Draft Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2020

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MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 2nd June, 2020

The Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2020

G.S.R. 365(E).—The following draft of certain rules, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 4, 5 and sub-section (2) of section 8 of the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934), is hereby published as required by section 14 of the said Act, for information of all persons likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft rules will be taken into consideration after a period of thirty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette of India, in which this notification is published, are made available to the public;

Objections or suggestions, if any, may be addressed to the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Opposite Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003 or mailed to hbiswas.dgca@nic.in Any objection or suggestion which may be received from any person with respect to the said draft rules before the expiry of the period specified above will be considered by the Central Government.

Draft Rules

PART I
PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and extent. — (1) These rules may be called the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2020.

(2) They extend to the whole of India and shall apply also (unless the contrary intention appears) –

(a) to UAS registered in India, wherever they may be; or

(b) to a person owning or possessing or engaged in importing, manufacturing, trading, leasing, operating, transferring or maintaining a UAS in India; or

(3) They shall come into force on the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette.

(4) The provisions contained in the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall not apply on the UAS and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto except for those provisions whose application on UAS is specifically provided in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2020.

2. Definitions and Interpretation. — (1) In these rules, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context –

1) “Act” means the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934);

2) “Approved UAS Operation” means an operation by a compliant UAS in accordance with these rules;

3) “Authorised UAS Importer” means a person who is authorised to import a UAS or any part or a component thereof from a place outside India under these rules;

4) “Authorised UAS Manufacturer” means a person who is authorised to manufacture UAS or any part or component thereof under these rules;

5) “Authorised UAS Owner” means a person who is authorised to own or take on lease an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under these rules;

6) “Authorised UAS Operator” means a person authorised to engage in or offering to engage in operation of an unmanned aircraft system under these rules;

7) “Authorised UAS Trader” means a person who is authorised to trade (buy or sell or lease) a UAS or a part or a component thereof under these rules;

8) “Autonomous Aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft that does not require pilot intervention in the management of the flight;

9) “Autonomous Operation” means an operation during which a remotely piloted aircraft is operating without pilot intervention in the management of the flight;

10) “Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight Operation” means an operation in which the remote pilot or the observer does not use visual reference to the remotely piloted aircraft in the conduct of flight;

11) “Certificate of Manufacture” means a document issued by the Director-General or any other agency authorised by the Director-General to certify that the design of the unmanned aircraft system, for specific make and class, meets the requirements specified under these rules;

12) “Command and Control Link” means the data link between the Unmanned Aircraft and the remote pilot station for the purpose of managing the flight;

13) “Compliant UAS” means a UAS compliant with the requirements as laid down under these rules;

14) “Contracting State” means any State which is for the time being a party to the Convention on International Civil Aviation concluded at Chicago on December 7, 1944, and any amendment which may be made thereto under the provisions of Article 94 thereof;

15) “Controlled Airspace” means airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided in accordance with the airspace classification;

16) “Danger Area” means an airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of unmanned aircraft system exist at specified times;

17) “Drone Corridor” means a segregated path or airspace defined by the competent authorities for operation of UAS;

18) “Director-General” means Director-General of Civil Aviation;

19) “Drone port” means a defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations, and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure, surface movement and associated maintenance or commercial activities of Unmanned Aircraft;

20) “Geo-fencing” means a feature in a software programme that uses the global positioning system or radio frequency identification to define geographical boundaries;

21) “Licence” means a licence issued under these rules;

22) “Maintenance” means the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an unmanned aircraft system, including any one or combination of overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification and the embodiment of a modification or repair or test;

23) “Manufacturer” means a person who manufactures or assembles UAS or any part or component thereof;

24) “Model Remotely Piloted Aircraft System” means a Remotely Piloted Aircraft without payload used for educational or experimental purposes only and flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System;

25) “Owner” means a person who owns or takes on lease an unmanned aircraft system;

26) “Operator” means a person, organisation or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in unmanned aircraft operation;

27) “Payload” means any component or equipment or any other material on board the unmanned aircraft that is not required for the flight or its control;

28) “Person” includes an individual or a company or a firm or an association of persons or body of individuals or a local authority or any legal entity, whether incorporated or not, Central or State Government or an agency thereof;

29) “Prohibited Area” means the airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of India within which the flights of UAS are not permitted at any time under any circumstances;

