CAA's latest announcement: Only 8 counties and cities in Taiwan's drone airspace are allowed limited free flight.
Recently, the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced new regulations that clearly delineate the airspace in which Taiwan's drones can fly, with only eight counties and cities still allowed to have limited freedom of flight. As the popularity of drones grows, so does the government's focus on flight safety, leading to stricter regulatory measures. If you are an aerial photography enthusiast, it is recommended that you are aware of the regulations that will soon come into effect to ensure that you follow the relevant rules and regulations during the shooting process to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Background of Drone Regulations in Taiwan
With the popularization of aerial photography technology and lower prices, drones have become an object of interest for more and more people. However, with the increase of aerial photography enthusiasts, government regulations on the use of drones are becoming more stringent to ensure safety and effective management.
Past drone regulations
In the past, Taiwan's regulations on drones were relatively lax, registering drones over 250 grams and not requiring special operating licenses. However, these regulations are still somewhat flexible in their use, encouraging the exploration and development of aerial photography technology.
Changes in Public Attitudes towards the Use of Drones
As the use of drones increases, certain negative incidents such as privacy invasion and safety issues are surfacing, causing the public to become cautious about the use of drones. Many people are concerned about the impact and potential risks of drones in their daily lives.
This change in public perception of drone use has prompted the government to revisit regulations. With new regulations coming into effect on March 31, 2020, restrictions on drone use have increased dramatically, and many counties and cities are no longer allowed to fly as they please. This not only affects the activities of enthusiasts, but also changes the perception of the legality and safety of drones. With these increased restrictions, it is important for drone users to be more aware of the regulations and enjoy the benefits of this technology in a compliant manner. You can expect this to have a significant impact on the development and use of drones in the future.
New Amendments to the Civil Aviation Law
Recently, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced a new amendment to the Civil Aviation Law that will come into effect on March 31, 2020, making significant adjustments to the regulations related to drones. The amendment aims to strengthen the management of drones in response to the growing demand for aerial photography and safety considerations, particularly the requirement to register and regulate drones weighing more than 250 grams.
Drone Registration Requirements
Under the new rules, all drones weighing more than 250 grams will need to be registered, a move designed to ensure that every drone is tracked and managed to improve flight safety and reduce potential public safety hazards. This means that if you own a drone of this weight, it is important that you complete the registration process as soon as possible.
License to operate large unmanned aerial vehicles
For UAVs weighing more than 2 kilograms, operators will be required to obtain a professional operator's license. This is an important requirement for the operation of large-scale UAVs to ensure that the operator has the appropriate professional knowledge and flying skills to minimize potential risks and accident rates.
The process of obtaining a large drone operator's license usually requires you to take relevant training courses and examinations to prove that you have mastered the necessary flight principles and safe operation skills. With the implementation of the new regulations, having an operator's license will become an important safeguard for you to carry out professional aerial photography, to ensure that you follow the flight safety regulations during the flight process, and to enhance the quality of your work and professional image.
Restrictions on Aerial Photographers
According to the latest announcement from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the flight restrictions for drones in Taiwan have increased dramatically, with only 8 counties and cities left allowing limited free flight. The new Civil Aviation Law has been amended to require that airplanes over 250 grams must be registered, and airplanes over 2 kilograms require an operator's license. For detailed information on the restrictions, we recommend that you check out theDrone Charter comes into force: violators may be fined $1.5 millionThe
Definition of Restricted Flight Areas
Restricted Flight Areas (RFAs) refer to airspace designated according to specific regulations or safety considerations, and drone flights within these areas are prohibited or restricted. According to the new regulations, in addition to known no-fly zones such as airports and military bases, local governments can also designate no-fly zones on their own, further affecting the free-flying environment for drones.
Impact on leisure and business users
This amendment will have a significant impact on aerial photography enthusiasts and commercial users. Many users will not be able to shoot freely within their previous flight zones, which could diminish their creative expression and the efficiency of their business operations. In particular, after the upcoming March 31st effective date, many previously active filming locations will become no-fly zones, making it more difficult for users to apply and comply.
For recreational and commercial users, this rule change not only restricts freedom of flight, but also forces you to plan your shooting trips in advance. In many counties and cities, area-specific restrictions will reduce the number of shooting options available and make the application process more cumbersome. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional operator, understanding and complying with the new rules will be a key operational priority to ensure that your shooting schedule is not affected.
