A drone without an operating license that was shot down by the PLA Air Force in Beijing has brought light to the need for tightened regulations on privately-owned drones and other devices.
Last December, a flying drone reportedly owned by a Beijing-based technology company had interfered with the operation of several commercial flights. The operator ignored a series of warnings issued by the military and authorities, whereupon they shot down the aircraft with an armed helicopter, according to the party-run PLA Daily.
The drone turned out to be working on air photography and measurement. The owner did not apply to either the civil aviation authorities or the PLA Air Force in Beijing for permission to fly. As a result, the three drone operators at the time of the violation were arrested and charged with endangering public security, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.
In China, permission from the air force is required to operate any flying kits below an altitude of 1,000 meters. The number of violations has skyrocketed since regulations on privately-owned general flights have been loosened in recent years.
Flying kits such as drones, delta wings, hang gliders and model airplanes are easily accessible, and the market has been growing at a 15% annual rate.
In this regard, experts have advised a legislative overhaul, defining each flying device’s scope of operation based on their specifications and use and specifying the appropriate monitoring authorities accordingly. Lastly, they have suggested reinforcing the penalties for violations.
The current law stipulates that all non-official aviation activities must abide by China’s Civil Aviation Law and that operation without permission will be subject to a fine of 20,000 to 100,000 yuan (US$3,200-$16,150) and a suspension of the operation license. Unauthorised operations that cause casualties could face criminal charges.
Photo: State Grid Corporation drone in Fujian province inspects a power line -Xinhua
Source: Want China Times