The popularity of drones is growing every year. Thanks to better availability (greater variability of choice and lower price), almost anyone can buy a drone, so it is not just the privilege of a group of enthusiasts and geeks. With the increasing number of amateur drone pilots, the number of accidents also increases. It was necessary to create a set of new rules. So, in many countries, new regulations will be in place starting from the new year to reduce accidents caused by the misuse of drones. Until now, each country of the European Union has regulated the operation of drones itself, but this is going to change on 31.12.2020. From this date, the rules will be uniformed for all Member States of EU.
The rules apply to all drones, except drones lighter than 250 grams without camera. Drone owners will need to register and pass the test. Then the owner will receive a specific number which will be indicated on all his drones.
New legislation divides drones into 3 categories, Open, Specific and Certified. In the first category, drones can fly a maximum of 150 meters above the land, however, no additional equipment is required. Drones from the other two categories must be equipped with remote identification, failsafe system against signal loss and geo-awareness (restricted flight zones).
New drones are already equipped with these essentials. But what to do with older ones? For example, we can use a smart solution from Dronetag. It is an IoT device in the form of a small box, which is attached to a drone. These devices send the current position and identification number of the drone to the central system and communicate with other drones via Bluetooth. There should be no collision between the drones. Dronetag also provides an application that facilitates compliance with all EU regulations. The application also displays the current state of the airspace with all participants (airplanes and drones).
The new regulations will also apply from the new year in the US, where the rules will be even more strict. If someone wants to fly with drones at night, they will need to undergo special training and equip the drones with reflective lights. Drones will also need to be provided with a position identifier.
So, if you got a drone for Christmas, don’t forget to register and pass the necessary exams before your first flight.
Sources:
https://www.engadget.com/faa-remote-id-night-time-flight-235350517.html
https://dronpro.cz/o-dalkove-identifikaci-dronu-a-nove-legislative-s-lukasem-brchlem-z-dronetag
Great innovation, from now there will be such a concept as “air traffic rules” 🙂
Im wondering if those rules will influence the sales of drones in the upcoming time.