Drone and its restrictions in India

Remotely Piloted Aricraft (RPA) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS) , commonly known as Drones are used widely in India for various purposes.

This ranges from recreational purpose to official coverage. Introduction of small, handy, pocket-friendly drones of various size and capacity made Ariel Photography and Videography more popular. Though professional users are capable of maneuvering these aircrafts more efficiently, the availability and cheap prices made even non-professionals to operate these systems. Inexperienced users made several minor and major accidents worldwide. Considering all these matters, DGCA had made some policies for the regulation of RPA movement under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

This ranges from recreational purpose to official coverage. Introduction of small, handy, pocket-friendly drones of various size and capacity made Ariel Photography and Videography more popular. Though professional users are capable of maneuvering these aircrafts more efficiently, the availability and cheap prices made even non-professionals to operate these systems. Inexperienced users made several minor and major accidents worldwide. Considering all these matters, DGCA had made some policies for the regulation of RPA move under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

Inorder to fly a drone legally, in India, one must complete 10th grade with English and must obtain Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and Unique Identification Number (UIN) which are issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India (DGCA) and should get basic RPA training from DGCA authorized Flying Training Organization (FTO). One can apply through Digital Sky platform for UAOP & UIN. The maximum altitude or height which commercial or private drones can utilize is 400ft. Please refer DGCA circular for the process of application.

DGCA categorizes RPA into 5 categories :- ● Nano : less than or equal to 250 grams ● Micro : greater than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 Kilograms ● Small : greater than 2 Kilograms and less than or equal to 25 Kilograms ● Medium : greater than 25 Kilograms and less than or equal to 150 Kilograms ● Large : greater than 150 Kilograms

Exemption from UAOP: ◆ Nano RPA operating below 50 ft in uncontrolled airspace or closed premises ◆ Micro RPA operating below 200 ft in uncontrolled airspace or closed premises ( User shall notify Local Police Authority regarding the same) ◆ RPAs used by government agencies (security)

Remote Pilot Training Requirements a) Basic Radio Telephony (RT) techniques including knowledge of radio frequencies. b) Flight Planning and ATC procedures. c) Regulations specific to area of operations. d) Basic knowledge of principles of flight and aerodynamics for fixed wing, rotary wing, and hybrid aircraft. e) Airspace Structure and Airspace Restrictions with knowledge of No Drone Zones f) Basic Aviation Meteorology

For RPA's intended to fly upto 400 ft must have these following : ●) SSR transponder (Mode ‘C’ or ‘S’) or ADS-B OUT equipment ●) Barometric equipment with capability for remote sub-scale setting ●) Geo-fencing capability ●) Detect and Avoid capability

Restricted Areas : 1. Red zones : It is a no-fly areas (which include regions close to airports, national borders and military bases) 2.Yellow zones: Flying in this area will require approvals before flying. 3. Green zones: They are unrestricted areas

All RPA operators (except NANO) are required to file thier flight plans 24hrs prior to obtain clearence from authorities. Cancellation shall also be notified and should inform local police (except Nano drones) in writing before commencing operation. If the operation is in a controlled Air Space, the pilot shall be in continuous contact with the Air Traffic Control for safer operation. Flying any type of drones near or inside airports is treated as serious crime and such flying may result in damages to aircraft or airport structure as well. Minimum 3KM from Airport perimeter is the safe distance for drone operation. For some airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, its 5KM. Flying can be restricted in any uncontrolled airspace by local policing authority in the view of security.

List of Do's and Don'ts for safe flying :-

Do's ●Ensure your Drone (except Nano in uncontrolled airspace upto 50ft) is Digital Sky “No Permission- No Take off” (NPNT) Compliant ●Obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) from DGCA for operating in controlled airspace and affix it on your drone ● Obtain Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), if applicable from DGCA for commercial operations and keep it handy ● Obtain Permission before each flight through Digital Sky Platform ● Ensure 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 visual range of your drone. ● Follow Flying Guidelines ● Do your homework before spending the considerable money for 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 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 intimate concerned authorities (like DGCA, local police etc.) of any incidents/ accidents

Don'ts ● 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 drone near other aircraft (manned or unmanned) ● Don’t fly drone near airports and heliports ● Don’t fly drone over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people without permission ● Don’t fly drone over government facilities/military bases or over/ near any no-drone zones. ● Don’t fly drone over private property unless permission is given. ● Don't fly drone in controlled airspace near airports without filing flight plan or AAI/ADC permission (at least 24 hours before actual operation). ● Don’t drop or carry hazardous material ● Don’t fly drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol ● Don’t fly drone from a moving vehicle, ship or aircraft