The document with innovations has already been submitted for approval to the authorities
The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has developed a draft government decree that establishes the rules for launching civilian drones. This is reported by Izvestia: the journalists of the publication got acquainted with the document, which at the end of May was sent to the federal authorities for approval. The project proposes to allow launches of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over populated areas, but only at altitudes up to 150 m from the earth or water surface, in direct line of sight from an external pilot and in special flight zones. The permitted zones will have to be established by the Ministry of Transport on the proposal of local authorities and executive bodies of cities of federal significance – Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol.
The Ministry of Transport proposed to simplify the launch of drones over cities
The document also states that for the organization of UAV flights, if they are carried out by devices weighing up to 30 kg and within line of sight, it will no longer be necessary to submit a plan for their movement. Now, when drones are located within the boundaries of municipalities, it is required to submit a flight plan and coordinate with local authorities, which is not always easy to obtain. If it is required to launch a drone outside the established area or at altitudes above 150 m, then it must be provided with constant two-way radio communication with the air navigation authority. If the technical capabilities of the device do not allow establishing such a connection, then it is necessary to impose a ban or restriction on flights in this area of other aircraft to ensure their safety.
The new rules also allow flight plans to be submitted online or over the phone, plus it simplifies the use of drones in agriculture. As stated in the explanatory note to the project, the innovations should come into force in March 2024. Izvestia reported that the Ministry of Digital Transformation confirmed receipt of the document and there are no comments on it at the moment.
