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Taiwan's Drone Rule Overhaul Sparks Outcry, Threatens Hengchun Peninsula Flights

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration has updated drone regulations, creating new restricted zones around critical infrastructure.
  • The changes, particularly a 10-kilometer buffer zone, have angered drone enthusiasts by encompassing popular tourist spots in the Hengchun Peninsula.
  • Critics fear the new rules, implemented without sufficient public notice, could lead to more accidental violations, similar to a recent case involving influencer Zhong Mingxuan.

Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) has unexpectedly updated its drone regulations, establishing new restricted airspace zones around critical infrastructure. This move has sparked widespread dismay among drone operators nationwide.

The updated regulations divide airspace into two main zones. The first is the "central core zone" around the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant (RCR45), a highly restricted area managed jointly by the CAA and Taiwan Power Company. The second, and more controversial, is the "outer buffer zone," a 10-kilometer radius around important facilities, announced by the Pingtung County Government at the request of central government agencies like the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan Power.

This new 10-kilometer buffer zone has significantly impacted popular drone photography locations on the Hengchun Peninsula. Areas like Kenting Street, Xiaowan, and Dajian Mountain, previously accessible for recreational flying, are now completely blocked. Even the scenic Baisha Beach, known for its sunsets, has become a controlled zone requiring permission from the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant.

This is a raid. How would ordinary people check the CAA's website daily?

— Ah Huang (pseudonym)A local drone enthusiast expressed frustration over the sudden implementation of new drone regulations without adequate public notice.

Local drone enthusiasts are frustrated, calling the changes a "raid" and criticizing the lack of public consultation. "How would ordinary people check the CAA's website daily?" asked a veteran drone player, who noted that the entire Hengchun Township is now largely restricted for individual recreational users. This effectively signals the end of personal drone photography in Kenting for leisure.

Concerns are mounting that these sudden changes, implemented with minimal public awareness, could lead to more unintentional violations. The recent fine issued to influencer Zhong Mingxuan for illegal drone filming in a sensitive area is cited as an example of how easily individuals can fall afoul of complex regulations. Critics are calling for clearer communication and a more substantial public awareness campaign to prevent a wave of fines and public resentment.

It's likely to force out more Zhong Mingxuans who accidentally break the law.

— Unspecified criticThis statement reflects the fear that the new, complex regulations will lead to more unintentional violations by the public.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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