Shanghai has tightened safety controls on drones and other aircraft during the 48th WorldSkills Competition to safeguard low-altitude airspace and prevent unauthorized flights.

Under a notice issued by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, areas within a 5-kilometer radius of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and within a 10-kilometer radius of the Mercedes-Benz Arena are designated as temporary restricted airspace for drones from Sept 20 to Sept 27.

During this period, operating drones and other aircraft is prohibited in the designated areas, except for legally approved activities such as logistics, emergency response, low-altitude cultural and tourism activities, smart-city services, and passenger transportation.

The notice covers low-altitude, low-speed, and small aircraft, as well as floating objects. These include light and ultralight aircraft, light helicopters, gliders, hang gliders, powered hang gliders, paragliders, powered paragliders, hot-air balloons, airships, civilian drones, model aircraft (including aeromodels and spacecraft models), unmanned free balloons, and tethered balloons.

Owners of civilian drones must complete real-name registration in accordance with applicable civil aviation regulations. They can use the Suishenban app to check airspace information and submit flight applications. Owners of other aircraft must cooperate with local police by providing the relevant information.

Anyone operating civilian drones or other aircraft within Shanghai's administrative boundaries must hold the appropriate flight qualifications and comply with applicable radio-management regulations. Except where national laws and regulations provide that no application is required, organizations and individuals must apply in advance to the Air Force and, where applicable, the relevant civil aviation air traffic control or meteorological authorities. These activities may begin only after approval has been granted.

Those who conduct unauthorized flights in violation of the Interim Regulation on the Administration of the Flight of Unmanned Aircraft or the relevant provisions of the notice will be handled by the competent authorities in accordance with their respective responsibilities. Emergency response measures may be taken when necessary and in accordance with the law.

Violations of public security administration will be subject to administrative penalties, while acts constituting crimes will result in criminal liability.

Source: WeChat account "shanghaifabu"