Game of drones: Aviation ministry introduces new Liberalised Drone Rules 2021; eases security clearance
Under the new Liberalised Drone Rules 2021, no security clearance is required before registration or licence issuance for the usage of drones. In addition to that, the fees for obtaining permission to operate drones have also been reduced.
Good news for drone enthusiasts in the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday has introduced new norms in the Drone Rules 2021, thus introducing a liberalised regime for the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) than what existed before.
Under the new Liberalised Drone Rules 2021, no security clearance is required before registration or licence issuance for the usage of drones. In addition to that, the fees for obtaining permission to operate drones have also been reduced.
The new rules also state that drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries, ushering in a new era of technology in the Indian landscape. It has been specified that coverage of drones under Drone Rules 2021 has been increased from 300 kilograms to 500 kilograms, including heavy payload-carrying drones and drone taxis.
Some of the earlier approvals that have been abolished under the new rule include a unique authorisation number, unique prototype identification number certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, operator permits, authorisation of Research and Development, organisation, and remote pilot instructor authorisation, the rules state.
The rules further state that a dedicated interactive airspace map with green, yellow, and red zones will be displayed in the digital sky platform. The yellow zones have been reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the airport perimeter. Whereas, no permission is required for operating drones in green zones and upto 200 feet in the area between 8-12 km from the airport perimeter.
Besides, online registration of all drones shall happen through the Digital Sky Platform, an easy process prescribed for the transfer and re-registration of drones.
The import of drones from foreign countries will however be regulated by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the rules state. Further, the maximum penalty for misuse of drones has been reduced to Rs 1 lakh, according to the new policy.
(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)
TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp: CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.
