The government released the update – Drone Rules, 2021 for public comment today. The Drone Rules 2021 will replace the UAS Rules 2021 (published on March 12, 2021). The deadline for receiving public comments is August 5, 2021.
The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, would require unique identification numbers, according to the final draft rules prepared by the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).
Key takeaways from the draft drone rules, 2021 include:
Drone corridors will be developed for freight deliveries.
Coverage for drones under the Drone Rules, 2021 increased from 300 kg to 500 kg. This will also cover drone taxis.
Approvals withdrawn: unique authorization number, unique identification number of the prototype, certificate of conformity, maintenance certificate, import authorization, acceptance of existing drones, operator license, authorization of an R&D organization, license of remote pilot student, remote pilot instructor authorization, drone authorization etc. .
Number of forms reduced from 25 to 6.
Fees reduced to nominal levels. No connection with the size of the drone.
Security features such as “No Clearance – No Take Off” (NPNT), real-time tracking beacon, geo-fencing, and more. will be notified in the future. Six months will be granted for compliance.
The Digital Sky platform will be developed as a user-friendly one-stop online system for businesses.
There will be minimal human interface on the Digital Sky Platform and most permissions will be self-generated.
An interactive airspace map with green, yellow and red areas will be displayed on the digital sky platform.
Yellow zone reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the perimeter of the airport.
No flight clearance required up to 400 feet in green areas and up to 200 feet in the area 8 to 12 km from the airport perimeter.
No pilot license required for micro-drones (for non-commercial use), nano-drones and for R&D organizations.
No restrictions on drone operations by foreign companies registered in India.
Import of drones and drone components to be regulated by the DGFT.
No security clearance required prior to registration or licensing.
No requirement for certificate of airworthiness, unique identification number, prior authorization and remote pilot license for R&D entities.
All drone training and testing must be performed by an approved drone school. The DGCA will prescribe training requirements, oversee drone schools, and provide online pilot licenses.
Issuance of the airworthiness certificate delegated to the Quality Council of India and the certification bodies authorized by it.
The manufacturer can generate their drone’s unique identification number on the Sky digital platform through the self-certification path.
Easier process prescribed for drone transfer and deregistration.
Standard operating procedures (SOP) and training procedure manuals (TPM) will be prescribed by the DGAC on the digital sky platform for self-monitoring by users. No approval required, unless there is a significant deviation from prescribed procedures.
Maximum penalty under drone rules, 2021 reduced to 1 lakh INR. However, this does not apply to penalties for violations of other laws.
Creation of a drone promotion council to facilitate a regulatory regime favorable to businesses.
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