30) “Recreational Flying” means a flying activity of an Unmanned Aircraft only for the pleasure, leisure or enjoyment of the remote pilot;

31) “Remote Pilot” means a person charged by the operator with duties essential to the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft and who manipulates the flight controls, as appropriate, during flight time;

32) “Remotely Piloted Aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft, which is piloted from a remote pilot station;

33) “Remotely Piloted Aircraft System” means a remotely piloted unmanned aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command¬ and control links and any other components;

34) “Remote Pilot Station” means the component of remotely piloted aircraft system containing the equipment used to pilot the remotely piloted aircraft;

35) “Restricted Area” means the airspace of defined dimensions above the land areas or territorial waters of India within which the flight of unmanned aircraft system is restricted;

36) “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Observer” means a trained and competent person designated by the operator who, by visual observation of the remotely piloted aircraft, assists the remote pilot in the safe conduct of the flight;

37) “Segregated Airspace” means the airspace of specified dimensions allocated for exclusive use to a specific user(s);

38) “Transaction Number” means a unique number generated for identifying any transaction completed through online platform;

39) “Unmanned Aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft, which is intended to operate with no pilot on board;

40) “Unmanned Aircraft System” means an unmanned aircraft and its associated elements, which are operated with no pilot on board;

41) “UAS Traffic Management” means a specific aspect of air traffic management which manages UAS operations safely, economically and efficiently through the provision of facilities and a seamless set of services in collaboration with all parties and involving airborne and ground-based functions;

42) “UAS Traffic Management System” means a system that provides traffic management for unmanned aircraft through the collaborative integration of humans, information, technology, facilities and services, supported by air, ground or space-based communications, navigation and surveillance;

43) “Unique Authorisation Number” means the unique authorisation number issued to a person to act as importer or manufacturer or trader or owner or operator;

44) “Unique Identification Number” means the unique identification number issued for registering unmanned aircraft by the state of registry; and

45) “Visual Line-of-Sight Operation” means an operation in which the remote pilot or the observer maintains direct unaided visual contact with the Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

(2) Words and terms used but not defined in these rules shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in
the Act.

PART II

CATEGORISATION/CLASSIFICATION

3. Categorisation of UAS. — The UAS shall be categorized as under:

(1) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS);

(2) Model Remotely Piloted Aircraft System;

(3) Autonomous Unmanned Aircraft

4. Classification of Unmanned Aircraft. — The Unmanned Aircraft (UA) shall be classified based upon the Maximum All-Up-Weight (including payload) of the UA as under:

i) Nano: Less than or equal to 250 gram;

ii) Micro: Greater than 250 gram and less than or equal to 2 kilogram;

iii) Small: Greater than 2 kilogram and less than or equal to 25 kilogram;

iv) Medium: Greater than 25 kilogram and less than or equal to 150 kilogram; and

v) Large: Greater than 150 kilogram.

Explanation. — A Nano class Unmanned Aircraft shall be regarded in the next higher category if it exceeds either of the following performance parameters:

(a) maximum speed in level flight limited to 15 meters/second;

(b) maximum attainable height limited to 15 meters and range limited to 100 meter from the remote pilot;

PART III

AUTHORISATION OF IMPORTER, MANUFACTURER, TRADER, OWNER AND OPERATOR

5. Authorised Persons. — An importer, manufacturer, trader, owner or operator upon being authorised by the Director-General shall become an Authorised UAS Importer, Authorised UAS Manufacturer, Authorised UAS Trader, Authorised UAS Owner or Authorised UAS Operator respectively.

6. Authorisation of a Person. — To be authorised by the Director-General, an applicant shall meet the following requirements: —

(i) eligibility conditions as specified in rule 7; and

(ii) other conditions as specified in Schedule I.

7. Eligibility Conditions for Authorisation. — A person referred in rule 5 may be granted authorisation subject to fulfillment of following eligibility conditions—

(i) an individual who is—

(a) a citizen of India, and

(b) 18 years of age or more; or

(ii) a company or a body corporate provided that—

(a) it is registered and has its principal place of business within India, and

(b) the Chairman and at least two-thirds of its directors are citizens of India; or

(iii) a firm or an association of persons or body of individuals or a local authority or any legal entity, whether incorporated or not, Central and State Government or an agency thereof:

Provided that for clauses (ii) and (iii) of this rule, the substantial ownership and effective control shall vest in Indian nationals.

