드론사고 예방 및 책임 강화를 위한 입법론적 연구

With the rapid advancement of drone technology and its increasing applications across various sectors, safety issues and drone-related accidents have emerged as pressing concerns. In South Korea, the current regulatory framework, primarily based on the Aviation Safety Act, was originally designed for manned aircraft and thus fails to adequately address the unique technical characteristics and operational environments of drones. Drones, by their nature—being small, unmanned, and remotely operated—present distinct risks such as operator error, signal interference, hacking, illegal surveillance, and violations of privacy. However, the existing legal system lacks clear standards and enforcement mechanisms to effectively manage these risks. This study critically examines the limitations of the current legal structure and highlights the urgent need for a dedicated legal framework tailored to drone operations. Focusing on the recently proposed “Act on the Management and Use of Drones,” this paper explores specific legislative improvements, including a broader definition of drone-related accidents, the codification of safety responsibilities for operators, enhanced liability and penalty provisions, and the introduction of pre-operation safety assessments and certification systems. Ultimately, this research proposes a comprehensive legal reform that ensures public safety and protects citizens' rights without hindering technological innovation and industrial development in the drone sector.