DRONE REGISTRATION IN INDIA

India is growing in every direction and making a new high in terms of innovation and technology. Drone technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements appearing on a large scale. Unmanned Aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, provide enormous benefits to almost every sector of the economy, including but not limited to agriculture, infrastructure, emergency response, media and entertainment, transportation, geospatial mapping, law enforcement and national defence etc. by automating hazardous and repetitive tasks.

The Indian government has been working to establish a world-leading drone ecosystem in India, which will create the physical and digital infrastructure to support safe, efficient and secure access to the Indian airspace by millions of drones.

The release of New Drone Rules in India has made it possible to establish a global certification and accreditation framework for drones that would scale the commercial application of various drone technologies while providing adequate safeguards. The drone certification scheme makes it simpler for drone manufacturers to obtain a type certificate for the drone. The drone certification programme is likely to develop an ecosystem for manufacturing world-class drones in India. Let’s have a look at drone rule 2021.

As per drone rule 2021, no person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system in India unless such unmanned aircraft system conforms to a type certificate and is registered on the digital sky platform unless exempted from the requirements specified under these rules.

Drone regulation in India shall be applicable to anyone who owns or possesses, or engaged in leasing, operating, transferring or maintaining an unmanned aircraft system in India, as well as to all registered unmanned aircraft systems and those currently being used in or over India.

Categorisation of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone)

UAS are categorised into three types: aeroplanes, rotorcraft, and hybrids.

The aeroplane, rotorcraft and hybrid unmanned aircraft system shall be further sub-categorised as follows:

1. Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
2. Model Remotely piloted aircraft system
3. Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System

Classification of Drone:

UAS have been classified based on their maximum all-up weight, including payload, as follows:

Type certificate for Drone: As per the drone rule 2021, no one shall operate an unmanned aircraft system in India unless it conforms to a type certificate or is exempted from the requirement of a type certificate under these rules.

Type certification is the approval of the aircraft's design and all parts, including propellers, engines, control stations, etc. It certifies that the design meets applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reviews and issues a type certificate for a drone based on the statement of conformity and recommendation of the Quality Council of India (QCI) or an authorised testing agency for a particular type of UAS model. Only DGCA certified UAS models are permitted to use the Certification Mark.

Exemption from Type Certificate:

• A Type certificate is not required for manufacturing or importing an unmanned aircraft system.
• A Type certificate is not required for operating model remotely piloted aircraft and nano unmanned aircraft systems. All other UAS must be type certified before their operation.

The procedure for obtaining drone certification in India is as follows:

1. Account and profile creation: A account and profile shall be created on the DigitalSky platform for the person who intends to obtain a type certificate.
2. Prototype detail submission: After profile creation, the Applicant shall log in on the DigitalSky platform and fill in the details of their prototype UAS model in the application form.
3. Application and fee submission: The applicant shall have to pay the fee and complete the submission of the Application for Type Certificate (Form D-1) and required documents for the prototype unmanned aircraft system as specified therein.
4. Testing of prototype UAS: After receiving application, a selected authorised testing entity (ATE) will contact applicant and test the equipment to verify any compliance requirements. The authorised testing entity shall review the proposal and submit the test report, along with their recommendations, to the Director General.
5. Review and Grant of Type certificate: Based on the test report and the recommendations received from QCI/ ATE, the DGCA shall review the application and, if satisfied, issue to the applicant a type certificate for the specific type of unmanned aircraft system.

The following documents shall be required for obtaining a Type certificate for drone:

1. Documents confirming the Indian legal entity of the manufacturer (RC/Trade Mark).
2. Documents relating to authorisations and permissions required as per Central Government Rules and Regulations.
3. Equipment Type Approval for UAS(Drone)
4. Detailed drawings
5. Design appraisal
6. Analysis and test reports (Ground tests / Flight tests)
7. UAS Flight Manual / UAS logbook / manufacturers operating manual
8. Maintenance Manual
9. Maintenance Inspection Schedule
10. Other relevant reports

Anyone who wants to operate a drone (unmanned aircraft system) must register it on the digital sky platform and obtain a unique identification number. Unless exempted by drone rules, no one shall operate a UAS without first registering it on the digital sky platform and obtaining a UIN.

The person operating an unmanned aircraft system is responsible for ensuring that the unmanned aircraft system complies with a valid type certificate. A drone registration & UIN is required to ensure traceability and accountability and is similar to the licence plate number given to vehicles. After formulating an end-to-end digital link between the drone, its manufacturer, and its operator, the UIN is issued on the Digital Sky platform.

The process of drone registration in India is as follows:

1. Account and profile creation: A account and profile shall be created on the DigitalSky platform for the person who wants a UIN for UAS, which is type certified.
2. Application and fee submission: After profile creation, an application Form D-2 on the digital sky platform must be submitted, along with the required fee and information, including the unique number of the type certificate to which such unmanned aircraft system conforms.
3. Verification of Application: The digital sky platform shall verify the details submitted.
4. Grant of UIN: After verification of the application, the digital sky platform shall issue the applicant a unique identification number. UIN shall be linked to the manufacturer's unique serial number and the unique serial numbers of its flight control module and remote pilot station.

