Category: India

Highlights of UAS Rules 2021

• UAS have been categorized as airplane, rotorcraft and hybrid with further categorization as remotely piloted aircraft, model remotely piloted aircraft and autonomous unmanned aircraft system.

• UAS have been classified as Nano, Micro, Small, Medium and Large unmanned aircraft based on the maximum all up weight including its pay load ranging from less than 250gram to 150 kilograms. Nano UAs can be classified in the next higher category if it exceeds performance parameters of flight speed and height.

• It is mandatory for individuals and companies to obtain approval from the DGCA to Import, Manufacture, Trade, Own or Operate drones.

• No Permission- No Take-off (NPNT) policy has been adopted for all UAS except for those in the nano category.

• Micro and small UAS are not permitted from flying above 60m and 120m, respectively.

• All UAS, except nano category, have to be equipped with flashing anti-collision strobe lights, flight data logging capability, secondary surveillance radar transponder, real-time tracking system and 360 degree collision avoidance system, among others.

• All UAS including nano category, are required to be equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System, Autonomous Flight Termination System or Return to Home option, geo-fencing capability and flight controller, among others.

• UAS prohibited from flying in strategic and sensitive location, including near airports, defense airports, border areas, military installations/facilities and areas earmarked as strategic locations/vital installations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Nano, micro and small UAS operations limited to within the visual line of sight and are prohibited from delivery of goods.

• Research and development (R&D) organizations, including start-ups, authorized UAS manufacturer, any accredited recognized institution of higher education located in India, are permitted to carry out R&D of UAS only after obtaining authorization from the DGCA.

• Penalties ranging between rupees Ten thousand and One lakh for individuals, and for organizations, it can be 200% to 400% of the amount specified for individuals, based on the size of the organization.