News Japan approves Level-4 drone flights in urban areas

Drone flying over the Sumida River (Kyodo)​

What is level-4 flight?

There are four types or "levels" of drone flights under Japanese regulations. Level 1 is where the human pilot stays within visual range of the aircraft. These flights are typically for things like aerial photography and bridge inspections. Level-2 flights are automated, with a programmed departure, speed, route and arrival that takes place within visual range. These flights are often conducted to spray crops or to survey land for civil engineering projects. Level-3 flights are "out-of-sight flights over uninhabited areas." They are permitted in places where humans are not usually present, such as over rivers, the ocean or forests. Test flights conducted by Japan Post for transport between post offices in Fukushima prefecture, in northern Japan, fall into this category.

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Urban drone flights now legal in Japan: 4 things to know

Companies rush to roll out delivery systems with 'Level-4' ban lifted

asia.nikkei.com

Japan approves urban drone flights outside visible range

To ensure safe flight, the government will require operators to obtain a license issued under a newly launched system and have their drones inspected and approved.

www.japantimes.co.jp