Drones: India's new rules
THE USE OF DRONES
However, the restrictions on operations beyond visual line-of-sight, in which there is commercial interest, have not been lifted.
What are the new rules?
- Coverage of drones increased from 300kg to 500kg, including heavy cargo drones and drone taxis.
- No security clearance required before registration or licence issuance for drones, and has lesser fees.
- Several approvals have abolished, number of forms reduced from 25 to 5 types of fees reduced to 4.
- Drone corridors to be developed for cargo deliveries. Maximum penalty for violations reduced to 1 lakh.
- No remote pilot license required for micro drones (for non-commercial use) and nano drones.
Digital Sky Platform
Digitalsky is a government initiative, which is designed to enable flights permission digitally and manage Unmanned Aircraft operations and traffic effciently. Its functions include:
- Displays an interactive airspace map with green, yellow and red zones.
- Online registation with an easy process for the transfer and deregistration of drones with minimal human intraction.
- Generation drones unique identification number(UIN) on thr digital sky platform through the self-certification route.
How will the licensing work?
The new drone policy aims to provide for the regularisation of the existing drones in India. DGCA shall prescribe drone training requirements, oversee drone school and provide pilot licenses online.
Remote pilot license to be issued within 15 days.
Policy
A council will be set up to facilitate participation from academia, startups and other stakeholders to facilitate a business and growth-oriented regulatory regime. No restriction on foreign ownership in Indian drone companies. Import of drones to be regulated by Directorate Generl of Foreign Trade(DGFT).
Standard operating procedures (SOP) and training procedure manuals will be prescribed by DGCA on the digital sky platform for self-monitoring by users. No approvals are required unless there is a significant change from the prescribed procedures.
Safety and security features like No permission- no takeoff(NPNT), real time tracking beacon, geo-fencing, etc to be notifies in the future.


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