8. Authorisation Number. — (1) Any person fulfilling the requirements under rule 6 may make an application in the manner and procedure specified in Schedule I for obtaining an authorisation number to act as an Authorised UAS Importer, Authorised UAS Manufacturer, Authorised UAS Trader, Authorised UAS Owner or Authorised UAS Operator.

(2) The Director-General on being satisfied with the requirements under rule 6 may grant a Unique Authorisation Number (UAN) to the applicant.

(3) If considered necessary, Director-General may obtain clearance from security angle of the applicant, including directors in case of corporate bodies or other persons in top management positions, from the concerned authority:

Provided that no such clearance is required for Central and State Government or agencies thereof.

9. New Authorisation. — Any change in the credentials submitted regarding eligibility conditions subsequent to issuance of authorisation number, shall be forthwith communicated to the Director-General, and a new authorisation may be issued subject to fulfillment of the conditions as specified in Schedule I.

10. Validity.— (1) Unless suspended, revoked or cancelled, an authorisation shall remain valid for the period specified therein, subject to a maximum period of five years in each case, and may be renewed for another five years at a time on receipt of the application for renewal:

Provided that an expired authorisation may be renewed only after the applicant fulfils the eligibility conditions as specified under rule 7.

(2) For renewal of validity of authorisation number, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule I.

PART IV

IMPORT, MANUFACTURE AND MAINTENANCE OF UAS

11. General — No UAS or part or component thereof shall be imported or manufactured in India unless Certificate of Manufacture is obtained as specified in Schedule II.

12. Import of UAS in India. — (1) No person other than an ‘Authorised UAS Importer‘ shall import a UAS or part or component thereof in

(2) (a) For import of a UAS or part or component thereof, the ‘Authorised UAS Importer‘ shall make an application to the Director-General for import clearance of UAS in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule II.

(b) The Director General may recommend for import clearance to the Directorate General of Foreign

13. Manufacture of UAS in India. — No person other than an ‘Authorised UAS Manufacturer‘ shall manufacture a UAS or part or component thereof in India.

14. Manufacturing Organisations. — An authorised manufacturing organisation for UAS or a part or component thereof shall comply with the requirements as specified by the Director-General and such organisation shall be subject to inspection and safety oversight by the Director-General.

15. ‘Certificate of Manufacture’ for UAS. — (1) There shall be a Certificate of Manufacture in respect of UAS manufactured or imported in India.

(2) The Director-General may appoint the testing laboratories or organisations to carry out testing for purposes of certification of UAS in order to ascertain the compliance with the manufacturing requirements as specified in Schedule II.

(3) The appointment of such testing laboratories or organisations shall be in accordance with the manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General. The list of such testing laboratories or organisations shall be published in the online portal for awareness of all applicants for Certificate of Manufacture.

(4) (a) to obtain a certificate of manufacture, an ‘Authorised UAS Manufacturer or Importer‘ shall make an application to the Director- General in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule II;

(b) the applicant may make a choice of the testing laboratories or organisations in the order of preference;

(c) after making the application, the applicant shall be allocated a testing laboratory or an organisation by the Director-General.

(5) The applicant shall produce the UAS along with design documents to the testing laboratory or organisation allocated under sub-rule (3) in order to demonstrate that the unmanned aircraft system is in compliance with the design aspects and other manufacturing requirements as specified in Schedule II, as may be applicable for each type.

(6) The testing laboratory or organisation shall submit the test report and recommendations to the Director-General; based on which the Director-General may issue a ‘Certificate of Manufacture‘ for the UAS:

Provided that this rule shall not apply in case of Unmanned Aircraft in Large class weighing more than 300 kilogram, and for such UAS, the provisions related to airworthiness as provided under Part VI of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall be applicable.

16. Maintenance of UAS. — (1) No UAS shall be operated in India unless it is maintained in accordance with the provisions of this rule.

(2) It shall be mandatory for every manufacturer or importer of UAS to be operated in India to supply a maintenance manual containing the maintenance requirements and procedures, and to provide necessary training for the maintenance personnel authorised to undertake such maintenance. The maintenance manual shall be part of the documents pertaining to the UAS, to be provided as part of the mandatory sale documents to any authorised trader, owner or operator.

(3) The manufacturer or the importer, as the case may be, may also establish authorised maintenance centres with adequately trained personnel for maintenance of UAS as per the provisions of the manufacturer‘s maintenance manual. The manufacturer or the importer of the UAS shall publish the information regarding the authorised maintenance centres.

