DRONE REGISTRATION IN INDIA
Drone Registration
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.
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.
Gazette Notification of Drone Rule 2021
TYPES OF DRONE (UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM)
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:
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
- Model Remotely piloted aircraft system
- Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System
Classification of Drone:
UAS have been classified based on their maximum all-up weight, including
payload, as follows:
S.No. |
Type of Drone |
Weight of Drone |
1 |
Nano |
Less than or equal to 250 grams |
2 |
Micro |
More than 250 g but less than or equal to 2 kg |
3 |
Small |
More than 2 kg but less than or equal to 25 kg |
4 |
Medium |
More than 25 kg but less than or equal to 150 kg |
5 |
Large |
More than 150 kg |
Drone certification in India
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.
Process of obtaining a Type Certificate for Drone
The procedure for obtaining drone certification in India is as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Documents required to obtain Type certificate (Drone certificate):
The following documents shall be required for obtaining a Type certificate for
drone:
- Documents confirming the Indian legal entity of the manufacturer
(RC/Trade Mark).
- Documents relating to authorisations and permissions required as per
Central Government Rules and Regulations.
- Equipment Type Approval for UAS(Drone)
- Detailed drawings
- Design appraisal
- Analysis and test reports (Ground tests / Flight tests)
- UAS Flight Manual / UAS logbook / manufacturers operating manual
- Maintenance Manual
- Maintenance Inspection Schedule
- Other relevant reports
Registration of Drone in India
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.
Procedure for Registering drone in India:
The process of drone registration in India is as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
- Verification of Application: The digital sky platform shall verify the
details submitted.
- 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.
Documents required for registration of drone in India:
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.
REMOTE PILOT LICENCE
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
- is 18 years of age or above
- has passed class tenth examination or its equivalent
- 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
Procedure for obtaining a Remote Pilot Licence
The procedure for obtaining a drone licence is as follows:
- 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).
- 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.
- Grant of Remote Pilot Certificate: Upon successful submission, A
remote pilot certificate will be issued via the digital sky platform.
- 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.
Authorisation for Remote Pilot Training Organisation
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:
- Account and Profile Creation: A RTPO account and profile shall be
created on the DigitalSky platform if not already created.
- Application Submission: The applicant shall have to log in and submit
authorisation details in Form D5 on the digital sky platform.
- 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.
- 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.
Registration and Certification fee for Drone
S. No. |
Services |
Fee (in Rupees) |
1 |
Issuance of Type certificate |
100 |
2 |
Issuance, transfer or deregistration of unique identification number |
100 |
3 |
Issuance or renewal of remote pilot licence |
100 |
4 |
Authorisation or renewal of authorisation of remote pilot training organisation |
100 |
Conclusion:
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.