Guidelines for the safe simultaneous operation of multiple unmanned aircraft in Japan
Unmanned aircraft are widely used in areas such as pesticide spraying, photography, surveying, and infrastructure inspection, but human resource shortages are an issue. In response to this situation, the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established “Guidelines for the safe simultaneous operation of multiple unmanned aircraft in Japan” in March 28, 2025, in order to solve the problem of “operating more unmanned aircraft simultaneously with fewer personnel.”
These guidelines were established to promote the commercialization of unmanned aircraft by expanding the safe operation of multiple aircraft simultaneously and increasing the maximum number of aircraft in operation through new technologies.
According to these guidelines, there are 4 key points for safely operating multiple aircraft simultaneously.
1．Requirements for aircraft
2．Requirements for pilots
3．Requirements for flight operations management
4．Verification of flight risks and countermeasures
In addition to the flight manual, it is necessary to establish “safety management regulations (*1),” “education, training, and qualification management manuals (*1),” and other documents, and comprehensive rule establishment is recommended.
*1 : The names of manuals are examples.
Summary of Guidelines for the safe simultaneous operation of multiple unmanned aircraft in Japan (1st ed. *2)
●Operations subject to the Guidelines
Operations up to 1:5 (5 aircraft per pilot)(*3) conducted in Level 3 or 3.5 flights
●Requirements, etc.
◎Aircraft : Autopilot function (including operation intervention in case of emergency), cameras that can monitor outside of the aircraft, fail-safe function, etc.
◎Pilot : To be trained for emergencies, etc.
◎Flight Operation Management : Layout of operation/monitoring screens shall be such that it is easy to understand the situation and make decisions (e.g., installation of pop-up functions, etc.), etc.
◎Additionally, operation risk verification and examples of countermeasures, etc. shall be described.
*2：To be reviewed the guideline gradually in the future based on the development status of unmanned aircraft, etc.
*3：To be set as the upper limit at this time ( on the assumption that the aircraft is monitored by human eyes)
In future reviews, the use of new technology, such as AI, is being considered.
Reference : Website of the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/kouku10_hh_000276.html