The Electronic Portal for Small Unmanned Aircraft (eSUA) and its mobile app have been launched for drone registration in preparation for the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order coming into effect in June, the Civil Aviation Department said today.

To seize the immense potential of small unmanned aircraft (SUA) application while safeguarding aviation and public safety, the Government introduced the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order, a subsidiary legislation under the Civil Aviation Ordinance, as a forward-looking regulatory regime for SUA, the department said.

Under the new law, SUA operations will be regulated under a risk-based approach and classified according to the weight of the SUA and the operational risk level. Subsequently, operations of different risk levels will be subject to the corresponding regulatory requirements including drone registration and labelling, registration of remote pilots, training and assessment, equipment, operating requirements and insurance.

Registrations for SUA and remote pilots are required except for standard operations of SUA under Category A1, the department noted.

To help the public familiarise themselves with the latest requirements and prepare for compliance, there will be a six-month grace period upon the SUA Order’s introduction in June. Provisions on offences in relation to endangering acts, restricted flying zones and enforcement, however, will take effect on June 1.

Additionally, the department said citizens can refer to the eSUA to browse the Drone Map for the updated restricted flying zones, and receive notifications of safety updates.

As for remote pilots conducting higher-risk SUA operations, the department launched the SUA Advanced Training Organisation Scheme by the end of last year to provide advanced training courses and assessments. Meanwhile, experienced remote pilots and individuals who have already gone through similar training and assessment in other jurisdictions can also apply for an Advanced Rating.

As of April, about 400 Advanced Rating applications were received, the department added.