To fly a drone outdoors, registration and proof of registration by displaying the registration mark are required. Failure to register can result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, so it is crucial to register without delay.
Before obtaining flight permission for outdoor drone operation, the aircraft itself must be registered. Furthermore, it is not enough to simply register; it is also necessary to display the assigned registration mark on the body to prove that it has been registered. This represents a significant change in the drone environment, and not knowing about it can lead to major problems, so caution is advised.
First, let's understand why these rules were created. Understanding the purpose of the system will help you grasp its importance and necessity more deeply.
・Increase in accidents and troubles
The fundamental reason for making aircraft registration mandatory is the increase in accidents and troubles. Drones are no longer just for personal use; various companies and organizations are utilizing them in their businesses and activities.
However, as their use increases, so do accidents and troubles. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism annually publishes reports of accidents and troubles involving unmanned aircraft. The number of reported cases is as follows:
・Number of unmanned aircraft accidents reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
| Fiscal Year (AD) | Number of Reports |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 55 |
| 2017 | 63 |
| 2018 | 79 |
| 2019 | 83 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 139 |
As you can see, the number has been on an upward trend each year. In particular, there was a dramatic increase in fiscal year 2021, and it is highly likely that accidents and troubles will continue to rise as drone use becomes even more active in the future.
Drone operations can lead to personal injury accidents and significant compensation disputes. If drones cannot be managed individually, it could hinder the development of drone utilization.
・Revision of the Civil Aeronautics Act
The revision of the Civil Aeronautics Act is also a major factor behind the creation of these rules. So-called "Level 4" drone flights, meaning unassisted, out-of-sight flights in populated areas, are scheduled to be permitted around December 2022. In drone operation, flight levels are established by a council as follows:
| Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Manual operation within visual range |
| Level 2 | Automatic operation within visual range using an app, etc. |
| Level 3 | Unassisted, out-of-sight flight in unpopulated areas (remote islands and mountainous regions) |
| Level 4 | Unassisted, out-of-sight flight in populated areas (e.g., Tokyo, residential areas) |
As of July 2022, permissions up to Level 3 are obtainable, but now Level 4 will also be permitted. Level 4 involves the highest risk among the aforementioned flight methods, and legal framework and management are essential for safe operation. Within this context, the individual registration of aircraft has become mandatory.
Flying an unregistered aircraft is a violation of the law and will, of course, be penalized. Specifically, it can lead to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, so caution is necessary.
Drones are already being utilized in various fields and are becoming an indispensable part of business. However, due to the increasing number of accidents and troubles, a system requiring individual aircraft registration has been implemented.
The background of the mandatory registration system is believed to be the increase in accidents and troubles and the revision of the Civil Aeronautics Act. Accidents and troubles have been increasing year by year, with a dramatic surge in recent years. Furthermore, the revision of the Civil Aeronautics Act has allowed unassisted, out-of-sight flights in populated areas, making the registration system necessary for stronger drone management.
After registration, the drone's registration mark must be clearly displayed on its body. While writing it with a marker is an option, using stickers or decals is recommended to maintain the drone's aesthetics. WRAPGRADE offers stickers and decals that can be used to display registration marks. If you are considering purchasing stickers or decals for your drone's registration mark, please feel free to contact us.
Registration Mark Sticker Set (All 22 Colors)
From ¥900
| Seller | WRAPGRADE |
|---|---|
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| Address | 8F Ark Daikanchō Building, 16-17 Daikanchō, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 461-0002 |
| shop@wrapgrade.shop | |
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| URL | https://wrapgrade.jp/ |
