How Can Aerial Photography Enhance Video Quality? Analyzing Hong Kong's Drone Landscape and Regulations

How Can Aerial Photography Enhance Video Quality? Analyzing Hong Kong's Drone Landscape and Regulations

Produced by Fu Yip Media

Quick Comparison of License Types and Key Differences

Comparison Item	Standard License	Advanced License (AOP)
Exam Requirement	No exam (online registration only)	Theory + practical exam (CAD-approved institutions)
Maximum Altitude	90m	Can apply for >90m (special approval required)
Operational Scope	Low-risk areas only	Permits complex environments (near buildings/crowds)
Insurance	Not mandatory (recommended)	HK$10 million third-party liability insurance required

Operation Restrictions Comparison

Operation Type	Standard License	Advanced License
Night Flight	❌ Prohibited	✅ Applicable (with approval)
Over Crowds	❌ Prohibited	✅ Applicable (with approval)
Within 30m of Buildings	❌ Prohibited	✅ Applicable (with approval)
Restricted Zones	❌ Prohibited	✅ Applicable (with approval)

Key Values of Aerial Photography for Video Production

Visual Upgrade: From 2D to 3D

• Bird's-eye perspectives break traditional framing limits (e.g., Victoria Harbour panoramas, geometric cityscapes)

• Dynamic movements (orbiting, diving) enhance narrative impact

  
  

Diverse Applications

• Film/TV: Establishing shots, drama sequences

• Commercial: Brand ads, event coverage

• Drone light shows

Hong Kong Drone Regulations and Practical Challenges

CAD Core Regulations

• Weight Classification:

  • <250g: No registration (e.g., DJI Mini series)

  • ≥250g: Requires "Remote Pilot Certificate" and registration

• Flight Restrictions:

  • Max altitude: 90m

  • No-fly zones: Within 5km of airports, government/military facilities

  • Disneyland: Globally prohibited (safety/privacy reasons, unrelated to airports)

Local Challenges

• Urban Environment: GPS interference from skyscrapers, narrow flight spaces

• Weather: Frequent rain/humidity affects battery performance

• Privacy Concerns: Residential area filming may violate PDPO (Cap.486)

Compliance Tips

• Use CAD’s "eSUA" app for real-time no-fly zone updates

• Commercial operations require:

  • Third-party liability insurance

  • Advanced Operation Permission (AOP)

Personnel and Operational Requirements

Visual Observer (VO) Mandatory Rules

• Required if Remote Pilot (RP) cannot maintain VLOS alone:

  • VO must stand with RP and maintain real-time communication

  • VO’s sole duty: Ensure drone visibility and monitor obstacles

Flight Log

• Mandatory Records:

  • Date, time, GPS coordinates

  • Altitude, speed

  • Crew list (RP + VO)

• Retention Period: Minimum 3 months (subject to CAD inspection)

Legal Consequences (Cap.448G SUA Order)

• Maximum Penalty: HK$100,000 fine + 2 years imprisonment

• Liability Covers:

  • Remote Pilot (RP)

  • Drone registrant (owner/company)

  • Anyone knowingly permitting violations

This is How Can Aerial Photography Enhance Video Quality? Analyzing Hong Kong's Drone Landscape and Regulations above

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s drone regulations (Cap.448G) balance creativity and public safety. Compliance is essential for sustainable operations, whether for hobbyists or professionals.

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