The aviation safety and security reform bill proposed by lawmaker Kim Sung-tae, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, was passed during a plenary session between members of the committee from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the National Assembly said. (Image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, July 6 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean government is set to give drone enthusiasts the green light to fly unmanned aerial vehicles after sundown, after lawmakers passed a bill to lift the ban on drone flights during the night.
The aviation safety and security reform bill proposed by lawmaker Kim Sung-tae, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, was passed during a plenary session between members of the committee from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the National Assembly said.
The proposed bill will lift a ban that has been prohibiting night flight, and will also remove restrictions for areas with poor visibility so long as the person in charge of the unmanned aerial vehicle can meet the safety standards imposed by aviation security authorities.
“With the rapid growth of technology and industrial development, drones are expected to be commercialized and adopted in various fields. Allowing drone flights both at night and in areas with poor visibility provided safety requirements are met should help to stimulate the drone industry,” Kim said.
The reform will also give unmanned aerial vehicles used by law enforcement, the military and customs authorities the same treatment as aircraft, a move that will see more drones deployed and utilized in the public sector.
“With the help of the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, new safety standards concerning drones will be established, which we hope will take effect by the end of the year,” an official from the Ministry of Transport said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
