Classification of Unmanned Aircraft Exceeding Ultralight Thresholds

Verified from official sources
Article 3Version 1Effective -Verified 31 August 2026

In plain language

If your unmanned aerial vehicle exceeds the weight or specification limits set for ultralight flying devices, it is legally classified as an 'aircraft' (무인항공기) rather than a drone, subjecting it to much stricter aviation safety regulations.

Requirement as structured

An unmanned aerial vehicle (무인비행장치) that exceeds the criteria specified in Article 5, Item 5 of the Enforcement Regulations is classified as an aircraft (항공기인 기기) under the Aviation Safety Act.

Original regulatory text

영 제2조제1호에서 "최대이륙중량, 좌석 수, 속도 또는 자체중량 등이 국토교통부령으로 정하는 기준을 초과하는 기기"란 다음 각 호의 어느 하나에 해당하는 것을 말한다. 2. 제5조제5호 각 목의 기준을 초과하는 무인비행장치