The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the Drone Rules, 2021.

These Rules were produced under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and replaced the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021.

The 1934 Act controls the production, possession, operation, and sale of civilian aircraft in India.

The Rules controlled the ownership and operation of remotely operable and autonomous aircraft in India.

It lowered the approvals and regulations needed in operating drones in India.

The Drone Rules 2021 abolish the requirement of any certificate for operating or importing drones.

The import of drones will be regulated by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (or any other institution authorised by the Union government) (or any other entity authorised by the Union government).

No pilot licence is necessary for micro drones (for non-commercial use), nano drones and R&D firms.

Coverage of drones under Drone Rules, 2021 raised from 300 kg to 500 kg. This will cover drone taxis also.

The DGCA shall regulate training criteria, oversee drone schools and grant pilot licences online.

Manufacturers may generate their drone’s unique identification number on the digital sky platform using the self-certification approach.

Drone lanes will be constructed for cargo deliveries.

Liberalised Drone Rules, 2021 was notified in August 2021.

Drone Airspace Map has opened up nearly 90% of the Indian airspace area as the green zone for drones flying up to 400 feet.

The production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones was notified.

UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Policy Framework was released.

A monetary grant program for the purchase of agricultural drones was announced.

Drone certification scheme to obtain type certificates by drone manufacturers.

Mission ‘Drone Shakti’ was announced for supporting drone start-ups.

A drone import policy has been published, banning the import of foreign drones.

Source: PIB