All About Drone Regulation in India

Drones were first designed for use in warfare, with the simplest forms (balloon bombs) being deployed as early as the mid-nineteenth century. Since then, near-constant conflict and warfare have propelled weapon technology development (including drone technology). Drones are becoming used for more than just armament. Drones are utilised for a variety of purposes, including government, commercial, and recreational.

All About Drone Regulation In India

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), popularly known as drones, are permitted in India. India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) published a new drone policy on August 26, 2021, formalising a draft regulation that was circulated earlier this summer. 

The Drone Rules govern the categorization, authorization, and operation of drones, as well as the assignment of drones with unique identifying numbers and remote pilot licence

Classification

Drones are categorised into the following categories based on their weight under the Drone Rules:

a.Nano drones — weighing less than 250 grammes;

1. Microdrones, which weigh less than 2 kilogrammes but more than 250 grammes;

c.Small drones – those that weigh more than 2 kilogrammes but less than 25 kilogrammes;

1. medium drones–those that weigh more than 25 kilogrammes but not more than 150 kilogrammes; and.

Identification

A unique identifying number is required for each drone (UIN). The drone’s owner can apply for a UIN using the Digital Sky platform.

Certification

Anyone planning to fly a drone (other than a nano or prototype drone) must obtain and comply with a certificate of airworthiness issued by the Quality Council of India, or a certification company recognised by it unless exempted from this requirement.

Drone Regulations in India DGCA

(a) All people owning or having a drone in India, or engaging in exporting, importing, manufacturing, selling, leasing, operating, transferring, or maintaining one; and

(b) all drones are currently in or above India.

(c)With the exception of those provisions whose application is explicitly established in these rules, the provisions of the 1937 Aircraft Rules do not apply to drones or anything associated with or incidental to them.

(b) The rules of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, apply to drones having a maximum all-up weight of more than 500 kg.

(e) Drones deployed by the Union’s naval, military, or air forces are exempt from these laws.

(f) No one shall engage in any conduct that is in violation of these rules.

Definitions Of DGCA

(a) “Authorised remote pilot training organisation” means any organisation that has been approved by the Director-General to provide the training required by these regulations.

(b) “Automatic drone operation” refers to a drone operation that follows preprogrammed instructions but allows the drone driver to intervene at any moment.

In India, there are certain general guidelines for flying a drone.

Here are the most significant rules to know about operating a drone in India, based on our study and interpretation of the legislation.

Except for those in the Nano category, all drones must be registered and given a Unique Identification Number (UIN) (UIN).

Commercial drone activities require permission (except for those in the Nano category flown below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).

While flying, drone pilots must preserve a direct visual line of sight at all times.

Drones aren’t allowed to fly higher than 400 feet in the air.

Filing a flight plan and receiving a unique Air Defense Clearance (ADC)/Flight Information Center (FIC) number is required to fly in restricted airspace.

India’s Drone Categories

All save the Nano category need registration.

Less than or equal to 250 grammes is considered nano (.55 pounds)

Micro: 250 grammes (.55 pound) to 2 kilogrammes (4.4 pounds)

Small: From 2 kilogrammes (4.4 pounds) to 25 kilogrammes (55 pounds)

Medium: From 55 pounds to 150 pounds (330 pounds)

Large: weighing more than 150 kg (33 pounds)

India’s Drone Equipment Requirements

It’s also worth mentioning that India has particular regulations for the qualities that a drone must have in order to be flown in the country. These are the conditions that must be met:

Return-to-Home (GPS) (RTH)

ID plate with an anti-collision light

A flight controller with the capacity to log flight data

No Takeoff Due to RFID and SIM/No Permission (NPNT)

Conclusion:

Drones were initially developed for military purposes, with the simplest versions (balloon bombs) being used as early as the mid-nineteenth century. Since then, near-constant strife and warfare have fueled advancements in weapon technology (including drone technology). Drones are increasingly being employed for purposes other than weapons. Drones are used for a wide range of applications, including government, commercial, and recreational.

Unless exempted, anybody wanting to fly a drone (other than a nano or prototype drone) must obtain and comply with an airworthiness certificate provided by the Quality Council of India, or a certification organisation recognised by it.