Taiwan Drone Flying FAQ 空拍機常見問題

 (Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with local authorities or property if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.

​Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.

Now you have an idea of what kind of beautiful places you can drone in Taiwan, let's start with the Q and A below. 

Q: What are drone flying laws/restrictions in Taiwan?
A: For a full list of aviation regulations in Taiwan, click here.
According to the current Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 9-2 (officially effective March 2020):
Operation of drone flight activities shall comply with the following rules:

1. The actual flight altitude of drone shall not exceed 400 feet (121 meters) above the ground level or sea level;
2. Dropping or spraying of any item from drone is prohibited;
3. Loading the dangerous goods set forth in Article 43, paragraph 3 is prohibited;
4. Restriction on the operations set forth in Article 99-17 shall apply;
5. No activity is allowed above the crowd or outdoor assembly and parade;
6. No flight activity is allowed between sunset and sunrise;
7. Operation shall be within the visual range; no tool shall be used to extend the distance of flight operation except corrective lens;
8. The operator shall not control two or more drones at the same time;
9. The operator shall monitor the flight and the surrounding conditions of the drone at all times;
10. The drone shall avoid approaching or colliding with other aircraft, building or obstacles.

Other regulations:

• Registration of drone shall be required for the drone with maximum takeoff weight exceeding 250g (effective March 2020)
• The drone does not exceed a 900 meter radius from the operator (effective March 2020)
• Drones should stay a safe distance away from highways, freeways, railways, MRT, buildings, and other obstacles.
• Drone should not be controlled from moving vehicles or watercraft (effective March 2020)
• The drone's speed should not exceed 160 km/h (effective March 2020)
• Drone flight activities shall be prohibited within the prohibited area and restricted area, and at a certain distance from the boundary of an airport or airfield. 
• Any drone that enters into the prohibited or restricted area set forth in paragraph 1 without permission shall be terminated or excluded by the administrator of the prohibited or restricted area with appropriate measures. 

Q: Is there a drone flying map for Taiwan?
A: Yes, please click here: https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/
Please note that this map is for reference only. 

Q: What places are forbidden for drone flying in Taiwan?
A: Airports, military bases, national parks (without approval), and other places marked by the government, local officials, or private property owners. 
Specifically for airports, this means that you cannot fly within 2.6 km of the sides of the airport, or within a 5 km radius of the mid-end points of the airport. Also, you cannot fly above 60 meters of the airport within 6 km of either side of the airport or within a 10 km radius of the mid-end points of the airport. 
For other places that are marked as no fly zones, please refer to this map here: https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/
Please note that the map in the link above is not 100% accurate and that local rules and regulations prevail. 
 
Q: How to I apply to fly my drone in Taiwan's national parks?
A: Not every national park requires that you apply to fly drones. Here are some that do:
Taroko Gorge: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Event/NewsDetail?id=6721
Kenting: https://www.ktnp.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=3DE11E74CBD6C44E&sms=44C35FDEACCB8049&s=F3B6640AB53641E5
Yangmingshan: https://eip.ymsnp.gov.tw/web/system/apply2/ 
​
Q: What is the height restriction for flying drones in Taiwan?
A: Altitude not exceeding 400 feet (121 meters) above the ground level, or other restricted area such as near an airport. 

Q: What is good drone flying etiquette in Taiwan?

• Don't fly low to the ground when there are people nearby
• Don't fly directly above other people
• Don't buzz people and be mindful of the noise you are making
• Don't take footage of wild animals, this could spook them and cause harm to them
• Don't fly in strong winds or when it is raining
• Land your drone well before you run out of battery
• Take off and land from an area with limited people
• Always ask permission before flying on private property
• Don't fly in a drone restricted area! Check here for a full map.

Q: What happens if I crash my drone in Taiwan?
A: Cry. For my experience crashing a drone, click here.

Q: Are drones allowed in luggage in Taiwan airports?
A: Yes, but the batteries and drone should stay in your carry on luggage.

Q: Do I need to register my drone in Taiwan?
A: Registration of drone shall be required for the drone with maximum takeoff weight exceeding 250g (effective March 2020)

Q: Does a DJI Spark need to be registered in Taiwan?
A: Starting from March 2020, DJI Sparks should be registered because the takeoff weight is 300g.

Q: How do I register my drone in Taiwan?
A: You will need to do this online, using the Civil Aviation department's website or APP.

Q: Do you need a drone license to fly in Taiwan?
A: Starting March 2020, if you drone is over 2kg in weight, then yes you must have a drone license to fly. 

Q: Do you need a permit to fly a commercial drone in Taiwan?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I use my home country's drone license to fly in Taiwan if I am a foreigner?
A: Yes, but you must first apply with the Civil Aviation department first for recognition of your home country's licence. Please note this is only needed for those with drones of 2kg or above, taking effect March of 2020. 

Q: Does my drone need to be inspected in Taiwan?
A: If you are flying a drone above 25kg in Taiwan, then you drone must pass government inspection in order to fly.

Q: What is the fine for flying above the restricted airspace in Taiwan?
A: Flying too close to airports or over 400 feet above the ground could be subject to a 300,000 - 1,500,000 NT fine (10,000 - 45,000 USD), in addition to confiscation of the drone. 

Q:What is the best drone to buy for beginners?
A: For beginners, it is probably best to fly a non-expensive drone. I would recommend the Tello drone which is stable and takes great video, but can't go very far. Buy the DJI Tello here, the best beginners drone on the market: https://click.dji.com/ALN3p82EUzXea0h4xH6ZyQ?pm=link ​​

Q: Where can I purchase DJI drone related products in Taiwan?
Buy the Spark here: https://click.dji.com/AIgWUtXuHLTxUbajN0VR?pm=link 
Buy the Spark portable charging station here: https://click.dji.com/AEZHGVC_GP_TALLyMw5z?pm=link
DJI Care Refresh (Spark):  https://click.dji.com/AECzmUJVWZ-H6vMYcm4n?pm=link
​You can buy the DJI spark combo set here in Taiwan using this link: https://click.dji.com/AIgWUtXuHLTxUbajN0VR?
Buy the DJI Tello here, the best beginners drone on the market: https://click.dji.com/ALN3p82EUzXea0h4xH6ZyQ?pm=link ​
Buy the Mavic Air here: https://click.dji.com/AMj2rCD6l_U4ADa8BJjytw?pm=link
Buy the Mavic 2 here: https://click.dji.com/ABFYwWPGVgOXlAp98jdmiw?pm=link 
Buy the Mavic Pro here: https://click.dji.com/ALmawlgdtxQOoh1QnOWu?pm=link
Buy the Mavic Pro Platinum here: https://click.dji.com/AIGyn44UW36Gq_FZcI8m?pm=link
If you use one of the above links to purchase a drone, I get some commission!

For a full list of our other FAQ's on Taiwan, click here. 

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