Japanese Categories of Drone Operations – What are they?

Recreational Drone Operations

Definition

Recreational drone operations refer to flights conducted for personal enjoyment and not for profit or business purposes. These operations are generally less regulated than commercial flights but must still adhere to key safety guidelines to protect public safety and airspace integrity.

Regulations

• Drone Weight: Any drone weighing over 200 grams must be registered with MLIT.
• Airspace Restrictions: Recreational drones cannot be flown in certain restricted areas, including near airports, over densely populated areas, and in other no-fly zones such as near government buildings and military installations.
• Altitude Limits: The maximum allowable altitude for recreational flights is 150 meters above ground level, unless special permission is obtained.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Drones must be operated within the visual line of sight of the pilot, meaning the drone must remain visible without the aid of binoculars or other devices.

Typical Use Cases

• Aerial Photography: Capturing scenic views or personal footage in non-restricted areas.
• Hobbyist Flying: Flying drones in parks or open spaces for recreational purposes.

Commercial Drone Operations

Definition

Commercial drone operations involve the use of drones for profit-making activities, such as aerial photography for real estate, agricultural monitoring, industrial inspections, or logistics. These operations are subject to stricter regulations due to the increased level of risk and potential public impact.

Regulations

• Registration and Licensing: All drones used for commercial purposes must be registered with MLIT. Operators must also obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL) to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills for safe drone operation.
• Operational Permissions: Commercial drone operators may need to apply for special permissions if they intend to fly in restricted airspace, at night, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
• Insurance: Commercial drone operators are required to carry liability insurance to cover any potential damages or accidents that may occur during operations.
• Advanced Safety Measures: Operators must adhere to strict safety protocols, including pre-flight checks, maintaining flight logs, and ensuring that the drone is in good working condition.

Typical Use Cases

• Aerial Surveys: Conducting land surveys for construction or infrastructure development.
• Industrial Inspections: Inspecting critical infrastructure such as bridges, power lines, or pipelines.
• Logistics and Delivery: Using drones for delivery services in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Advanced Drone Operations

Definition

Advanced drone operations refer to flights that involve higher levels of risk, such as flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), at night, or in urban environments. These operations require special approval from MLIT and additional safety precautions to ensure they are conducted safely.

Regulations

• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): BVLOS operations require specific approval from MLIT and must include advanced navigation and safety systems to avoid collisions with other aircraft or obstacles.
• Night Operations: Drones flown at night must be equipped with anti-collision lights, and operators must obtain special permission from MLIT to conduct these flights.
• Urban Flying: Flying drones in densely populated urban areas requires additional safety measures, including maintaining a safe distance from people and property, and obtaining permission from both MLIT and local authorities.

Typical Use Cases

• Search and Rescue: Conducting BVLOS operations to locate missing persons or assess disaster areas.
• Delivery Services: Utilizing drones for long-range delivery operations, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach locations.
• Cinematic and Media Production: Filming in urban areas or conducting complex aerial shots that require advanced operational capabilities.

Summary

Understanding the Japanese Categories of Drone Operations is essential for ensuring compliance with MLIT regulations. These categories help operators navigate the specific rules and permissions required for recreational, commercial, and advanced drone flights, allowing for safe and responsible drone use across various applications and risk levels.