The Ministry of Civil Aviation on 15th July 2021 has updated The Drone Rules, 2021 for public consultation, which will soon replace the UAS (unmanned aircraft system) Rules 2021.
As per the draft rules, the number of forms to be filled to seek authorisation before operating a drone has been reduced from 25 to six and operating drones without a unique identification number will not be allowed, unless exempted.
There will be minimal human interface on the digital sky platform and most permissions will be self-generated and no flight permission required upto 400 feet in green zones and upto 200 feet in the area between 8 and 12 km from the airport perimeter.
The fee, in the draft rules, has been reduced to nominal levels and de-linked from the size of the drone and has also abolished the requirement of various approvals, including certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, import clearance, acceptance of existing drones, operator permits, authorization of R&D organisation and student remote pilot licence.
Further, the draft rules have also prescribed easier process for transfer and deregistration of drones.
The last date for the public to submit their comments on the draft rules is August 5.
