Regarding Drones

Do you have any drone pilot certifications?

I hold a First-Class UAV Pilot (National License)

What types of national licenses are there?

The national licensing system for unmanned aircraft (drones) commenced on December 5, 2022. Two categories have been established: First-Class Unmanned Aircraft Pilot and Second-Class Unmanned Aircraft Pilot. The First-Class Unmanned Aircraft Pilot qualification permits flight under all conditions up to and including Category III (Level 4: Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight over third parties in populated areas without an assistant). However, even after obtaining the license, Category III (Level 4) flights require a Type 1 certified aircraft and a permit/approval for each flight. The Class 2 UAV Pilot license currently corresponds to flights from Category I to Category II. Flights outside of Category III can be conducted using the Class 2 UAV Pilot license. This eliminates the need for some of the current permits/approvals required from the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

How can I obtain a national license?

To obtain a national license, a practical (skills) exam, a classroom exam, and a physical examination are required at a designated testing facility. However, if you take a course at a registered training institute and pass the final examination, you are exempted from the practical (skills) examination at the designated testing institute.

Does the national license have an expiration date?

The license is valid for three years. Renewal training must be completed every three years to renew the license. Renewal training is conducted at registered renewal training institutions.

What laws apply to drones?

Regarding drone flight, laws include the Revised Aviation Act, the Act on the Prohibition of Flight of Small Unmanned Aircraft, the Road Traffic Act, the Civil Code, the Radio Act, the Personal Information Protection Act, the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, the Industrial Waste Act, and the Penal Code. Additionally, ordinances of each local government also apply.

Is there a size (weight) distinction for drones?

The amended Aviation Act applies to drones weighing 100g or more. Those below this weight are exempt. However, the Small Unmanned Aircraft Flight Prohibition Act applies to all drones regardless of weight.

Are there any permits or applications required to fly a drone?

When flying a drone, prior application and permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) are required in the following cases:
・Flights in airspace surrounding airports (including heliports)
・Flights over designated population density areas (DID) based on the national census
・Flights in airspace at or above 150m above ground or water level
・Emergency service airspace
・Flights outside daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset) (night flights)
・Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights
・Flights within 30m of people (third parties) or objects (third-party buildings, vehicles, etc.)
・Flights over events where large numbers of people gather, such as festivals or fairs
・Transportation of hazardous materials, such as explosives
・Dropping of materials (liquids, solids, powders, etc.)
RTB@SAPPORO has obtained nationwide comprehensive permits and approvals from the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for unmanned aircraft operations. *Includes flights in densely populated areas (DID), night flights, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, and flights within 30m of third parties.

When inspecting a 160m-tall steel tower, is flight prohibited at altitudes above 150m?

On September 24, 2021, part of the Aviation Act was amended and enacted with the following content. Since aircraft flight is not anticipated around tall structures such as chimneys and towers, even airspace 150m or higher above the ground or water surface is excluded from the no-fly zone for unmanned aircraft (Article 236, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Aviation Law Enforcement Regulations) for airspace within 30m of such structures.

What insurance coverage is in place in case of accidents during drone flights?

We are covered under Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance's Business Activity Comprehensive Insurance. The coverage limits are up to 1 billion JPY for bodily injury and up to 1 billion JPY for property damage.

Regarding Aerial Shooting

What types of work can be done using drones?

Aerial photography and videography, surveying (photogrammetry and laser scanning), and more. For details, please see our Services page.

Unsure whether aerial shooting using drones is permitted at this location.

We will investigate in advance whether aerial photography is possible. Please mark the specific location you wish to film on Google Maps or similar services and provide us with the details.

Can you shoot and edit drone footage for promoting tourist destinations?

We can handle editing up to 4K resolution. Deliverables include digital files, Blu-ray, or DVD. However, as we are not professional editors, we recommend commissioning a specialized company for higher-quality results.

Is it possible to extract still images from a footage?

It is possible, but the quality as a photo will be low. Since video has lower resolution compared to still images, it is not recommended.

What is the max altitude for aerial shooting? Also, what is the max distance?

Under aviation regulations, the max altitude without prior permission is less than 150m. However, we can obtain permission from the relevant authorities, so aerial shooting at altitudes above 150m is also possible.
※We have experience conducting aerial shooting from altitudes as high as 1,500ms.
Regarding flight distance, in compliance with regulations, distances of approximately 2,000 to 3,000m are acceptable.
※We have experience with aerial shooting at distances of up to 9,000m.

Is it possible to schedule a shoot on weekends or holidays?

It is possible if there is availability in the schedule. Please feel free to inquire.

Is monthly regular shooting possible?

Yes, it is possible. Please feel free to contact us.

Can we request live filming?

Yes, that is possible. However, please be aware that depending on the communication conditions, the video may become distorted or experience a time lag.

Can you guarantee drone shooting on my desired date?

We will schedule the shoot date after a preliminary consultation. However, shooting may not be possible due to advance weather forecasts or actual weather conditions on the day. We may decide to postpone or cancel the shoot. Shooting may not be possible under conditions such as snow, rain, fog, or strong winds (wind speeds of 5 m/s or higher at sea level).

What do you do during location scouting before filming?

The purpose is to inspect the area where the drone will fly. Specifically, we check the surrounding buildings and their locations, heights, distances, as well as foot traffic and transportation conditions. We also determine the flight path for shooting.

Can you handle the necessary applications and permits for filming?

Generally, we ask that clients handle these procedures themselves. However, after consultation, we can handle them on your behalf. Please note that this will require sufficient time for processing.

Is it possible for our representative to be present on the day of shooting?

We would greatly appreciate it. It would be helpful if you could confirm the camera angles in real time. We also request monitoring during flight.

Others

What happens to the copyright for the footage and still images you shoot?

The copyright for the footage and still images we shoot fundamentally belongs to “RTB@SAPPORO”. We grant you the right to use them. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance. However, if you require the copyright, we can transfer it upon mutual agreement.

Is a cancellation fee required if I cancel a booked photo session?

Cancellations after booking will incur the standard cancellation fee. Additionally, any pre-arranged actual expenses (transportation, lodging, etc.) will be billed separately.

7 Days Before　　25% of each service fee
2 Days Before　　50% of each service fee
1 Days Before　　75% of each service fee
On The Day　　　100% of each service fee