Drones have become a hot topic in recent times.
The most advanced flight called "Level 4" will finally be lifted from December 5th.
How will our lives change when we reach 'Level 4'?
Will products ordered on smartphones be delivered to the eaves of the house?
On the other hand, what about our security?
I will tell you in detail what "Level 4", which is said to be "the dawn of the drone era", is like.
(Reporter Teppei Yamashita, News Department)
Q.
What is Drone Level 4?
what will change?
A.
Until now, when flying a drone in a "range that cannot be seen" from the operator, etc., it was limited to "over the sky where there are no people", but when it comes to "Level 4", it is "over the sky with people" such as urban areas and residential areas. But you will be able to fly.
The "flight level" of drones is as shown in the following figure, and up to "level 3" was possible until now, but with the enforcement of the revised Aviation Law on December 5, "level 4" is institutionally possible It will be
“Level 1”…Visible range/Control flight
“Level 2”…Visible range/Automatic Autonomous flight
“Level 3”…Visible range/Uninhabited area
“Level 4”…Visible range/Manned area December 5
The most advanced "Level 4" is expected to be a major milestone in the efforts to utilize drones, etc., which the government and industry have dubbed the "industrial revolution in the sky", and the range of utilization will greatly expand
.
increase.
Manufacturers developing drones are saying that it will be the first year of drones, and that it will be the first step in the explosive spread of drones.
Q.
When will you fly over us?
Overseas?
A.
Although the ban has been lifted, it will still take some time before the flight environment is ready in Japan, so the government expects that "Level 4" flight will be realized within this year at the earliest, and it will appear as a service even further. It looks like it's going to be
However, overseas, Google-affiliated companies have already started a delivery service in some areas such as the United States and Australia that delivers medical supplies and daily necessities ordered by smartphone to the eaves of the house by drone, and Amazon is also part of the United States. We are planning to start a delivery service using drones in the region by the end of the year.
Drones were originally developed for military purposes, but as technology advances, they are rapidly being used in a variety of situations, such as logistics, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and disaster relief, even at the level up to Level 3. progressing.
As the introduction of “Level 4” flight progresses, it may not be long before we see drones flying when we look up at the sky.
Project Professor Shinji Suzuki of the University of Tokyo, who is familiar with drones, has the following outlook.
Project Professor Shinji Suzuki of the University of Tokyo
: "Even in Japan, first of all, it may be possible to carry daily necessities and medicines using small drones in such a way that even if they were to fall, they would not cause much damage. In five to ten years, it will become more expensive." If a machine with safety guaranteed at the level comes out, it will be able to be used in a wider range of ways.”
Q.
How is safety ensured in places where there are people?
A.
With this revision of the law, the country newly established a "aircraft certification system" and a "pilot license system".
In the case of "Level 4", these are required as flight conditions to ensure strict safety.
"Machine authentication system"
This is a system to ensure the safety of the drone itself.
During the development of the aircraft manufacturer, the manufacturer applies for it and inspects whether it will not crash even if a failure occurs and whether it will not deviate from the expected flight range, and only those that have been approved can fly at level 4. increase.
"Operating license system"
This is to prove that the pilot has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the aircraft.
Practical tests, academic tests, and physical examinations are imposed, and only those who have passed these and obtained national qualifications can fly at level 4.
Exam registration will begin on December 5th, in stages, depending on license type.
At this time, if you have completed a course at a drone school registered in the country, you will be exempted from the practical test.
In anticipation of the spread of the use of drones, driving schools and others are entering such schools.
Q.
What are the movements of drone manufacturers and companies aiming for commercialization?
A.
Drone manufacturers are developing safer aircraft for "Level 4".
Among them, the aircraft called "ACSL", which is being developed by a manufacturer in Tokyo, is equipped with two important parts such as a GPS device that acquires position information so that the flight can continue even if a part breaks. In addition, a parachute that automatically pops out when the aircraft tilts above a certain level is standard equipment.
On the other hand, airlines and online shopping companies are exploring the realization of logistics services.
One of these airlines, ANA Holdings, aims to use drones to deliver luggage carried to airports to isolated islands and mountainous areas that are difficult to reach by air in the future. We are repeating demonstration experiments to identify issues.
Q.
What if there is an accident resulting in personal injury or property damage?
A.
In the event of an accident, the pilot is responsible.
Until now, there have been a series of cases where the owner, etc. could not be identified at the time of the accident, so in June, a system that obliged the registration of the owner of the drone began, and from December 5th, the accident occurred. It is also mandatory to report to the country when there is a violation, and penalties will be imposed if violated.
In addition, serious incidents will be subject to investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, and investigations will be conducted into the causes and measures to prevent recurrence.
Also, in the case of "Level 4", it means that the country will be more rigorous in checking whether it has insurance in the procedure for permitting and approving each flight.
Q.
In the first place, what is a “drone” subject to this law?
A.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "drone", which is subject to the law, is an unmanned aerial vehicle weighing 100 grams or more. refers to what can be done.
Specifically, this includes multi-copters with multiple propellers, radio-controlled aircraft with a structure similar to aircraft, and agricultural helicopters with a single propeller.
Q.
What will be required in the future for popularization?
A.
Drones can be one of the technologies that will help solve problems such as the aging and declining population, so-called "shoppers" and the shortage of truck drivers. New technology.
In addition, problems such as noise, privacy, and information confidentiality have been pointed out as drones fly over people.
Specially Appointed Professor Suzuki talks about these points as follows.
Project Professor Shinji Suzuki , The University of Tokyo
: "Until now, only birds and radio waves could fly in the low skies of less than 150 meters, where airplanes could not fly, but a society is coming where drones are used as a means of making full use of them. On the other hand, There are also concerns about the risk of the drone falling and being misused for terrorism, etc. Technical protection is also necessary to prevent the radio waves necessary for drone control from being hijacked or being crashed by jamming. It is important to use it where it is necessary and where everyone agrees, while maintaining a balance between the benefits of using it and the various risks.”