China opens first civilian drone base in Shanghai

The Civil Aviation Administration of China on Friday announced the opening of the country's first test-flight base for civilian drones in Shanghai.

The base, located in the district of Qingpu, will provide service to thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in a country where private drones have become very popular, reports Efe news.

Drones in China are required to fly at a height below 150 metres and all test flights to be monitored for safety reasons to avoid obstructing air operations.

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of China, there are over 120,000 registered drones in the country.

China has approximately 500 drone manufacturers, controlling almost 70 per cent of market share.

The use of UAV, initially used in videography, for recreational purposes, security and agriculture, has expanded dramatically.

--IANS

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