Drone Flying Legal Policy in India: Updated Regulations
What is a Drone?
A drone, also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft that does not require a human pilot onboard to operate. This aircraft can be remotely controlled and can also operate autonomously. Drones come in different models, including the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), which is equipped with hardware that allows it to fly and perform tasks. Drones are used in various applications, including security and surveillance, and package delivery.
Drones in India
Drones have gained popularity in India’s economy and market. However, due to incomplete regulations and missing policies, drone enthusiasts were unable to utilize this technology to its full potential. A new policy was released on December 1, 2018, allowing users to explore the technology further. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation are the key stakeholders in the development of drones in India. The country is also striving to become a global drone hub, with research and development, innovation, and information technology being some of the key focus areas. Flying drones in India has the potential to create employment opportunities and meet domestic demand.
New Policy
Do’s
- Ensure your Drone (except Nano in uncontrolled airspace up to 50ft) is Digital Sky “No Permission- No Takeoff” (NPNT) Compliant
- Obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) from DGCA for operating in controlled airspace and affix it to your drone
- Obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), if applicable, from DGCA for commercial operations and keep it handy
- Obtain Permission before each flight through the Digital Sky Platform
- Ensure the drone is in good condition (not damaged) and fit for flying safely.
- Keep an eye on interference: Interference can be from mobile devices or blockage of signals, do watch out when flying your drone.
- Fly only during daylight (after sunrise to before sunset)Fly in good weather: Good weather lets you not only fly your drone better but also keep track of it in the air.
- Fly in visual line of sight (VLOS): Always be within the visual range of your drone.
- Follow Flying Guidelines
- Do your homework before spending considerable money on a drone. Make sure you clearly understand all operational and regulatory aspects.
- Be aware of Airspace Restrictions/ No Drone Zones
- Do stay away from airports and heliports
- Respect the privacy of people
- Keep local police informed about your drone flying activity. If you are ever approached by police, provide all requisite information.
- Do log your flights and inform concerned authorities (like DGCA, local police, etc.) of any incidents/ accidents
Don’t’s
- Don’t fly a Nano drone above 50ft (15m) from the ground level
- Don’t fly a Micro drone above 200ft (60m) from the ground level
- Don’t fly drones more than 400ft (120m) from the ground level
- Don’t fly a drone near other aircraft (manned or unmanned)
- Don’t fly a drone near airports and heliports
- Don’t fly a drone over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people without permission
- Don’t fly the drone over government facilities/military bases or over/ near any no-drone zones.
- Don’t fly a drone over private property unless permission is given.
- Don’t fly a drone in controlled airspace near airports without filing a flight plan orAAI/ADC permission (at least 24 hours before actual operation).
- Don’t drop or carry hazardous material
- Don’t fly a drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Don’t fly the drone from a moving vehicle, ship, or aircraft
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Which Drones are Allowed in India?
As drones become more popular in India, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding their usage. In order to fly a drone legally in India, operators must obtain both local police authorities’ permission and an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Additionally, depending on the location of the flight, there may be additional state-specific permissions required, which should always be verified beforehand.
It’s crucial for operators to adhere strictly to all applicable safety guidelines during their flights. For example, drones used recreationally must weigh less than 2kg, while those intended for commercial applications require approval from the DGCA if they exceed 25kg. Specialized agencies that provide services like aerial photography, surveying/mapping, and remote sensing operate under different regulations, depending on the application being sought after.
Operators should take into account all relevant rules and safety considerations when using drones to ensure safe operation while avoiding violations and legal implications. It’s also important to note that while most states allow nighttime flight, Maharashtra does not permit night operations at present, but may consider allowing these once sufficient infrastructure has been established.
In summary, obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to all safety guidelines is essential for legal drone operation in India. By doing so, operators can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience while avoiding legal implications.
Drone Usage | Weight Restrictions |
---|---|
Recreational | Less than 2kg |
Commercial | Approval required from DGCA if exceeding 25kg |
Note: Specialized agencies that provide services like aerial photography, surveying/mapping, and remote sensing operate under different regulations depending on the application being sought after.
Which Category of Drones Does Not Require Registration for Use?
Ready-to-fly drones, also known as prebuilt drones, are the only category of drones that do not require registration for use. These drones are designed to be user-friendly and come fully assembled, with all necessary components such as batteries, motors, frames, propellers, and controllers included in the package. This eliminates the need for any additional assembly or customization before takeoff, making them an ideal choice for hobbyists who want to experience flying a drone without the hassle of assembling one from scratch.
Moreover, these drones have built-in safety features that reduce the risk of crashing, making them a safer option for beginners. These drones are available in various sizes and categories, including micro, small, medium, and nano unmanned aircraft systems. However, only the ready-to-fly drones in these categories are exempted from registration requirements.
In summary, if you are a hobbyist looking for a drone that does not require registration, a ready-to-fly drone is the best option. These drones are easy to use, safe, and come fully assembled, making them an ideal choice for beginners.
What Height Can Camera Drones Fly in India?
When it comes to flying camera drones in India, there are no fixed altitude restrictions. However, certain guidelines must be followed to ensure safe and legal operation. It is generally recommended to limit drone altitude to 150 meters above ground level (AGL) to avoid interfering with air traffic in urban areas or disturbing protected zones such as wildlife reserves.
Moreover, it is crucial to avoid flying drones at supersonic speeds within a 5 km radius of airports due to safety regulations around protected airspace controlled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). To ensure absolute safety while filming aerial footage, it is essential to plan the flight path according to AAI requirements before operation.
It is also important to note that there are no-fly zones, green zones, yellow zones, and red zones in India that must be avoided. To navigate these zones, it is recommended to consult an interactive airspace map or seek guidance from local authorities.
In conclusion, while there are no specific altitude restrictions for camera drones in India, it is crucial to follow the guidelines and regulations to ensure safe and legal operation.
Conclusion:
The new policy updates regarding drone flying in India have paved the way for a more responsible and thriving drone community. It’s crucial to understand the categories of drones that don’t require registration, the reasons behind the previous bans, and where to purchase drones, especially in cities like Bangalore. With clearer guidelines, enthusiasts and professionals alike can now fly drones safely, respecting privacy and airspace regulations. This will help build trust between the drone community and the public.
The drone industry in India is set to take off like never before with this new policy. It’s an exciting time for drone enthusiasts and professionals, and it’s essential to stay informed and fly responsibly. As the industry grows, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between innovation and safety. With the right mindset, the sky’s the limit for the drone industry in India.
Kindly visit the official website of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to access the latest information on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, and review the updated policies.