Bhutan is in the process of revising the rules of flying and monitoring drones. Today, you need permission before you fly drones in the country. There are about 300 drones registered with the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority.
Bhutan wants to leverage technology like drones. Given its geography, using these flying machines can make many things simpler, easier and faster. But she is embracing this cutting-edge technology cautiously.
Today, the government is engaging international experts to help the Bhutanese understand drones. It will be flown, but with the highest priority given to safety and proper monitoring.
About 60 participants from the government, private agencies and university students are taught about drone regulations, operational procedures, and safe flying practices in Japan.
“It’s very important that we have active participation from all the stakeholders involved. We also need their feedback. So, to get this feedback, all stakeholders must be on the same level in terms of their knowledge of drone laws and regulations,” said Sonam Jamtsho, Air Worthiness Officer, Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority.
“One is for the aircraft certification, and one is for the pilot certification. So that would be important. I think there are several such regulations that Bhutan lacks compared with the Japanese regulation, but the most important things are those two components,” said Naoki Taguchi, Sr. Manager, Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.
This is also towards finalising the National Drone Strategy and helping Bhutan use drones to better serve the country and its people.
“We will select a few use cases and then conduct a proof of concept under this project. Some of the use cases that are being considered right now, but may be subject to change, are using drones for logistic purposes, and others would be drone light shows, and there are a few more,” added Sonam Jamtsho, Air Worthiness Officer, Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority.
The government is partnering with JICA in a two-and-a-half-year project.
And with that, many aspects of flying these unmanned aircraft might change in the next few years.
Singye Dema
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
