### Comprehensive Overview of Drone Usage Regulations

The regulation of drone usage has become an increasingly important aspect of national airspace management due to the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both recreational and commercial purposes. Different countries have developed specific frameworks to govern the deployment, operation, and limitations of drone technology. This document examines two primary regulatory frameworks that exemplify the approaches different countries have taken.

#### **United States: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Regulations**

##### **Historical Context and Development**

In the United States, the regulation of drone usage is primarily overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation charged with regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the country. As drone technology evolved and became more widespread, the need for specific regulations governing UAVs became apparent.

##### **Regulation Under Part 107**

The FAA's Part 107, officially known as the "Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations", were enacted in June 2016. These rules are specifically tailored to govern the use of drones weighing less than 55 pounds that are used for commercial purposes, though many of the rules also impact recreational users.

**Key Provisions of Part 107 Include:**

- **Operator Requirements**: Operators must hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be directly supervised by someone who holds such a certificate.
- **Operational Limitations**: Drones must be flown at or below 400 feet, remain within visual line-of-sight, and operate during daylight hours or civil twilight hours.
- **No-Fly Zones**: Drone operation is prohibited in certain airspace without prior FAA authorization.
- **Purpose of Use**: Part 107 regulates commercial use, but recreational flyers are also encouraged to adhere to these standards for safety.

##### **Implementation and Impact**

The introduction of Part 107 was a significant development in the regulation of drone operations, balancing the advantages of UAV use with concerns about safety, privacy, and national security.

#### **South Korea: Act on Promotion of the Use and Distribution of Drones**

##### **Historical Context and Development**

In South Korea, drone regulation is managed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). The growing popularity of drones for various applications, from commercial photography to logistics, prompted the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework.

##### **The Act on Promotion of the Use and Distribution of Drones**

This act was promulgated to facilitate the safe and efficient integration of drones into the national airspace system, to encourage the growth of the drone industry, and to establish clear rules that pertain to the operation of UAVs in South Korea.

**Major Components of the Act Include:**

- **Registration and Certification**: Drones and their operators must be registered with MOLIT. This includes provisions for training and certification of drone pilots.
- **Operational Guidelines**: The Act sets out specific guidelines for where and how drones can be operated, focusing on preventing interference with manned aircraft and ensuring public safety.
- **Innovation and Development**: Beyond regulation, the Act also aims to promote technological innovation within the drone industry. This includes support for research and development of new UAV technologies.

##### **Implementation and Impact**

The Act has helped position South Korea as a leader in the adoption and regulation of UAV technology, fostering growth while ensuring safety and compliance in drone operations.

#### **Conclusion**

While the specific regulatory details differ, both the USA's FAA Part 107 and South Korea's Act on the Promotion of the Use and Distribution of Drones illustrate the complex balance between encouraging technological and commercial advances and addressing the safety, privacy, and security issues that arise with UAVs. As drone technology continues to evolve, ongoing updates and revisions to these regulations will likely be necessary to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.