India's New Drone Rules Explained: No Licence Needed To Fly Drones In India
Indian government notified the new liberalised rules to regulate drones in India after the previous ones were panned as restrictive. In this explainer, Indiatimes answers all your questions and concerns about drone usage in India under new rules
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday notified the new liberalised Drone Rules, 2021. The previous rules which were revealed in March 2021 were called restrictive by stakeholders, after which the government moved forward with certain amendments that are now in force.
Drones are officially known as "Unmanned Aircraft Sytems (UAS)" and are extremely useful in different sectors including transportation, agriculture, defence, law enforcement, surveillance, and emergency response among many.
In this explainer, we break down the basic facets of the improved drone rules.
Reuters
Do you need permit to fly mini drones in India?
The new drone rules aim to ease the process of using drones in India for various purposes, including non-commercial use. For example, under India's new drone rules, you do not require security clearance to operate and fly tiny drones in the air. In addition, the government is carving out drone corridors to facilitate delivery of cargo deliveries.
No government intrusion for drone use in India
In its notification, the Indian government claims that new regulatory rules for usage of drones in India are built on the premise of "trust, self-certification, and monitoring with minimal scope of intrusion." The focus this time has shifted from precaution to maximisation of drone usage in the country.
With the new drone rules, the Indian government hopes to trigger growth of drone usage in multiple industries.
Reuters
No unique authorisation number for drones in India
Earlier, the Indian government had mandated a series of approvals including unique authorisation number, a unique prototype identification number, a certificate of manufacturing and airworthiness, certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, acceptance of existing drones, remote pilot instructor authorisation, and so on.
Now, none of these approvals are required, as per the August 26, 2021, order issued by Indian government for drone use in the country.
How much weight can drones carry?
With the new drone rules, the government has increased the payload of drones from 300 kilograms to 500 kilograms.
What is the penalty for non-conformity?
The new maximum penalty for drone-related non-conformity stands at ?1,00,000 in India. Even then, this does not take into account other laws that one may break in the process of using drones, which the government hasn't clarified yet.
Reuters
Where can I fly my drone? What about green zones?
Now, the Green, Yellow, Red zones will be shown on the digital sky platform to enable ease for all stakeholders. The Yellow Zone has been reduced from 45 to 12 kilometres around airports. Within the Green Zone, no permission is required to operate drones up to 200 feet covering the distance of 8 to 12 kilometres near airport perimeter.
Do I still need to register my drone?
YES! Online registration for all drones is mandatory and can be done on the digital sky platform which can be accessed here. The process for transfer and de-registration of drones is also expected to get easier.
Do I need a pilot's licence for drone in India?
For non-commercial use, no pilot licence is required if you're operating nano and micro drones, the new government rules state.
Cost of remote pilot licence for drones?
The fee for remote pilot licence for drones in India has been reduced to nominal levels and also delinked from the size of the drone. Now, you just need to pay ?100 for all categories of drones and the remote pilot licence for drones will be valid for 10 years.
Reuters
Will the drone rules be updated?
The government will notify more updates on parameters like 'No permission - no take off' (NPNT), real time tracking beacon, geo fencing, etc. The government is now offering a minimum six-month lead time for compliance for the new drone rules issued today.
How to do drone training and examination?
All drone training will be provided only by authorised drone schools. The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will set training requirements, assess drone schools, and provide pilot licences online.
Who needs a drone licence in India?
Research and development entities no longer require a type certificate, a unique identification number, prior permission, or a remote pilot licence for drone flying in India.
"Type certification" of the drones will now be undertaken by the Quality Council of India and other entities that have received authorisation from QCI.
The import of drones will now be overseen by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). In addition, the government will set up Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council to ensure regulation that booms business. Read the Indian government's 30 point approach to drones in India here.
I live for all-things-technology - gadgets, novel climate solutions, and startups that are changing the game. In my leisurely hours, you can find me binge watching science fiction films, writing poetry, or dancing to pop anthems.
Read More
