In order to regulate remotely piloted aircraft engaged in business flight activities, strengthen market regulation, and promote safe, orderly and sound development of the RPAS industry, the Civil Aviation Administration of China recently issued the Administrative Measures on Civil RPAS Business Flight Activities (Interim) (hereinafter referred to as the Measures), which, under the framework of the Civil Aviation Law, specify market access and regulation requirements for remotely piloted aircraft engaged in business general aviation flight activities. The Measures will enter into force since June 1, 2018.

The Measures consist of 3 chapters including 20 articles, which clearly regulate application conditions and procedures for operation permit of remotely piloted aircraft and supervision and management methods for business flight activities operated by remotely piloted aircraft.

According to the Measures, business activities including operations of aerial spraying, filming, photography and flight demonstrations by remotely piloted aircraft with a maximum empty weight exceeding 250g (inclusive) and RPAS pilot training are subject to the Measures, while business flight activities of passenger and cargo transport by RPAS are not for now.

The Measures specify that CAAC is in charge of unified supervision and management of RPAS operation permit, and CAAC regional administrations are responsible for issuance and regulation of RPAS operation permit within their jurisdiction.