New Drone Rules to Unlock Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations
A comprehensive package of proposed drone regulations is set to modernize the operational landscape for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The initiative focuses on enhancing spectrum management, elevating technical standards, and facilitating wider commercial adoption of drones, all while bolstering safety and security protocols. The public consultation period for these significant reforms is open until July 3rd.
The current regulatory framework, established in 2020, restricts drone flights to within visual line of sight, utilizing only unlicensed spectrum bands. However, the explosive growth in diverse drone applications across various sectors has necessitated a revision of these rules to keep pace with technological advancements and align with international best practices.
Key Pillars of the Proposed Reforms
The proposed reforms are structured around four key areas, detailed in draft notifications covering spectrum use for UAVs, technical standards for radar and communication equipment on drones, ground station standards, and authorized spectrum for general use.
1. Expanding Spectrum Availability
The regulator plans to significantly increase the availability of unlicensed spectrum by opening up new frequency bands. These include 72-72.475MHz and 920-925MHz. This strategic move aims to alleviate congestion in existing bands, such as 433.05-434.79MHz, 2.4-2.5GHz, and 5.725-5.850GHz, which are currently crucial for drone communications.
2. Enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
A major objective of these reforms is to unlock BVLOS drone operations by permitting control via mobile telecommunications networks. This will be supported across most assigned International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum bands, with the exception of the 2600MHz band. Furthermore, satellite-based drone operations will be authorized in allocated bands, with downlink communications utilizing 1518-1559MHz and uplink communications using 1610-1660.5MHz.
This expanded framework is designed to support advanced commercial applications, including logistics and delivery services, precision agriculture, critical infrastructure inspections, and disaster relief efforts.
3. Enhancing Anti-Collision Systems
The spectrum available for anti-collision radar systems is being expanded to include high-frequency bands at 57-64GHz and 76-77GHz, in addition to the existing 24.05-24.25GHz range. These additions are anticipated to improve the accuracy of obstacle detection and automated collision-avoidance capabilities, thereby significantly enhancing aviation safety.
4. Introducing Remote ID Requirements
The draft regulations mandate the implementation of Remote ID requirements. This system will enable drones to transmit real-time identification and location data. Authorities state that this will lead to increased transparency, bolster public safety, aid law enforcement, and facilitate more effective monitoring of drone activities.
Continued Oversight and Security Measures
It is emphasized that drone operators will still be required to secure flight permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. The regulator will continue to oversee drone possession registration and spectrum authorization processes.
Concerns regarding national security and inappropriate drone usage have also been addressed. Drones capable of BVLOS operations will require possession approval before use and must be equipped with Remote ID systems to ensure effective monitoring during flights, as stated by AM Thanapant Raicharoen, NBTC commissioner for broadcasting and chairman of the subcommittee on spectrum management and technical standards.
