FAQs on Operation of RPAS

What is a drone and UAS?

Drone is a layman terminology for Unmanned Aircraft (UA). There are three subsets of Unmanned Aircraft,

• Remotely Piloted Aircraft
• Autonomous Aircraft and
• Model Aircraft.

What is Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and its categories?

RPAS is one subset of UAS. A remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other components, as specified in the type design. Civil RPA is categorized in accordance with MTOW (including payload) as indicated below:

What is Digital Sky Platform, and when it will be operational?

It is an online IT platform developed for handling UIN, Remote pilot licences applications, permission to fly drones in India, etc. To access it, click here.

What permissions are required to operate drones and from where?

Roles & responsibilities of govt. stakeholders on various aspects of operation of civil remotely piloted aircraft system

What are the requirements for import of Drones (with or without camera) in India?

• Any entity intending to import RPAS in India shall obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC Wing, Department of Telecommunication for operating in de-licensed frequency band(s). Such approval shall be valid for a particular make and model.
• The applicant, other than Nano category, shall apply to DGCA along with ETA for import clearance. Based upon the import clearance issued by DGCA, DGFT shall issue license for import of RPAS.

What is NPNT and how do I comply with that?

NPNT or ‘No Permission – No Take-off” is a software programme that enables every RPA (except Nano) to obtain a valid permissions through digital sky platform before operating in India. Please contact your OEM/ Manufacturer for complying with this requirement.

What is controlled and uncontrolled airspace?

Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are provided.
Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is not necessary or cannot be provided for practical reasons.

I am intending to locally purchase one drone operating in de-licensed frequency band, should I still require ETA from WPC Wing, DoT?

ETA from WPC Wing is required for all wireless equipment working in de-licensed frequency band(s) in India. Ensure to get ETA from the seller or manufacturer of RPA which is required to be uploaded while applying for UIN.

Whether drones fall under the category of restricted items for carrying in hand baggage in aircrafts?

Drones are restricted items and can’t be carried in hand baggage.

Where can I find the filing instructions for UIN/ UAOP etc.?

Instructions for filing all applications online is available in https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in/home, 

I am a foreigner and want to fly drones in India. What are the permission do I require?

Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India. For commercial purpose, they need to lease RPAS to an Indian entity who in-turn will obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) and remote pilot licence from DGCA.

What is UIN?

UIN is unique identification number issued by DGCA for a particular RPA (except Nano).

How much is the fees for UIN & UAOP?

• For Issuance of certificate of airworthiness : Rs 100
• Issuance or transfer of unique identification number : Rs.100.
• Listing or renewal of remote pilot licence : Rs 100
• Authorisation or renewal of authorisation of remote pilot training organisation : Rs.1000.

Where do I pay fees for UIN and UAOP for drone?

You will be prompted for payment through payment Gateway in the Digital Sky Platform.
Or
The link for paying the fees is https://bharatkosh.gov.in/.You need to mention the transaction receipt number and upload copy of the payment receipt in Digital Sky Platform at the time of your application.

How do I mark my unmanned aircraft with my UIN?

After you have been issued with UIN for a particular drone; engrave it on a fire resistant plate and firmly affix on your drone. Ensure the number remains affixed to the aircraft during routine handling and all operating conditions and is readily accessible and legible upon close visual inspection.

If I'm just flying my UAS inside a building, do I have to register it?

For Nano, no UIN is required. However, for micro category and above, UIN is required.

What is UAOP?

UAOP is Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit.

Who all are required to obtain remote pilot licence?

All operators other than exempted categories mentioned below are required to obtain UAOP from DGCA:-

• operating a nano drone;
• operating a micro drone for non-commercial purposes.
• RPA operated by NTRO, ARC, and Central Intelligence Agencies.
• operating drones for research and development purposes –
  (a) Research and development entities under the administrative control of, or recognised by the Central Government, State Governments or Union
  Territory Administrations;
  (b) Educational institutions under the administrative control of, or recognised by the Central Government, State Governments or Union Territory
  Administrations;
  (c) Startups recognised by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade; and
  (d) Any drone manufacturer having a Goods and Service Tax Identification Number

What is the validity of Remote pilot licence?

