Drone Licensing Requirements in India: What You Need to Know

Operating drones in India requires a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This process, while crucial, ensures safe and legal operation of drones. This article will guide you through the steps required to obtain a drone license and navigate the comprehensive set of drone laws in India.

What is a Drone License in India?

Due to the stringent regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), flying a drone in India necessitates a license. These regulations are designed to ensure public safety and protect airspace integrity.

Before flying a drone in India, you must obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for your drone. It is essential to comply with these requirements, whether your drone is used for recreational or commercial purposes.

Steps to Obtain a Drone License in India

The process of obtaining a drone license in India involves several steps:

Visit DGCAs Digital Sky Platform: This is the official platform for obtaining a drone license. Complete Necessary Procedures: Provide personal and drone details as needed on the platform. Training and Certification: Undergo training from DGCA-approved organizations to become a licensed drone pilot. Comply with Regulations: Adhere to the drone laws and regulations outlined by the DGCA to ensure safe and authorized drone operations in India.

Understanding the Drone Regulations in India

The landscape of drone regulations in India has significantly evolved. Initially, there were no clear rules, leading to confusion for both government authorities and drone owners. However, the DGCA, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, took the initiative to address these issues by drafting and implementing a set of drone regulations.

The DGCA has categorized drones based on their weights:

Nano Drone: Less than or equal to 250 grams. Micro Drone: GreaterThan 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg. Small Drone: GreaterThan 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg. Medium Drone: GreaterThan 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg. Large Drone: GreaterThan 150 kg.

For drone activities, including both recreational and commercial use, obtaining the necessary permits is essential. The DGCA provides training and certification through DGCA-approved organizations to help drone operators comply with the regulations.

Recent Updates and Relaxations in Drone Rules

The government of India has liberalized drone rules, offering some relaxations to drone operators. Until recently, only nano drones up to 250 grams required a license. However, the government has now extended this relaxation to micro drones up to 2 kg, provided they are used for non-commercial purposes.

For commercial use of micro drones, additional training is necessary. Trainees must enroll in a DGCA-approved drone training institute to receive a “Remote Pilot Certificate.” Once obtained, this certificate makes the individual eligible to fly micro drones for commercial purposes, thereby simplifying the process and increasing the number of qualified drone pilots in the country.

Conclusion

Operating drones in India is now more regulated than ever before, but with the right guidance and compliance, it can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Ensure you stay informed about any updates or changes in drone regulations to remain in full compliance and ensure safe and authorized drone operations.