(4) The manufacturer shall notify in writing to the Director-General about the authorised maintenance centres established under sub-rule (3) and such centres shall be subject to safety oversight of the Director-General. The mandatory record of maintenance at the authorised maintenance centres, and scope of safety oversight of the authorised maintenance centres shall be in a manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General.

(5) The owner and operator shall ensure that a UAS is maintained as per its Maintenance Manual and a record of such maintenance shall be kept as specified by the Director-General.

(6) No UAS or any component thereof shall be operated after it has completed its life span as specified by the manufacturer:

Provided that the provision of this rule shall not apply in case of Unmanned Aircraft in Large class weighing more than 300 kilogram, and for such UAS, the provisions related to airworthiness as provided under Part VI of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall be applicable.

PART V

IDENTIFICATION AND TRANSFER OF UAS

17. General. — No Unmanned Aircraft shall be owned or operated in India unless it has been allotted a Unique Identification Number (UIN).

18. Compliant UA. — Each UA shall comply with the manufacturing requirements as specified in Schedule II and acquire a valid UIN. Such UA shall be termed as a compliant U.A.

19. Registration of UA. — (1) An Authorised UAS Importer or Manufacturer may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule III for obtaining an UIN for an UA.

(2) The Director-General on being satisfied about the manufacturing requirements of compliant UA, may grant a Unique Identification Number (UIN) to an UA.

(3) Such UIN shall be affixed on the UA in an identifiable and visible manner.

20. Trading of UAS in India. — No person other than an ‘Authorised UAS Trader‘ shall engage in buying or selling or leasing of a UAS or a part or a component thereof in India.

21. UAS Owner in India. — No person other than an ‘Authorised UAS Owner‘ shall own a UAS or part or component thereof in India.

22. Transfer of UAS. — (1) Sale, Lease or Transfer of UAS shall be permissible only from an authorised person to another authorised person in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule IV.

(2) No UAS shall be sold or leased or transferred in any other manner unless the transaction between the authorised persons has been approved by the Director-General.

(3) Each transaction of transfer of UAS shall result into linkage of UIN with the UAN of the transferee.

23. Change in ownership. — (1) The registered owner of the UAS shall forthwith notify to the Director-General in such form and manner and procedure as specified by the Director General in case of:

(a) any transfer in the ownership of a registered UAS; or

(b) a registered UAS ceases to be owned wholly by the registered owner;

(d) the loss of UAS.

(2) The Unique Identification Number of unmanned aircraft registered in India may be deregistered at any time by the Director-General on his satisfaction that the UA is destroyed, permanently withdrawn from use, missing and non traceable or the owner has transferred legal custody and control of the UAS to a person outside India.

24. Process for acceptance of existing imported or manufactured UAS. — A non-compliant UAS imported to India or manufactured in India on or before the date as may be specified by Central Government may be accepted by the Director-General in accordance with manner and procedure as specified in Schedule V.

25. Selling of imported or manufactured UAS in India. —An authorised UAS importer or manufacturer shall not sell a UAS to any person except to an ‘Authorised UAS Trader‘ or an ‘Authorised UAS Owner‘ in India.

26. Leasing of UAS in India. — An Authorised UAS importer or manufacturer or trader shall not lease a UAS in India to any person except to an ‘Authorised UAS Trader‘ or an ‘Authorised UAS Owner‘ or an ‘Authorised UAS Operator‘ in India.

PART VI

OPERATION OF UAS

27. General.— (1) UAS are permitted to fly only in permissible areas identified in the available map on the online platform.

(2) No imported or manufactured UAS other than a compliant UAS as specified by the Director-General shall be operated in India.

(3) UAS shall be operated only by an authorised person assisted by a qualified remote pilot, wherever applicable.

28. UAS Operator— No person other than an ‗Authorised UAS Operator‘ shall operate a UAS in India.

29. UAS Operator Permit. — (1) No person shall operate a UAS except a Nano Class in India, save, as per the conditions of a permit issued by the Director-General in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule VI.

(2) The permit granted under sub-rule (1) shall, unless suspended or cancelled, remain valid for a period not exceeding five years, and may be renewed for a period not exceeding five years at a time;

(3) For renewal of validity of Operator Permit, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule VI.

