DRONE REGISTRATION IN INDIA

Introduction

India is experiencing significant growth across various sectors, coupled with advancements in innovation and technology. Drone technology is rapidly evolving, with continuous advancements being witnessed on a large scale. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, offer extensive advantages to numerous sectors of the economy, including agriculture, infrastructure, emergency response, media and entertainment, transportation, geospatial mapping, law enforcement, and national defense, among others. They automate hazardous and repetitive tasks, contributing to increased efficiency and safety.

The Indian government is actively engaged in building a cutting-edge drone ecosystem in the country. This initiative aims to develop both physical and digital infrastructure to facilitate safe, efficient, and secure access to Indian airspace for millions of drones.

The introduction of the New Drone Rules in India has enabled the establishment of a comprehensive certification and accreditation framework for drones. This framework is set to facilitate the widespread commercial adoption of diverse drone technologies while ensuring sufficient safeguards. The drone certification scheme streamlines the process for drone manufacturers to acquire a type certificate for their drones, potentially fostering the growth of a robust ecosystem for manufacturing high-quality drones in India. Explore the details of the drone rule 2021 below.

Drone rule 2021

In accordance with the drone rule 2021, operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in India is permissible only if the UAS possesses a type certificate and is registered on the digital sky platform, unless specifically exempted from the stipulated requirements outlined in these rules.

Drone regulations in India apply to individuals who own, possess, lease, operate, transfer, or maintain an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) within the country. These regulations also encompass all registered UAS and those currently in use within or above Indian airspace.

Gazette Notification of Drone Rule 2021

TYPES OF DRONE (UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM)

Categorisation of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are classified into three main types: airplanes, rotorcraft, and hybrids.

The airplane, rotorcraft, and hybrid unmanned aircraft systems will be further categorized as follows:

1. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

2. Model Remotely piloted aircraft system

3. Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System

Classification of Drone:

UAS have been categorized based on their maximum total weight, including payload, as follows:

DRONE CERTIFICATION IN INDIA

Type certificate for Drone:According to drone rule 2021, operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in India is only permitted if it adheres to a type certificate or is exempted from the requirement of a type certificate as outlined in these rules.

Type certification involves the validation of the aircraft's design and all components, including propellers, engines, control stations, etc. It confirms that the design complies with relevant airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) assesses and issues a type certificate for a drone, based on the statement of conformity and recommendation from the Quality Council of India (QCI) or an accredited testing agency for a particular UAS model type. Only UAS models certified by the DGCA are permitted to use the Certification Mark.

Exemption from Type Certificate:

• A Type certificate is unnecessary for the manufacturing or importation of an unmanned aircraft system.

• A Type certificate is not obligatory for operating model remotely piloted aircraft and nano unmanned aircraft systems. However, all other UAS must undergo type certification before operation.

Steps to Acquire a Type Certificate for Drones

The process for obtaining drone certification in India is outlined below:

1. Account and profile creation:An account and profile must be established on the DigitalSky platform by individuals seeking to obtain a type certificate.

2. Prototype detail submission:Following the creation of the profile, the Applicant should log in to the DigitalSky platform and complete the application form by providing details of their prototype UAS model.

3. Application and fee submission:The applicant must pay the fee and finalize the submission of the Application for Type Certificate (Form D-1) along with the necessary documents for the prototype unmanned aircraft system as specified therein.

4. Testing of prototype UAS:Upon receiving the application, a designated authorized testing entity (ATE) will reach out to the applicant to conduct equipment testing to confirm compliance requirements. Subsequently, the authorized testing entity will assess the proposal, submit the test report, and provide their recommendations to the Director General.

5. Review and Grant of Type certificate: Upon reviewing the test report and recommendations from QCI/ATE, the DGCA will assess the application. If deemed satisfactory, the DGCA will issue the applicant a type certificate for the specific type of unmanned aircraft system.

Documents required to obtain Type certificate (Drone certificate):

The following documents are necessary to obtain a Type certificate for a drone:

• Documents verifying the Indian legal entity of the manufacturer (RC/Trade Mark).

• Documents concerning authorizations and permissions mandated by Central Government Regulations.

• Equipment Type Approval for UAS (Drone).

• Elaborate drawings.

• Design evaluation.

• Analysis and testing reports (Ground tests / Flight tests).

• UAS Flight Manual / UAS logbook / manufacturer's operating manual.

• Maintenance Manual.

• Maintenance Inspection Schedule.

• Additional pertinent reports.

REGISTRATION OF DRONE IN INDIA

To operate a drone (unmanned aircraft system), individuals must register it on the digital sky platform and acquire a unique identification number (UIN). Operating a UAS without registering it on the digital sky platform and obtaining a UIN, unless exempted by drone rules, is prohibited.

The individual operating an unmanned aircraft system holds the responsibility of ensuring that the system adheres to a valid type certificate. Drone registration and obtaining a UIN are essential for traceability and accountability, akin to the license plate number assigned to vehicles. Once establishing a complete digital connection between the drone, its manufacturer, and the operator, the UIN is issued through the Digital Sky platform.