The following documents shall be required for drone registration in India:

• Name and address of the organisation
• Company registration number
• GST certificate
• Name of director with DIN
• Aadhar of one director
• Drone specifications
• Photograph of Drone

Transfer of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone):

After providing the necessary information regarding the transferor, transferee, and unique identification number of the unmanned aircraft system in Form D-3 on the digital sky platform, along with the fee as specified in rule 46, a person may transfer an unmanned aircraft system to another person by way of sale, lease, gift, or any other mode.

Deregistration of unmanned aircraft systems (Drone):

When an unmanned aircraft system registered in a person's name is either permanently lost or permanently damaged, he must apply for deregistration of such unmanned aircraft system by submitting an application in Form D-3 on the digital sky platform along with the fee specified in rule 46.

A remote pilot licence is required to operate an unmanned aircraft system. Drones may only be operated by a person who is registered on the digital sky platform and hold a valid drone pilot licence. A remote pilot licence shall specify the category, sub-category, and classification of the unmanned aircraft system or combination of these for which it is issued.

Eligibility for Remote Pilot Licence:

A person may obtain a remote pilot licence if he

1. is 18 years of age or above
2. has passed class tenth examination or its equivalent
3. has completed the training from any authorised remote pilot training organisation.

Documents required for remote pilot licence:

Following are the documents required for a drone pilot licence:

• Id and address proof
• Latest photograph
• Aadhar number
• Training organisation details
• UAS details

The procedure for obtaining a drone licence is as follows:

1. Training of Pilot: Any person who wants to obtain a remote pilot licence for a drone (Unmanned aircraft system) shall complete the training and pass the test conducted by the authorised remote pilot training organisation (RTPO).
2. Application Submission: After training, the remote pilot training organisation shall submit an application for a remote pilot licence in Form D-4 on the digital sky platform, along with the fee, and provide information about the individual who passed the test.
3. Grant of Remote Pilot Certificate: Upon successful submission, A remote pilot certificate will be issued via the digital sky platform.
4. Grant of Remote Pilot Licence: The Director General shall issue the remote pilot licence through the digital sky platform within fifteen days of the date of issue of the remote pilot certificate.

Validity of Remote Pilot Licence

A remote pilot licence shall be valid only if it is registered on the digital sky platform; and remain valid for ten years unless suspended or cancelled.

Exemption from obtaining Remote Pilot Licence

Remote pilot licence is not required to operate a nano or micro unmanned aircraft system for non-commercial purposes.

Only an authorised remote pilot training organisation shall impart training to an individual seeking a remote pilot licence. To run a remote pilot training organisation, the organisation shall meet the specified eligibility criteria and obtain authorisation from DGCA.

Documents required for Authorisation of Remote Pilot Training Organisation

The following documents shall be required for obtaining Remote Pilot Training Organization Authorization:

• Details of individuals or head of the organisation
• Organisation details
• Registration number of organisation
• Proof of land or rental agreement
• UAS specifications and documents

Procedure for obtaining Authorisation for Remote Pilot Training Organization

The process of obtaining authorisation for a remote pilot training organisation is as follows:

1. Account and Profile Creation: A RTPO account and profile shall be created on the DigitalSky platform if not already created.
2. Application Submission: The applicant shall have to log in and submit authorisation details in Form D5 on the digital sky platform.
3. Application Fee Submission: Applicant shall have to pay the application fee and complete the submission of application for authorisation of remote pilot training organisation. The application will be sent to DGCA for approval.
4. Approval and Grant of Licence: DGCA shall review the application and grant authorisation to establish the remote pilot training organisation if the applicant satisfies the requirements and meets the specified criteria.

Validity of Authorisation of remote pilot Training Organisation:

An authorisation shall be valid for ten years unless suspended or cancelled. It may be renewed for the period specified therein, subject to a maximum period of ten years at a time, on payment of the fee.

Exemption from Registration and Type Certificate of Drone:

A type certificate, unique identification number, prior authorisation, or remote pilot license are not required to operate an unmanned aircraft system for research, development, and testing purposes.

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular in various industries due to their effectiveness, productivity, accuracy, and refined service. The Government of India has made it mandatory for all users to register with the Digital Sky platform, obtain a UIN, and obtain training and permissions before operating drones to support safe, efficient, and secure access to Indian airspace.

As you know, no person shall operate a Drone without first registering it on the digital Sky platform and obtaining UIN. Therefore, if you want to operate a drone in India, you must obtain a type certificate and UIN for your drone from DGCA.

However, compliance can be tricky. That's why It is best to seek expert help so that they can handle the entire process and assist you in obtaining a drone certificate and registration.

Aleph India is a one-stop solution for all your compliance requirements. Aleph India provides a single window to the manufacturer and importer for product testing, training, technical certification, Auditing, Laboratory setup, and technical compliance services. Our Expert will assist you in obtaining registration and certification for drones from DGCA.