Improvement of management system through aircraft registration system and differentiated pilot qualifications
Drones are classified into a total of four levels based on performance and risk.

Starting in 2021, drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2kg must be reported, and prior online training must be completed to operate drones exceeding 250g.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on February 19 that it will issue a legislative notice for the 'Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Safety Act' and the 'Amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Aviation Safety Act,' which classify and manage drones into a total of four levels based on their performance and risk level.

The drone management system is classified into toy model aircraft (less than 250g), low-risk unmanned aerial vehicles (250g to 7kg), medium-risk unmanned aerial vehicles (7 to 25kg), and high-risk unmanned aerial vehicles (25 to 150kg).

The key contents of this drone management system improvement plan are the application of an aircraft registration system, known as the real-name drone system, and differentiated pilot qualifications.

The drone real-name system mandates that owners of drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2kg must report their aircraft, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to make it easily accessible to anyone through the internet or smartphone applications.

Regarding drone pilot qualifications, operators of large commercial drones in accordance with current laws, as well as small hobby drones ranging from 250g to 2kg, are required to undergo online training, and for drones exceeding 2kg, certain flight experienceIt is applied differentially in stages through ability and written and practical exams.

Operational guidelines will also be established to allow drones for educational purposes to be flown at an altitude of 20m or less under the supervision of an instructor on elementary, middle, and high school playgrounds, even if they fall under a no-fly zone.

This revised plan unifies the terms 'empty weight' and 'maximum takeoff weight,' which have previously caused confusion in the interpretation and application of drone regulations, into 'maximum takeoff weight based on drone performance.'

In addition, to increase the utilization of drones that have been promoted so far, such as supporting drone demonstration cities, designating drone parks, shortening the special flight approval period, and establishing a drone company support hub, policy discussions and industry meetings have been held with industry, academia, and research stakeholders for about a year.

Kim Sang-do, Deputy Minister for Aviation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, “For the development of the drone industry, it is of paramount importance to dispel public anxiety regarding drones,” adding, “Starting with the drone real-name registration system, we will create a safe and convenient drone operating environment.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to promulgate this amendment in May after going through legislative notice, inter-ministerial consultations, and review by the Ministry of Government Legislation, and plans to implement the amendments on drone registration and pilot qualifications starting January 1, 2021.