The Centre released new drone usage standards on Thursday in a series of progressive rules that dramatically changed the Indian drone landscape. According to the new guidelines, no security check is now necessary before any registration or license issuing for the use of drones. The new guidelines say that the costs for licenses to use drones have been cut to minimal amounts.
For freight delivery, drone routes will be created. According to the statement, drone coverage under the Drone Rules 2021 has been expanded from 300 kilos to 500 kilograms to encompass large payload-carrying drones and drone taxis. A unique authorization number, unique prototype identification number, certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, operator permits, authorization of a Research and Development organization, and remote pilot instructor authorization are among the approvals eliminated under the new rules, according to the rules.
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The maximum punishment under the Drone Rules of 2021 has been lowered to one lakh dollars. Operating a drone in green zones and up to 200 feet in the area between 8 and 12 kilometers from the airport boundary requires no permit.
All drones will be registered online using the Digital Sky Platform. It also mentioned the simple procedure for transferring and de-registering drones. A simple possibility for the regularisation of current drones in the nation was offered. According to the guidelines, using nano and micro drones for non-commercial purposes no longer requires a pilot license. In the future, safety features such as ‘No permission – no take-off’ (NPNT), real-time tracking beacons, geofencing, and others will be alerted. Compliance will be given at least a six-month advance time.
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An authorized drone school will provide all drone training and examinations. According to the statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will set training standards, supervise drone schools, and issue pilot licenses online. Drone type certification has been entrusted to the Quality Council of India and its authorized certification bodies. On the other hand, drone imports will be governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). To promote a business-friendly regulatory framework, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council will be established. The revised ‘The Drone Rules, 2021’ were issued for public input by the Ministry of Civil Aviation earlier this year.
