ROC Cabinet gives go ahead to new drone rules

2015/09/30

Amendments to the Civil Aviation Act were approved Sept. 24 by the ROC Cabinet, providing the legal basis for governing the licensing and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles and remote-control camera drones in Taiwan.

The bill, which is in response to a camera drone crashing into Taipei 101 in July, serves as a framework for providing a coordinated response to the increasing number of UAVs and drones appearing in the skies over Taiwan.

Under the revisions proposed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, unless otherwise permitted, UAVs and drones can only be operated by those aged 18 and above during daylight hours. The maximum altitude is 400 feet and they must be within visual sight of the pilots at all times.

In addition, models weighing 15 kilograms and above require operator’s licenses, insurance and registration. Those weighing less than 15 kilograms do not need licensing or registration, but are subject to the authority of respective local governments.

To ensure aviation and public safety, no flights are allowed over the ROC Presidential Office and surrounding area, as well as airports, nuclear power plants, public assemblies and parades, and other locations specified by local governments.

Violators of the general rules will be subject to fines of between NT$10,000 (US$301) and NT$300,000, depending on the weight of the models, while those breaking restricted flight rules face more severe penalties. These include confiscation and fines of between NT$300,000 and NT$1.5 million.

According to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications will serve as the competent authority overseeing the use of UAVs and drones in Taiwan.

The amendments are set to be presented to the ROC Legislature for review during the current session wrapping up in December.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=237115&ctNode=2194&mp=9)