(4) The Central Government may exempt any Central or State Government or agency thereof from requirements of operator permit in the interest of security of India or in national interest.

30. Permission for each flight. — (1) No flight of an unmanned aircraft shall take place unless permission has been obtained through online platform in the manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General.

(2) During the flight, the Operator or the remote pilot or the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Observer shall ensure that the flight of the unmanned aircraft remains within the defined area for which permission was obtained.

(3) After each flight, the Operator shall furnish a log of the flight through online platform in the manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General.

31. Qualified Remote Pilot. — (1) No person other than a ‘Qualified Remote Pilot‘ under these rules shall operate a UAS in India except the Nano class of

(2) The requirements for a Qualified Remote Pilot under sub-rule (1) shall be as specified in Schedule VII.

32. UAS Pilot Licence. — (1) No person other than a Licensed Remote Pilot under these rules shall operate a UAS in India except the Nano and Micro classes of UA.

(2) The authority to issue UAS pilot license shall vest with Director-General and such license shall be issued in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule VII.

(3) The license granted under sub-rule (2) shall, unless suspended or cancelled, remain valid for a period not exceeding five years, and may be renewed for a period not exceeding five years at a time;

(4) For renewal of validity of Pilot License, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule VII.

33. Training Requirements. — (1) The Qualified Remote Pilot shall undergo the required training as specified in Schedule VII and such training shall be imparted by an authorised training organisation or institute which is in compliance with the requirements as specified in Schedule VII.

(2) The authorisation of training organisation or institute may be granted as specified by the Director- General.

(3) Such training organisation or institute shall be subject to inspection and oversight by the Director- General.

(4) Unless suspended, revoked or cancelled, the authorisation shall remain valid for the period specified therein, subject to a maximum period of five years in each case, and may be renewed for another five years at a time on receipt of the application for renewal.

(5) For renewal of validity of authorisation, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule VII.

34. No operation area. — No person shall fly or assist in flying an unmanned aircraft over any of the areas specified in Schedule VIII, save, in accordance with the conditions specified by the Central Government.

35. Photography from UA in flight. — (1) An imagery may be captured by an unmanned aircraft except in the non permissible area after ensuring the privacy of an individual and his property.

(2) No person shall capture, or cause or permit to be captured, from an UA in flight, any imagery of the areas specified in Schedule VIII:

Provided that the Director-General from time to time, may, by order in writing direct that such imagery of any other area as specified in the order shall not be conducted by any person.

36. Carriage of Payload. — No Unmanned Aircraft shall carry any payload, save, as specified by the Director- General.

37. Prohibition on carriage of arms, ammunition, explosives, military stores, etc. — (1) No person shall carry or cause or permit to be carried in any unmanned aircraft to, from, within or over India, any arms, ammunitions, munitions of war, implements of war, explosives and military stores, except with the written permission of the Central Government and subject to the terms and conditions of such permission.

(2) Where any officer, authorised in this behalf by the Central Government, has reasons to believe that the provisions of this rule are, or are about to be, contravened, he may cause such goods to be placed under his custody pending detailed examination of the nature of the goods or pending a decision regarding the action, if any, to be taken in the matter.

38. Dropping of articles. — No person shall drop or project or cause or permit to be dropped or projected from a UAS in motion anything except in a manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General.

39. Rules of Air. — Every person engaged in operation of UAS shall comply with the Rules of the Air issued by Director-General, as may be applicable to that person.

40. Dangerous flying. — (1) No person shall fly any UAS in such circumstances as, by reason of proximity to persons or property or aircraft or for other reason, to cause unnecessary danger to any person or property or aircraft.

(2) No person shall operate a UAS in a physical or mental condition or under the influence of intoxicating and psychoactive substances that may interfere with safe operation of the UAS.

41. General safety. — No person shall, act in any manner, either directly or indirectly, so as to –

(a) endanger safety and security of a UAS or UAS operation;

(b) cause interference with the normal functioning of any facility established for the safe and secure operation of UAS;

(c) obstruct or distract the functioning of any person entrusted with any responsibility towards ensuring safe and secure operation of UAS;

(d) endanger safety and security of any person or property; or

(e) endanger safety and security of a manned aircraft or its operation:

Provided that any action taken by any law enforcement agency or by an authority referred to in sub-rule (1) of rule 50 to prevent any unlawful activity through UAS operation will not amount to violation of this rule.

