Simpler drone rules in the offing

Simpler drone rules in the offing

Subject: Governance

Context : Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has released the updated – The Drone Rules, 2021 for public consultation. The Drone Rules, 2021 will replace the UAS Rules 2021 (released on 12 March 2021).

Concept:

Draft Drone Rules, 2021:

• The number of forms to be filled to seek authorisation before operating a drone has been reduced from 25 to six.
• Fee reduced to nominal levels. No linkage with the size of the drone.
• Safety features like ‘No permission – no take-off’ (NPNT), real-time tracking beacon, geo-fencing, etc. to be notified in future. A six-month lead time will be provided for compliance.
• Digital sky platform would be developed as a business-friendly single-window online system.
• No pilot licence required for micro drones (for non-commercial use), nano drones and for R&D organisations.
• No restriction on drone operations by foreign-owned companies registered in India.
• Import of drones and drone components to be regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This is in order to encourage indigenous manufacturing.
• No security clearance required before any registration or licence issuance.
• Coverage of drones under Drone Rules, 2021 increased from 300 kg to 500 kg. This will cover drone taxis also.
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation shall prescribe training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licences online.
• Maximum penalty under Drone Rules, 2021 reduced to INR 1 lakh.
• Drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries.
• Drone promotion council to be set up to facilitate a business-friendly regulatory regime.
• The Union government may specify certain standards for obtaining a certificate of airworthiness for drones, which will promote the use of made-in-India technologies, designs, components and drones; and India’s regional navigation satellite system named Navigation with Indian Constellation [NavIC].