JUIDA Safety Guidelines for Unmanned Aircraft
August, 4 2015
Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA)
Unmanned aircraft have experienced an explosion in popularity, not only in the hobbyist community, but
also in the advent of what has been called the “Industrial Revolution of the Sky.” This is largely due to
the ability of unmanned aircraft to cheaply provide aerial photography, infrastructure monitoring, etc.
However, the increased use of these aircraft comes with an increase in the risk of accidents that may
lead to third-party injuries or property damage. In response to this increased risk, regulations have been
enacted, such as restrictions on the areas where it is permissible to fly. We at JUIDA have amassed
significant experience operating unmanned aircraft. This experience has led us to develop additional
guidelines and best practices to augment the existing regulations and dramatically reduce the risk of
accidents.
This pamphlet gives a clear and detailed explanation of the relevant regulations, plus guidelines and best
practices recommended by JUIDA. It is recommended that you carefully familiarize yourself with the
contents of this pamphlet before you operate an unmanned aircraft in order to minimize your risk of an
accident.* The guidelines presented in this pamphlet are separated into “General Guidelines” and
“Special Guidelines,” which depend on the area and conditions in which the aircraft is to be operated.
Please note that these guidelines may be modified at any time to comply with new regulations or to
adapt to emerging technologies.
*It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the operating manuals and other documents
provided by the manufacturer of your aircraft, as well as those from any other pertinent organizations.
1. General Guidelines
1-1: Permitted flight zones
A. Comply with the Civil Aeronautics Act (Draft revision as of July 14, 2015) and limit flight to the
following boundaries:
1. Flying is strictly prohibited in and around airports (zone B in Figure 1) and above the
altitude limit (zone A in Figure 1) defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transportation and Tourism (Article 132 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
2. Flying is strictly prohibited over any “Densely Inhabited District” (DID) (zone B in Figure
1) defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism (Article
132 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
Airspace above the altitude limit
for unmanned aircraft (A)
Special permission required.
Airspace in and
around airports (B)
Special permission
required.
Densely Inhabited
District (C)
Special permission
required.
Airspace other than
A, B, and C
No special permission
required
Figure 1: Prohibited Flight Zones
3. Flying is only allowed during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) (Article 132-2-1 of the
amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
4. Operations must be performed within the visual-line-of-sight of the operator so that
he/she is able to verify the safe operation of the aircraft for the entire duration of the
flight (Article 132-2-2 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
5. Flying is strictly prohibited over a crowded area, such as in the case of a festival, fair,
community event, etc. (Article 132-2-4 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
B. Comply with the Flight Ban Act and other local regulations and ordinances:
1. Flying is strictly prohibited around sensitive government facilities such as the National
Diet, the Prime Minister's Official Residence, foreign delegations, etc. (the Flight Ban Act).
2. Many local government ordinances prohibit flying in public spaces such as parks. (Flying
in parks is banned in Tokyo according to Article 16 of the Tokyo Metropolitan
Government park regulations. Kobe City, Osaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tochigi
Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture and many other municipalities have
similar restrictions. Please check with the local government office before operating an
unmanned aircraft.)
C. Permission must be obtained before operating an unmanned aircraft over any of the following
areas:
1. To fly over privately owned land, permission must be received from the land owner
(Article 207 of the Civil Code).
2. Public roads (Article 77 of the Road Traffic Act).
3. To fly over dry riverbeds, permission must be received from the administrating office,
such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism.
4. In and around railways, harbor facilities, power transmission lines and pipelines.
1-2: Safe operation of an unmanned aircraft
A. Prior to flight, check the following items to ensure that safe operation is possible:
1. Ensure that the aircraft systems, including the flight controls, are working properly and
are ready for flight.
2. Ensure that the weather conditions are within the limits specified in the operating
manual provided by the manufacturer of your aircraft.
3. Verify that the area in which you intend to fly is safe (i.e. free from people and other
flying objects and that the radio transmitter/receiver is functional for the entire volume
of the flight area).
4. Ensure that the power source (e.g. battery) has a sufficient margin of energy capacity to
safely complete the flight plan. For batteries, make sure to use an appropriate charger,
do not exceed the rated life, and do not reuse batteries that have been involved in a
crash.
B. Comply with the Civil Aeronautics Act (Draft revision as of July 14, 2015):
1. The operator must be able to visually confirm safe operation of the aircraft for the entire
duration of the flight (Article 132-2-2 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act). It is also
recommended to post a second observer to ensure safety on the ground.