PART VII

DRONE PORT

42. General . — Drone ports and Drone Corridors may be established in permitted areas, if warranted by the nature and requirements of UAS operation.

43. Licensing / Authorisation of drone ports. — No drone port shall be used for the arrival, departure, surface movement and associated maintenance or commercial activities of Unmanned Aircraft unless:

(a) it has been licensed for the purpose, and save in accordance with the conditions prescribed in such license; or

(b) it has been authorised by the Director-General, subject to such conditions as he may deem fit to impose, for the purpose of temporary operation of Unmanned Aircaft.

44. Eligibility conditions for drone port license. — An authorisation or license for a drone port may be granted to a person subject to fulfilment of following eligibility conditions—

(i) an individual who is—

(a) a citizen of India, and

(b) 18 years of age or more; or

(ii) a company or a body corporate provided that—

(a) it is registered and has its principal place of business within India, and

(b) it meets the equity holding criteria specified by the Central Government from time to time; or

(iii) a firm or an association of persons or body of individuals or a local authority or any legal entity, whether incorporated or not, Central and State Government or an agency thereof:

Provided that for clauses (ii) and (iii) of this rule, the Central Government may specify any other condition.

45. Grant of authorisation or license for drone port. — (1) Any person fulfilling the requirements under rule 44 may make an application in the manner and procedure specified in Schedule IX for obtaining an authorisation or license for drone Port.

(2) The Director-General on being satisfied with the requirements under rule 44 may grant an authorisation or license to the applicant as the case may be.

Provided that no such clearance is required for Central and State Government or agencies thereof.

(4) A drone port authorisation for temporary operations of UAS may be granted for any period not exceeding three months.

(5) The license granted under sub-rule (2) shall, unless suspended or cancelled, remain valid for a period not exceeding five years, and may be renewed for a period not exceeding five years at a time;

(6) For renewal of validity of drone port license, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule IX.

PART VIII

Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM)

46. General.— The Central government may establish an Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management System in Indian airspace or any part thereof, if warranted by the nature and requirements of UAS operation.

47. (1) Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM). — The Director-General may grant a license to a person for provision of UAS Traffic Management (UTM) service in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule X.

(2) Unless suspended, revoked or cancelled, the license shall remain valid for the period specified therein, subject to a maximum period of five years in each case, and may be renewed for another five years at a time on receipt of the application for renewal.

For renewal of validity of UTM Service Provider License, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule X.

48. (1) Requirement of a licence for UTM personnel. — No person shall engage himself in the provision of UTM services in the Indian airspace or in any airspace outside the Indian territory for which India has, in pursuance of any international arrangement, undertaken to provide UTM services, unless he holds a valid UTM personnel licence granted in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule X.

(3) For renewal of validity of UTM Personnel License, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule X.

49. Training Requirements. — (1) The UTM personnel shall undergo the required training as specified in Schedule X and such training shall be imparted by an authorised training organisation which is in compliance with the requirements specified in Schedule X.

(2) The authorisation of training organisation may be granted as specified by the Director-General.

(3) Such training organisation shall be subject to inspection and oversight by the Director-General.

(5) For renewal of validity of authorisation of training organisation, a person may make an application in the manner and procedure as specified in Schedule X.

PART IX

GENERAL

50. Prevention of flights in contravention of the rules.— (1) An authority authorised under section 8 of the Aircraft Act, 1934, to detain UAS may do so by the issue of a written direction to the pilot or other persons for the time being in-charge of the UAS to be detained, or by taking or causing to be taken such other steps as may, in the opinion of such authority, be necessary to make the detention effective, including the use of force, denial of access by any person to the UAS, removal of parts and components of the UAS, or otherwise interfering with the UAS.

(2) Officers of the Central Government or a State Government, including officers of armed forces, shall assist such authority in detaining the UAS and taking such steps as may, in the opinion of that authority, be necessary to make the detention effective.

(3) Any person acting in contravention of any direction given under this rule shall, without prejudice to any other penalty he may incur, be deemed to have acted in contravention of these rules.

51. Fee— (1) The fee for authorisation, certification, Unique Identification Number, license or permit under these rules shall be payable as specified in Schedule XI.

(2) The fee shall be paid in the manner and procedure as specified by the Director-General.

52. Insurance of UAS. — (1) No UA shall be operated in India unless there is in existence a valid third party insurance policy to cover the liability that may arise on account of a mishap involving such UA and causing death or bodily injury to any person or damage to property.

