Simplify process to seek permission to fly drones

The rampant use ofUAVs poses a threat to flights not only in China, but also in other countries. The number ofUAVs increased at such a fast pace in theUnited States that its Federal Aviation Administration introduced a specific regulation in December 2015 which requires smallUAV users to register with the relevant department using their real names so that they can be held accountable for violating air safety norms.

This is not to say that China should copy the US’ example. But the US measure does offer some food for thought. China’s existing domestic laws, too, require UAV users to apply for permission to fly the drones. However, since the procedure of obtaining the permission is so complicated and public knowledge about these laws is so poor that many people do not know they need official sanction to fly drones. Besides, many people would rather use UAVs on the sly than apply to seek official permission to do so.

In several cases thatUAVs have posed a threat to air safety, police have penalized the users according to the Public Security Regulation, not the specific laws on the use ofUAVs. This means the current laws regulating the use ofUAVs need to be improved to make them executable.

Therefore, the procedure to seek permission to useUAVs should be made simple so as to encourage more people to register using their real names before flying drones, which will enable the authorities to trace and hold accountable those who violate the existing laws and regulations. More important, we need a comprehensive lawto specifically regulate the use ofUAVs in order to meet the actual demands.

Only specific laws and regulations on UAV and their strict implementation can effectively prevent drones from posing a threat to flights. DiaoWeimin, a visiting professor in International Aviation Law Institute, DePaul University