28-07-2021 | 16:26 PM
Draft Drone Rules, 2021
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has released ‘The Drone Rules, 2021’ for public consultation. The Drone Rules, 2021 will replace the UAS Rules 2021.
Key Highlights:
• As per new rules, there will be the minimal human interface on the digital sky platform and most permissions will be self-generated.
• It will also notify safety features such as ‘No Permission – No Take-off’ (NPNT), real-time tracking beacon, geo-fencing, etc. in the future.
• Under the rules, the import of drones & drone components will be regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
• All drone training and testing will be carried out by an authorized drone school.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will prescribe training requirements, look after drone schools and provide pilot licenses online.
Three zones in airspace map
• The entire airspace of India has been segregated into three zones for drone operations and is published in the digital sky platform. The three different zones include:
• Green zone: This zone means the airspace from the ground up to a vertical distance of 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level (AGL) that has not been designated as a red zone or yellow zone in the airspace map for drone operations.
• Yellow zone: It is the controlled airspace where drone operations are restricted and shall require permission from the concerned air traffic control authority.
• Red zone: It is the airspace where drone operations shall be permitted only under exceptional circumstances by the Central Government.
