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Hong Kong Rules for Drone (UAV) Operators

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/12th October 2016, DRONE MARKET WATCHTM/ Main stakeholder responsible for drone (UAV) flight regulation in Hong Kong is the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. CAD is responsible for processing applications for non-recreational operations of UAS (such as for rent or commercial purposes) within Hong Kong. With the significantly different level of sophistication of drones (UAVs) available in the market, any person intending to operate UAS, regardless of size and weight, for non-recreational purpose within Hong Kong should submit details to CAD well before the intended date of operation.

Main aviation regulation document affecting drone (UAV) flights in Hong Kong is Air Navigation Order.  Drone (UAV) operator is responsible for ensuring that no person and property would be endangered by the drone (UAV), and shall not fly the drone (UAV) unless he has reasonably satisfied himself that the flight can be safely made. Drone (UAV) operator shall maintain records of each flight made pursuant to the permission and makes such records available to CAD on request.

Main rules obligatory for drone (UAV) flights in Hong Kong are as follows:

  • Cannot fly within 50 meters of residential areas or individuals;
  • Must fly during daylight hours;
  • Must maintain visual line of sight (VSOL) with the drone;
  • Must not fly within 5 KM of an airport;
  • Evidence of pilot competency is required when making an application for permission to operate drone (UAV);
  • Surface wind of no more than 20 knots, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer (the surface wind speed limit may be reduced if the controllability of the drone is in doubt);
  • the drone (UAV) operator shall have a hand-held anemometer to monitor surface wind speed on site;
  • Cannot fly above 300 meters;
  • The drone (UAV) operator shall inform the CAD/Aerodrome Supervisor before launching and on completion of the flight;
  • May only fly in in good weather.
Drone (UAV) operator is required to submit an operations manual covering the procedures to be followed for all envisaged operations of the drone (UAV). This document is a key requirement to enable CAD to accurately assess the application and the safety case before deciding whether to grant permission.

More information about civil and commercial use of drones (UAS) you may read here: Global Drone (UAV) Flight Regulations
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