The Covid-19 pandemic has clipped the wings of the aviation industry. However, small unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drones, are flying higher and farther as the development for leisure, commerce, scientific and rescue purposes continues to outpace regulation. In Hong Kong, authorities have long recognised the need for better controls but, as a result of social unrest and the coronavirus, the issue seemed to disappear from the radar screen. Therefore it is good to learn that a proposal to enhance supervision is finally taking off. The Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order seeks to regulate through a risk-based approach, with devices weighing less than 250 grams generally only being subject to rules regarding altitude and maximum flying distance. But permission from the Civil Aviation Department will be required for high-risk operations. Heavier devices will also have to be registered and operated only after web-based lessons. Owners of drones weighing more than 7kg will undergo in-depth training and sit competency tests. Courses will soon be rolled out, and a one-stop electronic platform for the public to register, make applications and access safety information should be available early next year. There will be a six-month grace period once the law comes into effect on June 1, except for offences in relation to dangerous acts and entering restricted flying zones. Long overdue as it is, the law is a necessary step to ensure drones are operated safely. Having spent years on reviews and consultations, the city is lagging many other places. Indeed, there have long been safety and privacy concerns with remote control devices gaining popularity both in the city and overseas. Fortunately, there have been no serious accidents here, but the arrest of a man for flying a drone inside a terminal at Hong Kong International Airport four years ago shows there is much to be desired when it comes to safety awareness. Elsewhere, there have been incidents of drones grounding and delaying flights at airports, including those in Britain. It is to be hoped that the new regulation will enhance safety and ensure compliance by owners without hurting the wider use of the popular devices.