(2) The compensation payable in such cases shall be assessed in such a manner and procedure as specified in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and rules made there under.

53. Rules applicable to Model RPAS. — (1) The Rules contained in Parts III, IV, V (except rules 22 and 23), VI (except rules 34 to 41), VII, VIII, IX (except rules 50,55, 59 to 62 and 64) shall not be applicable to the model

(2) Any Model RPAS may operate only in accordance with the conditions and in the defined areas as specified by the Director-General.

54. Rules applicable to Autonomous UAS. — (1) The sub-rule (3) of rule 27 and Rules 31 and 32 shall not be applicable to the Autonomous UAS.

(2) For the purpose of Autonomous UAS, Director-General may specify conditions and other qualifications of personnel involved in operation of such UAS.

(3) Any Autonomous UAS may operate only in accordance with the conditions and in the defined areas as specified by the Director-General.

55. Adoption of the Convention and Annexes. — The Director-General may lay down standards and procedures not inconsistent with the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934) and the rules made thereunder to carry out the Convention and any Annex thereto.

56. Directions by Director-General. — (1) The Director-General may, through publication of Civil Aviation Requirements or Circulars, issue special directions not inconsistent with the Aircraft Act, 1934 or these rules, relating to the import, export, manufacture, sale, use, operation, possession, maintenance or navigation of UAS flying in or over India or of UAS registered in India.

(2) The Civil Aviation Requirements under sub-rule (1) shall be issued after placing the draft on the website of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for a period of thirty days for inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby:

Provided that the Director General may, in the public interest and by order in writing, dispense with the requirements of inviting such objections and suggestions or reduce the period for submitting such objections and suggestions.

(3) Every direction issued under sub-rule (1) shall be complied with by the person or persons to whom such direction is issued.

(4) The Director-General may, by general or special order in writing, exempt any UAS or class of UAS or any person or class of persons from the operation of the directions given in the publication entitled ‘Civil Aviation Requirements‘ under this rule, either wholly or partially, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in such order.

57. General Power to exempt. — The Central Government may, by general or special order in writing, exempt any UAS or class of UAS or any person or class of persons from the operation of these rules, either wholly or partially, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in that order.

58. Cancellation or suspension of licence, certificate, authorisation, permit and approval. — Where the Director- General or any officer authorised in this behalf by the Central Government, after giving an opportunity of being heard, is satisfied that any person has contravened or failed to comply with the provisions of these rules or any direction issued under rule 55, he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, cancel or suspend any licence, certificate, authorisation, permit or approval issued under these rules.

59. Inspection. — (1) The Director-General, or any officer of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation authorised by him by general or special order in writing, may inspect the UAS, UAS manufacturing, storage, maintenance facility, UTM facility or any other related facility for the purpose of granting an authorisation, a certificate or a licence under these rules or the provisions of the Aircraft Act, 1934,

(2) The officers authorised under sub-rule (1) may carry out surveillance including unannounced inspections of such facilities to ensure continued compliance with these rules.

(3) The Director-General may authorise any person, subject to such conditions as may be specified by the Director- General, for the purpose of examining and testing any person or UAS or inspecting any document or facility for the purposes of sub-rule (1) and such authorisation shall specify the functions of the person so authorised to perform on behalf of the Director-General and the said authorisation shall be for a period as specified therein.

(4) The persons so authorised under sub-rules (1) and (3) shall be issued credentials and shall perform the functions as assigned to them in the authorisation.

(5) The Director-General or the persons referred to in sub-rule (1) and sub-rule (3) –

(a) shall have unrestricted and unlimited access to UAS and related facilities, as applicable, for the performance of their functions and duties under these rules;

(b) may enter any premises, inspect and search any UAS or any related facility, including UTM services, and also interact with any personnel, and inspect documents and records for the purpose of securing compliance with these rules and the provisions of the Aircraft Act, 1934.

(6) The importer, manufacturer, trader, owner or operator of UAS, or a training organisation or a UTM facility shall allow the Director-General, or the person referred to in sub-rules (1) and (3), access to any part of the UAS, organisation or air navigation facility including equipment, records, documents and personnel, and shall co-operate in conducting the activities referred in sub-rules (1) and (3).

