MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. Russia’s federal law of December 30, 2015 “On introducing amendments to the Air Code of the Russian Federation regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles” is coming into force on March 30, 2016. The document regulates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, and aims to increase the general level of aviation security. In connection with the great popularity of drones and the expansion of their scope of use, the need arose to specify certain provisions of the Air Code of the Russian Federation, as well as to establish a government UAV database. The bill, drafted by Russian’s Transport Ministry, was submitted to the State Duma in late March 2015, considered and approved at a government meeting in March 2015, adopted by the Duma in December 2015. The bill was signed into law December 30, 2015 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It takes effect March 30, 2016 – 90 days since its official publication. UAVs to be registered According to the document, all UAVs whose maximum takeoff mass is equal to or exceeds 250 grams are subject to registration. Thus, the law covers even radio-controlled aircraft mockups and children’s toys. Model aircraft enthusiasts’ […]
