Drones in China Facing Real-Name Registration System
CRIENGLISH.com | Mar. 12, 2017
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More measures to control the production and use of small drones should be taken, according to deputies attending the ongoing fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing.
The move follows a string of incidents involving drones flying into restricted areas at airports around China and affecting the normal flying of passenger planes.
Small drones are developing in China without proper regulation or guidance
Small drones have become increasingly popular with Chinese people since 2015 as the technology quickly developed. However, drones are becoming a threat to civil aviation with no proper regulation in place.
According to guidelines released by the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) in 2013, only drones over 116 kilograms are covered by their rules. The regulation of smaller drones comes under the Aviation Guild or users themselves.
Li Shengrui, who works at a branch of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China in Shenyang, proposed at this year's NPC sessions that specific laws should be enacted as soon as possible to better regulate the production and use of drones. He also suggested setting up interference systems for drones around important places such as civil airports, military facilities and governmental residences, etc.
Real-name registration system for drones to be set up in China
In a recent interview, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) Feng Zhenglin, said it was studying the feasibility of setting up a 'real-name registration system' for drones in China.
"For the CAAC, our main job is to register the drones including the regulation of people who control them. We intend to study the feasibility of implementing the real-name registration system for drones, "said Feng.
In regulating small drones for entertainment, some less stringent measures are also being studied, Feng added. For instance, he said, building electronic hurdles around restricted aviation areas, or writing data into the drones before they leave the factory, so that the drones will avoid sensitive areas automatically.
Unauthorized flying of drones affecting normal flights in 2017
Drones sold in China normally have built-in control systems that can recognize "no flying zones" such as areas near airports. However, it's reported that some users have managed to crack the system, and get drones to fly in restricted aviation zones. Some retailers have also reportedly provided buyers with "cracked versions" of drones.
Incidents around Chinese airports in 2017:
January 15
A drone flew into the Xiaoshan airport in Zhejiang province and recorded a video of a passenger plane in flight. The controller of the drone then uploaded the video onto the internet attracting widespread public attention. The suspect has since been tracked down and handed to the authorities for further investigation.
February 2 night
5 outbound flights were delayed and 3 inbound flights were forced to make emergency landings at other airports in Mianyang airport in Sichuan province, following the appearance of a luminous drone.
February 3 afternoon
11 flights were affected in Shenzhen airport by drones. Flights in Shantou airport, Guangdong province were also affected by drones on the same day.
February 3 - February 5
A total of 6 incidents involving drones intruding into Kunming airport took place.
March 4
A drone was found to have flown near the restricted area of Harbin airport.
How other countries regulate the use of drones
Many countries around the world have already enacted laws to regulate the use of drones, according to a report by CAAC News.
In Japan, unauthorized drones are banned from flying around residential areas and airports. Those violating the law will be fined 500,000 yen (around US$4360); In Britain, regular drones can only fly within the judged distance of human sight (around 500 meters) and their flying heights can't surpass 122 meters. Drones with cameras on them cannot be used within 50 meters of people, vehicles or buildings. Those flying drones near airports and affecting the flying of passenger planes could face criminal charges.