Starting Next Year, 'Drone Real-Name System' to Be Implemented... Management System Overhaul

Mandatory Aircraft Registration for Drones Over 2kg
Establishment of Management System Including Pre-Online Training

(Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Mr. A recently experienced a ridiculous incident. After visiting a client for work, he returned to the parking lot to find the hood of his car dented. Under the vehicle, a broken drone was lying. It was judged to be an accident caused by someone controlling a drone, but since the drone owner could not be identified, Mr. A was ultimately unable to catch the culprit.

From next year, such cases are expected to disappear. On the 18th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will implement a 'Drone Real-Name System' requiring registration of drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kg. Along with this, a management system will be established requiring online education in advance for operating drones weighing over 250g.

According to the Ministry, an amendment to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the Aviation Safety Act, which classifies drones into four categories based on performance and risk level for management, will be announced for public comment on the 19th.

The main points of this amendment are the so-called 'Drone Real-Name System' which is a drone registration system, and the differentiation of pilot qualifications.

The Drone Real-Name System mandates drone registration for owners of drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kg. The Ministry plans to make drone registration easily accessible to anyone via the internet or smartphone apps.

Overseas, the United States, China, Germany, and Australia require registration for drones exceeding 250g; Sweden for drones exceeding 1.5 kg; and France for drones exceeding 2 kg.

Currently, drone pilot qualifications apply only to large drones used for commercial purposes, but going forward, online education will also be required for hobbyist small drone operators. For drones exceeding 2 kg, a phased application of flight experience requirements and written and practical tests will be implemented.

The terms 'empty weight' and 'maximum takeoff weight,' which have caused confusion, will be unified as 'maximum takeoff weight' in line with global trends.

Even in no-fly zones, drone flights for educational purposes within 20 meters altitude under the supervision of an instructor will be allowed on elementary, middle, and high school playgrounds.

Kim Sang-do, Director of the Aviation Policy Office at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, explained, "To develop the drone industry, it is most important to dispel the public’s anxiety about drones that have come close to our daily lives," adding, "starting with the Drone Real-Name System, we will strive to create a safe and convenient drone operating environment."

The amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the Aviation Safety Act will go through public notice, inter-ministerial consultation, and review by the Ministry of Government Legislation, and are scheduled to be promulgated in May. The drone registration and pilot qualification amendments will take effect from January 1 of next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.