PROCEDURE

The procedure for drone registration in India is outlined below:

1. Account and profile creation:An account and profile must be established on the DigitalSky platform by individuals seeking a UIN for a type-certified UAS.

2. Application and fee submission:Upon profile creation, individuals must submit Application Form D-2 on the digital sky platform, accompanied by the necessary fee and information, including the unique number of the type certificate that the unmanned aircraft system conforms to.

3. Verification of Application: The digital sky platform will authenticate the submitted details.

4. Grant of UIN:Following application verification, the digital sky platform will issue the applicant a unique identification number (UIN). The UIN will be associated with the manufacturer's unique serial number, as well as the unique serial numbers of its flight control module and remote pilot station.

Documents required for registration of drone in India:

The following documents are essential for drone registration in India:

• Organization name and address

• Company registration ID

• Valid GST certificate

• Director's name along with their Director Identification Number (DIN)

• Aadhar card of one director

• Detailed drone specifications

• Photograph of the drone

Transfer of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone):

Upon furnishing the essential details concerning the transferor, transferee, and unique identification number of the unmanned aircraft system through Form D-3 on the digital sky platform, accompanied by the specified fee as outlined in rule 46, an individual is permitted to transfer an unmanned aircraft system to another party via methods such as sale, lease, gift, or any other permissible mode.

Deregistration of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone):

If an unmanned aircraft system registered under someone's name is permanently lost or irreparably damaged, they must initiate the deregistration process by submitting an application via Form D-3 on the digital sky platform. Additionally, they need to include the specified fee as outlined in rule 46.

REMOTE PILOT LICENCE

To operate an unmanned aircraft system, a remote pilot license is necessary. Drones can only be flown by individuals registered on the digital sky platform and possessing a valid drone pilot license. This license specifies the category, sub-category, or classification of the unmanned aircraft system for which it's issued.

Eligibility for Remote Pilot Licence:

To acquire a remote pilot license, an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

2. Have successfully completed the equivalent of a tenth-grade examination.

3. Have undergone training from an authorized remote pilot training organization.

Documents required for remote pilot licence:

Below are the necessary documents for obtaining a drone pilot license:

• Id and address proof

• Latest photograph

• Aadhar number

• Training organisation details

• UAS details

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A REMOTE PILOT LICENCE

Here's the process to acquire a drone license:

1. Training of PilotAnyone seeking to obtain a remote pilot license for a drone (Unmanned Aircraft System) must undergo training and successfully pass the test administered by an authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO).

2. Application Submission:Following the training, the Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO) will file an application for a remote pilot license via Form D-4 on the digital sky platform. This application must be accompanied by the requisite fee and include details about the individual who successfully completed the test.

3. Grant of Remote Pilot Certificate: Upon successful submission, a remote pilot certificate will be issued through the digital sky platform.

4. Grant of Remote Pilot Licence: The Director General will issue the remote pilot license via the digital sky platform within fifteen days from the date of issuing the remote pilot certificate.

Validity of Remote Pilot Licence

A remote pilot license remains valid only when registered on the digital sky platform and remains active for a duration of ten years, unless suspended or canceled.

Exemption from obtaining Remote Pilot Licence

Operating a nano or micro unmanned aircraft system for non-commercial purposes does not necessitate a remote pilot license.

Approval for Remote Pilot Training Organization

Only a certified remote pilot training organization is permitted to provide training to individuals seeking a remote pilot license. To operate such an organization, it must meet specific eligibility requirements and secure authorization from the DGCA.

Documents Needed for Authorization of Remote Pilot Training Organization

The subsequent documents are necessary for acquiring Authorization for Remote Pilot Training Organization:

• Information of individuals or organization's leader

• Organization particulars

• Organization registration identification

• Evidence of land ownership or rental agreement

• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) specifications and documentation

Steps to Obtain Authorization for Remote Pilot Training Organization

The procedure for acquiring authorization for a remote pilot training organization is as follows:

1. Account and Profile CreationAn RTPO account and profile must be established on the DigitalSky platform if not already done.

2. Application Submission:The applicant must log in and provide authorization details by submitting Form D5 on the digital sky platform.

3. Application Fee Submission:The applicant is required to pay the application fee and finalize the submission of the application for authorization of the remote pilot training organization. Subsequently, the application will be forwarded to the DGCA for approval.

4. Approval and Grant of Licence: The DGCA will assess the application and provide authorization to establish the remote pilot training organization if the applicant fulfills the requirements and meets the specified criteria.

Validity of Authorisation of remote pilot Training Organisation:

An authorization remains valid for a duration of ten years, unless suspended or revoked. It can be renewed for the duration specified, with a maximum renewal period of ten years at a time, upon payment of the applicable fee.

Exemption from Registration and Type Certificate of Drone:

For research, development, and testing purposes, operating an unmanned aircraft system does not necessitate a type certificate, unique identification number, prior authorization, or remote pilot license.

Drone Registration and Certification Fee

For any questions regarding the most recent update on Drone registration licenses, please reach out to us via email at cs@absoluteveritas.com

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