Specific cities and counties where free flight is possible
According to the latest regulations, there are only 8 counties and cities that allow limited free flight, including Keelung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Yilan County, Hualien County and Taitung County. The airspace management in these areas is more relaxed, and you can still take aerial photos at an altitude of no more than 400 feet. To learn more about the airspace policy, you can refer to the following informationApplying for drone operation but violating the regulations? CAA to impose a fine of $60,000 to alert operatorsThe
Counties and cities with limited free flight
In these 8 counties, you are free to fly in specific areas, but must be aware that there are legal no-fly zones such as airports and other sensitive facilities. The regulations in these areas are relatively friendly and suitable for aerial photography enthusiasts to continue to develop their skills.
Areas of Special Concern to Aerial Photographers
Some special areas suitable for aerial photography have been prioritized under the new regulations, such as nature reserves and public recreation areas. These areas give you more flexibility to express your creativity, but you still have to follow the relevant flight regulations.
For aerial photographers, paying attention to these special areas will help enhance the variety and quality of your shots. Whether it's a natural landscape or a cultural heritage, choosing the right place to shoot will make your work more valuable and attractive. If you plan to shoot in these areas in the future, you should still check the local regulations and restrictions in advance to avoid any violations that may affect your shooting plans.
CAA's latest announcement: Only 8 counties and cities in Taiwan's drone airspace are allowed limited free flight.
In the context of increasingly stringent drone regulations around the world, although Taiwan's regulations are relatively friendly, with the implementation of the new regulations, the airspace for drone flights has been severely restricted, with only 8 counties and cities left enjoying limited free flights. To further understand the differences between Taiwan's drone regulations and those of other countries, the following is a comparison of different countries.
| countries | Drone Management Regulations |
|---|---|
| Taiwan | Registration is required for overweight 250g, an operator's license is required for over 2kg, and a permit is required for over 400 feet. |
| United States of America | Subject to FAA regulations, registered and suitable for specific users and commercial use. |
| Japanese | The altitude limit is 150 meters, and a permit is required in a specific airspace. |
Comparison with Japanese drone regulations
Japan's drone management is relatively strict, and while Taiwan is friendlier in some respects, recent rule changes have resulted in a significant reduction in Taiwan's free-flying airspace. The following comparison will help you understand how Japan manages its drones.
| Comparison Items | Taiwan and Japan |
|---|---|
| Maximum Flying Height | Taiwan 400 feet, Japan 150 meters |
| Whether registration is required | Over 250g needs to be registered in Taiwan, no matter the weight, it needs to be registered in Japan. |
| Application for specific airspace | Taiwan, customized by each county and city; Japan, clearly delineated. |
Lessons Learned from Global Practices
Drone management practices in other countries have provided valuable insights that have led to improvements in legal frameworks and policies. Understanding how to design more flexible and forward-thinking drone management regulations can make your aerial photography activities more efficient.
Experience with global drone regulations has shown that it is essential to establish a clear and logical regulatory framework that is in line with the continuous advancement of technology. For drone enthusiasts in Taiwan, this means that you need to be more aware of and adapt to the new regulations, and consider safer ways of filming and operating. By learning from the success stories of other countries, perhaps there will be more flexibility and room for growth in the use of drones in the future.
Future Implications for Aerial Photography Fans and the Industry
With the implementation of the new drone regulations, your choices of airspace to fly in will be extremely limited. Although only eight counties and cities have been granted limited free flight, this is also an opportunity for you to get acclimated to a compliant regulatory environment.Attention! Flight ban on drones at East Flower Attractions, EMSD no longer accepts related applications.
Challenges for Enthusiasts
The new drone flight regulations will make it challenging for many aerial photography enthusiasts, especially when the freedom of flight is greatly reduced. You will have to carefully consider the designated no-fly zones and restrictions in your shooting plans, especially in major cities such as Taipei City, which will make shooting even more difficult.
Opportunities for Compliance and Adaptation
Despite the challenges, you can take this opportunity to improve your understanding of drone regulations and find ways to comply with them. Learning about the application process and related regulations will help protect you in your future aerial photography activities.
Additionally, as the drone industry continues to grow in size, compliant actions will make you a sought-after operator in the marketplace. By following the new regulations, you will not only protect your own rights, but also contribute to the healthy development of the aerial photography culture. By attending seminars or workshops organized by the authorities, you can gain in-depth information about the regulations and share your experience with other industry players, which will help you expand your network and enhance your skills.
CAA's latest announcement: Only 8 counties and cities in Taiwan's drone airspace are allowed limited free flight.
According to the latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA), Taiwan's drone airspace will be drastically reduced, with only 8 counties and municipalities enjoying limited free flight rights under certain circumstances. These new rules will come into effect on March 31st, affecting your aerial photography activities, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations as soon as possible and check whether your frequently used shooting areas will be affected. If you need to shoot, please make sure you make the necessary applications in advance to avoid violating the regulations.
