Measures must be tightened to ensure safe operation of drones

Drones are being used in a wide range of fields, from logistics to disaster response. Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent dangerous flights and serious accidents.

A revised Civil Aeronautics Law was enacted in the last Diet session requiring drone owners to register their devices with the government.

There are currently no restrictions on the purchase of drones and hundreds of thousands of them have been sold in the country. Although most are simple devices for photography, some are high-spec models that can be used for such purposes as spraying agricultural chemicals.

The rapid spread of drones has resulted in an increase in the number of such accidents as falling devices inflicting injuries on people. Last year, 83 such accidents were reported.

There have been many such cases as drones being flown in densely populated residential areas without permission from the government. Kansai Airport last year was forced to close its runway after a suspicious drone was spotted.

To ensure the safety of flights, it is appropriate for the government to take the reins.

The owners of drones weighing 200 grams or more with certain functions will have to file serial numbers and personal information online to receive a registration number under the envisaged system.

Users, including existing owners, who do not register their drones will be fined up to ¥500,000, among other penalties.

It is necessary to ensure the identity of drone owners is known in the event of an accident, so the cause can be investigated and damages paid. The government plans to start the registration system within two years. The government should make sure that all concerned parties are fully aware of the system.

The use of drones is expected to contribute to overcoming such challenges as the declining labor force and aging population.

In Asahikawa, Hokkaido, medicine was delivered to patients using drones as part of a trial. Also, food and other goods are being delivered by drones on a trial basis in the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture.

The government is considering permitting the operation of drones in densely populated areas and in areas beyond the pilots’ line of sight. As such flights are highly dangerous, they would be allowed only under a licensing system with theory and practical training requirements.

A strict screening system should be considered to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents. It is unlikely that the public will understand this drastic relaxation of regulations unless the government can dispel anxieties. It is also essential to demand that manufacturers develop highly reliable devices.

China dominates the drone market. There are security concerns that information from important facilities in Japan could be collected by Chinese-made devices.

The government has set up a system to provide low-interest loans to support the development of domestic drones. The introduction of tax incentives, among other measures, is also worth considering.