Ten years

What format do I use for renewal of Remote pilot licence?

Same format is used for issue /renewal of remote pilot licence through Digital Sky app. However, please note you will need fresh security clearance from MHA.

How do I report an incident or accident?

The operator of all RPA except Nano RPA will notify any incident/accident involving RPA to the Director of Air Safety, DGCA through Digital Sky Platform.

I was travelling and lost my bag along with my drone. Whom should I contact now?

Please lodge FIR immediately in local police and report occurrence in Digital Sky along with a copy of FIR.

My drone is completely broken. Can I use its UIN for another drone of same make and model?

No. The operator has to apply for fresh UIN.

I want to sell my used drone to someone. What is the procedure?

RPAS if issued with UIN, cannot be transferred or disposed-off without permission from DGCA. You are required for cancellation of UIN and the buyer has to apply for fresh UIN through Digital Sky Platform.

We are a company registered elsewhere than in India and we have a remote pilot who is licensed by our civil aviation authority. We want to lend our services to an Indian Organisation. What permissions do we require?

Foreign Entity has to lease their RPAS to the Indian Entity. The Indian entity shall apply for UIN and UAOP. Remote Pilot (if a foreign national) should be security cleared. Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India.

Where should I apply for security clearance?

For Security clearance, apply as per the form available in the CAR on RPAS or Use “E-Sahaj – Online portal for processing security clearance applications” available in www.dgca.nic.in

I have a Nano drone. What permissions to I require?

Nano RPA (less than 250 gm) is exempted from obtaining UIN and UAOP. Please ensure not to fly it beyond 50 ft (15m) AGL. Also, ensure you are not flying in controlled airspace and no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby. If operations to be done in controlled airspace you need to apply for UIN, UAOP and your RPA shall be NPNT complaint. It is recommended to fly in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises and go through Do’s and Don’ts every time before you fly.

I have a micro drone engaged in wedding photography, what permission do I need to keep doing it legally.

• You need to obtain UIN.
• You will not require an UAOP if you are flying your drone below 200 ft (60m) AGL in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises. However, you shall intimate the local police office at least 24 hours prior to conduct of actual operations.
• Your drone needs to NPNT compliant and you have to obtain permission through digital sky before flying.

I am an individual want to film my friend’s marriage using drones. What permission do I need?

If you have a micro drone, flying within enclosed premises and below 200ft then; you need to apply for UIN and to intimate local police before operating your drone. You will require UAOP and NPNT if you are flying in controlled airspace.
Also ensure, no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby.

Is delivery of items allowed under the DGCA CAR on UAS?

Not allowed as of now.

I want to deliver foods using drones and it will be fully autonomous and fly below 50 ft. whom should I contact for necessary permission?

Not allowed as of now.

Do I require remote pilot license to fly drone?

No, as of now but you need to undergo minimum training requirements specified in the Civil Aviation Requirements on “Requirements for Operation of Civil RPAS”.

What are the minimum requirements and eligibility for becoming a remote pilot for flying drones?

• You should have attained 18 years of age and should not be more than sixty five years of age
• have passed class tenth or its equivalent examination from a recognised Board, and
• undergone training at DGCA approved flying training organisation (FTO).

Should I maintain flying log when and where I am flying?

All individuals / operators (except Nano), shall maintain records of each RPA flight records and should be produced on demand by DGCA.

Should I maintain maintenance log for the repair/maintenance carried out on RPAS?

All RPA holders shall maintain maintenance records and, should be able to produce on demand by DGCA.

What are the mandatory equipment required to fly upto 400 ft. AGL?

