Drone hits British Airways plane: Hong Kong’s safety rules for flying drones
Using large craft requires permission from the Civil Aviation Department
Flying drones for photography or just for fun is common in Hong Kong’s open areas. The city’s construction sector also uses drones for aerial surveys.
Under current regulations, the Civil Aviation Department classifies drones as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Any person intending to use a UAS, regardless of size and weight, for non-recreational purposes must apply to the department before using it. When applying, evidence of pilot competency and a copy of an insurance policy have to be provided.
Other limits on operations include that drones not be flown higher than 300 feet above ground level, and that they must only be flown during daylight hours.
But flying a drone weighing less than 7kg for recreation can be classified as model aircraft flying, and no application to the department is required.
Operators of drones also have to comply with privacy laws.
