[Background]
Following the introduction of a device registration system in 1999 based on the Aviation Act to ensure the safe operation of drones, the utilization of drones has continuously increased. Consequently, in 2021, the registration requirement was expanded to include all commercial drones and any non-commercial drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2kg.
Recently, with advancements in not only drone aircraft but also mission equipment technology such as cameras, drones are increasingly being utilized across various industries for video recording, facility inspections, and deliveries. They are also widely used for personal leisure activities, such as hobbies and recreation, reflecting a trend of highly frequent drone usage.
Conversely, as drones become widely integrated into daily life, safety and privacy concerns have emerged due to accidents and illegal flights. Specifically, non-commercial tethered unmanned aircraft or unmanned powered aircraft weighing 2kg or less are currently exempt from mandatory registration. This creates administrative loopholes—such as the inability to identify the aircraft or its operator in the event of an illegal flight or crash—which must be addressed and rectified.
Furthermore, there is a need to establish a legal basis for the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to process unique identifying information, which is necessary to verify the identity and qualifications of applicants when carrying out administrative duties related to aircraft registration and flight approvals.
[Main Points]
A. Expansion of the registration targets for unmanned aircraft among ultralight flight vehicles (Draft Article 24)- Expanding the scope of mandatory registration to systematically manage drones, establish a safe operating environment, and alleviate public concerns by enabling timely responses to illegal flights and accidents.B. Addition to the scope of duties involving the processing of unique identifying information (Draft Article 29)- Establishing a legal basis allowing the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to process data that includes unique identifying information to facilitate the smooth execution of duties concerning the registration and flight approval of ultralight flight vehicles.