Flying drone upto 400 ft. AGL and visual line of sight are allowed. However, you need to have the following equipment installed on your drones:

a) GNSS (GPS) for horizontal and vertical position fixing.
b) Autonomous Flight Termination System or Return Home (RH) option.
c) Flashing anti-collision strobe lights.
d) RFID and GSM SIM Card/ NPNT compliant for APP based real time tracking.
e) Fire resistant identification plate inscribed with UIN.
f) Flight Controller with flight data logging capacity.
g) SSR transponder (Mode ‘C’ or ‘S’) or ADS-B OUT equipment.
h) Barometric equipment with capability for remote sub-scale setting.
i) Geo-fencing capability.
j) Detect and Avoid capability.

What is an SOP?

SOP or standard operating procedure is a catalogue of procedures that is agreed between prospective UAOP holder and DGCA for safe operation of drones in India.

What is the visual line of sight for flying a drone?

Generally 450m (unaided) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with a minimum ground visibility of 5 km.

I am a wedding photographer and I have a micro drone. Most of the marriages in Northern India happen after sunset. Can I use my drone for covering marriages at night?

All drone operations are restricted to day light and within visual line of sight. However, if you are shooting in well-lit enclosed premises using micro drone upto 200 ft. AGL is allowable. Ensure your drone is NPNT compliant and issued with UIN. Also, you need to inform local police before flying.
Ensure that you follow Do’s and Don’ts and respect individuals’ privacy.

I have a Nano drone, should I also intimate local police each time before I fly?

No. But there is no harm in keeping your local police office informed. In addition, please go through Do’s and Don’ts before flying your Nano drone each time.

Can I use my small drone for agricultural purpose?

RPAS can be used for agricultural purpose except for the purpose of spraying pesticides until specifically cleared.

I have developed a drone that can carry passenger, where can I test it?

Carriage of explosives, animal or human payload are not allowed at this instance. Nevertheless, you can test your drones with dummy on any of the test sites specified in the CAR.

What are no-drone zones?

Areas over which flying a drone is prohibited/ restricted. Please go through the list of no-drone zones in Civil Aviation Requirements.

What is the minimum distance to fly drones from the border areas?

You need to keep at least 25 km distance from international border which includes Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL).

What if I require to fly over a no-drone zone for a genuine purpose? How do I obtain special authorisation for the same?

Flying drone over no-drone zone is prohibited. However, DGCA may authorize such operations on case-to-case basis subject to approval of MoD.

What if I want to test my drone that built for night operation and beyond meteorological conditions, will I be permitted by DGCA?

DGCA may authorise such operation on case-to-case basis subject to adequate justification is provided by you for safe conduct of RPAS operation. Please note, DGCA may impose additional conditions for permitting such operations.
In addition, you may test your drone in the test sites specified in the Civil Aviation Requirements.

What is the minimum amount of insurance should I require for my drone?

DGCA has not stipulated any requirement on minimum amount of insurance for any category of drone. It should be of an adequate amount to cover the risks, damages or other factors that is posed by operation of drone. Further, it is an agreement between the insurance company and you (the policy holder). A nano drone may operate without third party insurance.

What will be the enforcement action on violation of the rules and regulations for drones?

• In case of violation of the rules and regulations for drones, the UIN/UAOP issued by DGCA shall be suspended/cancelled.
• Violation of compliance to any of the requirements and falsification of records/documents shall attract penal action including imposition of penalties not exceeding rupees one lakh in accordance with the provisions as per applicable IPCs (such as 287, 336, 337, 338 or any relevant section of IPC) or Aircraft Act 1934 or Aircraft Rules 1937 or any statutory provisions.

Where can I lodge my grievance regarding Drones?

You can lodge your grievance in www.pgportal.gov.in

Where do I file flight plan? What is the procedure for filing flight plan?

You can file flight plan online through Digital Sky Platform. Procedure for filing flight plan is available in Digital Sky Manual. The link for the Digital Sky Platform/ Manual shall be available in www.dgca.nic.in, and it will be operational from 1st December, 2018.

Source: FAQs on Operation of RPAS Facilities