NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA ) has come out with strict rules to keep a tab on people operating remotely piloted aircraft systems ( RPAS ).

Obtaining a licence to operate a drone over 2 kg in weight will now cost you Rs 25,000. Renewing the licence will come at Rs 10,000. Not only that, anyone flying these drones will need formal training to do so from a DGCAapproved flying training organisation. These users, apart from security agencies, must first obtain a unique identification number (UIN).

The DGCA has categorised RPAS into five categories —nano (weighing up to 250gm and mostly used as toys), micro (250gm to 2 kg), small (2-25kg), medium (25-150kg) and large (above 150 kg).

“For imported RPAS, import clearance from DGCA and import licence from DGFT are required before applying for a UIN,” according to a guidance manual issued by DGCA chief B S Bhullar.

People who want to operate these drones must be over 18 years of age, “should have passed at least the 10th exam in English and should either obtain security clearance from the Union home ministry or submit self- attested copies of at least two out of three valid identity proofs — passport, driving license or Aadhar Card,” the manual says.

In case of foreign remote pilots employed by Indian entity, DGCA shall forward the documents for clearance to security agencies in accordance with the procedure being followed for Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) pilots. Remote pilot training will not be needed for nano and micro category RPA pilots intending to operate in uncontrolled airspace.

After getting the UIP, operators wishing to fly drones over 2 kg will have to apply for the unmanned aircraft operator permit (UAOP) through the digital sky platform along with a fee of Rs 25,000. However, security agencies will not need this permit. Among documents required for this are “permission of the land/property owner (only for area used for take-off and landing of RPA). Details of remote pilot (s) along with security clearance from the MHA.”

