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The Small Unmanned Aircraft Order (Cap. 448G) (SUA Order) under the Civil Aviation Ordinance (Cap. 448) has been effective since June 1, 2022. Although the Ordinance does not apply to aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft (SUA), belonging to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) requires government flights to be operated in safety standards comparable to the regulatory requirements under the SUA Order. To ensure the Force SUAs are operated in safety standards comparable to the regulatory requirements, Force Order on SUA deployment has been in effect since December 2022. The Key Points and Search Division (KPSDIV) conducted two large-scale briefing sessions for Force members in November 2022 to introduce the functions of SUA, workflow of application and relevant operating procedures.
KPSDIV, as the unit responsible for the policy of Force SUA operations, has been maintaining close liaison with the CAD for the formulation of the Force policy, operational procedures and training framework. In December 2021, KPSDIV was recognised by CAD as a SUA Approved Training Organisation to deliver SUA training, making the Force the first government department and the second organisation in Hong Kong to be qualified. The training equips the officers with knowledge on the Hong Kong aviation rules, and the ability to conduct SUA operation in a safe manner through meticulous flight planning, risk assessment and mitigation procedures. KPSDIV has already trained more than 250 Force members to become qualified Force Remote Pilots. It will keep abreast of the technology advancement to enhance the operational efficiency and the professional ability of the Force members.
