If you’ve ever applied for drone flight permission in Japan, you’ve definitely come across the term “Restricted Access Measure” (Tachiiri Kanri Sochi).
As you go through the application process on DIPS (Drone/UAS Information Platform System), a section pops up asking, “How will you implement the Restricted Access Measure?” You’ll see checkboxes like:
- Assignment of an assistant (Hojosha)
- Establishment of a restricted access area
- Establishment of a restricted access area (for Level 3 flights)
- Establishment of a No-Entry Area
- Other
To be honest, many people don’t fully grasp what these checkboxes mean.
This “Restricted Access Measure” is a crucial rule designed to prevent accidents while flying a drone.
This article summarizes everything you need to know about the Restricted Access Measure in drone flight, including specific safety management methods, the different types, and penalties for non-compliance. We’ve condensed the key points just for you!
Read on to the end and enjoy safe flying!
What is the “Restricted Access Measure”?
First, let’s confirm the official definition of the Restricted Access Measure (Tachiiri Kanri Sochi).
This term is written in the Aeronautics Act, a law inseparable from the life of a drone user in Japan.
Aeronautics Act, Article 132-85
Restricted Access Measure (refers to measures, prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, to manage the entry of persons other than the person operating the unmanned aircraft and their assistants within the flight path of the unmanned aircraft.)
That’s a bit complicated, so let’s simplify it:
The Restricted Access Measure is an effort to limit the entry of third parties (anyone other than the pilot and their assistants) into the drone’s flight path.
Important Note: The “flight path” is not just directly below the flight route. It includes the entire area where there is a risk of danger if the drone were to fall!
Why is the “Restricted Access Measure” Necessary?
It’s simple: to prevent injury to third parties if an unexpected malfunction occurs during your drone flight.
That’s why the scope of the Restricted Access Measure covers not only the area directly beneath the drone but also the area where a falling drone could pose a danger.
Imagine a worst-case scenario. What if a falling drone you were piloting caused a major accident, like someone being killed or losing a limb?
The lives of the victim, their family, and of course, you and your family would be drastically and tragically impacted. Such a serious accident is a very real possibility with drone flight.
However, if you ensure that no third parties are within the area where the drone could crash, you can prevent a major disaster, even if the drone falls.
As a minimal obligation for a drone pilot, you must adhere to safety rules like the Restricted Access Measure.
Specific Methods for Implementing the “Restricted Access Measure”
Now that you understand what the Restricted Access Measure is and why it exists, let’s look at the specific ways to implement it.
We’ll start with the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Aeronautics Act.
Ordinance for Enforcement of the Aeronautics Act, Article 236-70
(Restricted Access Measure) The measures prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Article 132-85, paragraph 1 of the Act, shall be the assignment of an assistant, the establishment of an area where entry is restricted, and other appropriate measures.
In short, the enforcement ordinance explains that the Restricted Access Measure consists of the following three main methods:
1. Assignment of an Assistant (Hojosha) – [Human Measure]
- You position assistants around the flight area. They visually monitor the area, watch for third parties entering, and issue warnings or verbal announcements to keep people out.
- This is the most common method for implementing the Restricted Access Measure.
2. Establishment of an Area Where Entry is Restricted (Restricted Access Area) – [Physical Measure]
- You use ropes, cones, signs, or fences to clearly mark the flight area and physically restrict third parties from entering.
- The key point here is that this method must physically and reliably prevent access. If there’s even a small chance that a third party could enter, you will still need to assign an assistant!
3. Other Appropriate Measures
- For example, the operational guidelines for drone regulations mention scenarios such as:
- In cases of out-of-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight without an assistant—by using an onboard camera to confirm that no third parties are within or around the direct flight path—this confirmation can be deemed an implementation of the Restricted Access Measure. (This often applies to pilots with an advanced license flying certified aircraft.)
Penalties for Neglecting the Restricted Access Measure
Violation of the Duty to Implement Restricted Access Measures
- If you fly under Category II flight rules (which typically require flight permission) without taking the Restricted Access Measure, you can be subject to a fine of up to 500,000 yen.
In addition to the fine, watch out for impacts on your hard-earned Skill Certification (Drone Pilot License)! Since the certification proves your safety competency, it’s only natural that violations have serious consequences. Penalties can include revocation of the Skill Certification or suspension of its validity for up to one year—these are heavy penalties.
Summary
Hopefully, you now have a solid understanding of the Restricted Access Measure!
It might sound strict, but the Restricted Access Measure is one of the absolute minimum rules you must know to fly a drone safely. Make sure you read the related laws and flight manuals thoroughly to fully grasp them.
Since safety is paramount, don’t leave anything to guesswork—feel free to reach out to us for advice.
Our office offers free consultation and estimates.
If you have any other questions related to drones, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
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