Foreigners barred from flying drones in India

August 28, 2018 20:01

When civilian drones take to skies under the new regulations from December, foreigners will not be piloting them as they have been barred from operating remotely piloted aircraft in the country.

The requirements for operation of civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, which were unveiled on Monday, would come into force from December 1.

For operating drones, which are unmanned aircraft system, entities have to obtain a Unique Identification Number from aviation regulator DGCA.

Besides, there should be an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit for commercial drone operations and for each flight, permission has to be taken through the proposed digital sky platform.

The civilian drones have been classified into five categories based on Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) -- nano, micro, small, medium and large.

In a detailed set of Frequently Asked Questions regarding drones, the aviation watchdog said that registration would be required for flying them even inside a building. However, the requirement would not be applicable for nano drones, those weighing less than or equal to 250 grams.

According to the regulator, foreigners are not permitted to fly drones in the country.

"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 UIN and UAOP from DGCA," it said.

While drone operations can be carried out only in daylight, the regulator said that flying of micro drones could be allowed during night subject to various conditions.

-- PTI

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