The new Drone Rules 2021 announced by the government on August 26 are a shot in the arm for the nascent remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) or drone industry in India. The liberalised policy depends on self-regulation and non-intrusive monitoring rather than enforced regulation. It replaces the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules 2021 that the Ministry of Civil Aviation had notified five months ago to test the waters.
The rules will replace the UAS (unmanned aircraft system) Rules 2021 issued on 12 March, the aviation ministry said in a statement.
According to the Drone Rules 2021, the requirement for several approvals have been abolished, including that for unique authorization number, a prototype identification number, certificate of manufacturing and airworthiness, certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, import clearance, acceptance of existing drones, operator permits, authorization of R&D organization, student remote pilot licence, remote pilot instructor authorization and drone port authorization.
no pilot licence will be required to operate micro drones used for non-commercial use, nano drones and for R&D organizations using such drones. The number of forms has also been reduced from 25 to 5 and types of fee sharply reduced from 72 to 4.
Civil Aviation Minister :
“This drone policy is historic. We want to create a strong drone ecosystem in India. This policy will eliminate all unnecessary operational and entry barriers,” civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said at a news conference. “We aim to make India a hub for drones by 2030.”
Summary :
- By reducing the number of fees and number of forms from 72 to 4 and 25 to 5, The Drone Rules, 2021 has reduced the compliance burden from drone startups significantly
- The Drone Rules, 2021 has been drafted on the premise of trust, self-certification and non-intrusive monitoring, says the ministry of civil aviation
- Welcoming the move, startups founders however indicate a slew of reforms that are yet to be introduced and are essential to the industry
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