2. Keep and appropriate distance between the unmanned aircraft and persons and objects
on the ground, as defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and
Tourism (Article 132-2-3 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
3. Transportation of hazardous materials is strictly prohibited (Article 132-2-4 of the
amended Civil Aeronautics Act).
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
4. Dropping any object from an unmanned aircraft is strictly prohibited (Article 132-2-4 of
the amended Civil Aeronautics Act). Make sure that all on-board equipment, including
the battery, is securely fastened to the airframe prior to flight.
Prior to the flight, plan ahead and consider actions to take in an emergency situation, such as
equipment failure.
Avoid fatigue or other conditions that may cause the operator to lose focus on the task of
controlling the vehicle. Never operate an unmanned aircraft when under the influence of alcohol.
Controlling an unmanned aircraft from inside a moving vehicle is strictly prohibited.
It is your responsibility to obtain liability insurance against property damage or injury to a third
party.
When capturing video, the privacy of individuals who may be in view of the camera must be
respected and their permission must be obtained. When using an unmanned aircraft for publicity
purposes, refer to the following guidelines:
http://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_kyotsuu/important/kinkyu02_000189.html
1-3: Airframe and systems
A. It is important to use an airframe and flight systems that are proven safe. Use a trusted
manufacturer that provides operating and maintenance manuals.
B. Only use wireless equipment that is compliant with Japanese standards and regulations (Article 4
of the Radio Act). The equipment should include the proper markings to certify its compliance.
C. Do not modify the airframe without permission from the manufacturer.
D. Do not use an airframe after an unexpected failure or after observing poor performance. Contact
the manufacturer and take appropriate measures to ensure safe operation.
1-4: Reporting accidents
A. The operator must immediately report any accident that results in bodily injury to the police and
authorities concerned, as prescribed by the pertinent regulations.
1-5: Equipment management
A. Be sure to faithfully check and maintain the airframe and systems. Perform the checks and
maintenance prescribed in the operating and maintenance manuals.
B. In the case of loss or theft, promptly report the case to the police and authorities concerned, as
prescribed by the pertinent regulations.
C. In the case of a crash, the operator must collect the airframe. Do not leave any parts behind.
D. Properly dispose of a used airframe to prevent unauthorized use by a third party. Observe the
regulations concerning the disposal and cleaning of waste.
2: Special Guidelines
Special permission is required to operate unmanned aircraft in areas outside those specified in Section 11 (Article 132-2 of the amended Civil Aeronautics Act), including flying at night and beyond line-of-sight.
Regulations for such conditions are expected to be forthcoming, but at present, it is necessary to adhere
to the following conditions, in addition to the general guidelines outlined in section 1. Of course these
conditions will be superseded by any future regulations.
2-1: Operating license
A. Operators must have adequate skill and knowledge of aviation. Once a license system is
established, operators must pass an examination to obtain a license. The operator must carry
that license whenever operating an unmanned aircraft.
B. The unmanned aircraft operating license must be renewed regularly according to the licensing
system.
2-2: Flight plans
A. You must obtain advanced permission for the flight area, flight time, and route and ensure that
the airframe and flight systems are in safe working order. The flight plan must consider
contingencies for a component failure or a crash.
B. The operator is required to perform a risk assessment to the people and objects on the ground
and water below the planned flight, as well as to other aircraft. It may be necessary to take
actions to reduce these risks to ensure safe operations.
C. Applications for special permission can be made according to the instructions provided by the
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism.
D. You are required to keep a record of all flight operations.
2-3: Insurance
A. Operators (including business entities) are required to hold liability insurance against property
damage and injury to a third party.
2-4: Business entities
A. Business entities are required to establish a safety management system. Once a system for
registering unmanned aircraft for business purposes is established, business entities must
register their unmanned aircraft accordingly.
B. Business entities are required to self-enforce safety operations and maintenance, such as
operator training, airframe and systems safety.
2-5: Airframe and systems
A. The airframe employed must be certified for safe use and must have an operational envelope
defined by the manufacturer or dealer.
B. The airframe employed must have both a model name and a serial number provided by the
manufacturer or dealer.
C. Once a production and sales registration system is established, the airframe must be registered
accordingly.
D. The airframe must have corresponding operating and maintenance manuals provided by the
manufacturer or dealer.
Note: JUIDA is currently working with the Japanese government to establish systems for operator
licensing, business registration, and production and sales registration. Until such time, JUIDA is preparing
voluntary measures.