There is no change to applications to the Director General of the Tokyo Civil Aviation Bureau and the Director General of the Osaka Civil Aviation Bureau.
○Application period
To allow for review time, it is recommended that you submit your application at least 10 business days before the scheduled start date of your flight, or an additional 3 to 4 weeks in advance if you wish to allow ample time.
The legal environment surrounding drones is expected to continue to be revised as they become more widespread.
As a drone user and operator, I want to always keep my ears open to the latest information and be conscious of operating in accordance with the rules, with safety and security as my top priority.