60. Penalties. — (1) Any person who has contravened or failed to comply with any of these rules or any direction issued under rule 55 shall, where no punishment is provided for such contravention in the Aircraft Act, 1934, be punishable to the extent laid down in Schedule XII of these rules.

(2) It shall be a defence to any proceedings for contravention of or failure to comply with these rules if the contravention or failure is proved to have been due to accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause; and it shall be a defence to any proceedings under these rules against the owner, hirer, operator, remote pilot of an unmanned aircraft system that the alleged contravention took place without his actual fault or privity.

61. Fraudulent Documents. — No person shall fraudulently lend any licence, certificate, authorisation, permit or approval issued under these rules or allow it to be used by any other person.

62. Obstruction of authorised persons. — No person shall voluntarily obstruct any person acting in the exercise of his powers or in the discharge of his duties under these rules.

63. Classification of Offences- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the violation of sub-rule (1) of rule 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, sub-rules (1) and (2) of rule 30, sub-rule of rule 31, sub-rule (1) of rule 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 52, sub-rule (6) of rule 58, 60 and 61 shall be cognizable and non-bailable offences.

No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under these rules without the previous sanction in writing by the Director-General.

64. Delegation of Powers. — (1) Any power or duty conferred or imposed by these rules on the Central Government may be exercised or discharged by the Central Government or by any person authorised by it in that behalf;

(2) Any power or duty conferred or imposed by these rules on the Director-General may be exercised or discharged by the Director-General or by any other person authorised by the Central Government in that behalf.

65. Appeals. — (1) If any person is aggrieved by an order passed by an officer in exercise of a power conferred on him by these rules or delegated to him under rule 63, he may prefer an appeal to the next higher officer within sixty days of the date of the order subject to the condition that not more than two appeals shall be filed in any one case.

Note. — In case of an order passed by the Director-General, the appeal will lie to the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry dealing with Civil Aviation matters and there shall be no further appeal in such a case irrespective of whether it is the first or second appeal.

Schedule- I (Rule 6)

Requirements for Obtaining Authorisation as Importer, Manufacturer, Trader, Owner or Operator

1. Any person seeking an authorisation as Importer, Manufacturer, Trader, Owner or Operator shall submit an application to the Director-General in the Form UA-1 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

2. The applicant shall submit the following documents along with the application.

(a) For an individual–

i. latest passport size photograph of the applicant;

ii. proof of identification and age- a self-attested copy of the Passport or Aadhar Card or PAN Card or Voter Identification Card or Driving License;

iii. proof of residence – a self-attested copy of Passport or Aadhar Card or Voter Identification Card or electricity bill or water bill or landline phone no. bill or a copy of his bank statement/ passbook not older than three months from the date of the application reflecting current address.

(b) For a Company or body corporate,—

i. proof of incorporation- a self-attested copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company;

ii. Director Identification Number (DIN) –– Names of the Directors along with their DIN Number;

iii. proof of registered address;

iv. Proof of business address;

(i) Certificate of the Head of the Department providing details of the organisation, its address and its intent to acquire a UAN;

(ii) Name, designation and address of Authorised Signatory.

(d) For any other person,—

(i) proof of registration/incorporation;

(ii) name, designation and address of management personnel;

(iii) proof of registered/business address

3. The applicant shall provide copy of GST certificate with its number, if applicable.

4. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

5. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the requisite authorisation.

6. In case of a request for new authorisation under rule 9 or renewal under rule 10, the applicant shall submit an application to the Director-General in the Form UA-1 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in. The fee shall be the same as prescribed in Schedule XI. The changes in the credentials shall be submitted in the application form and shall also be clearly mentioned in the declaration section.

7. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the new authorisation or renew the validity of Authorisation Numbers.

Download Full Test of Form UA -I (67,68,69)

DECLARATION

a) I hereby declare that all information provided herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and I understand that furnishing any false information herein shall make me liable for any penal action as applicable.

b) For new authorisation, the change in credentials have been indicated in serial numbers (provide the list) – [strikethrough if not applicable]

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule II (Rule 11, 12 and 15)

Section A

Requirements for Obtaining Certificate of Manufacture

An authorised UAS importer or manufacturer seeking a certificate of manufacture shall submit an application in Form UA-2 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

To obtain certificate of manufacture, the unmanned aircraft system shall be equipped with —

(i) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver(s) for horizontal and vertical position fixing;

(ii) Autonomous Flight Termination System or Return To Home (RTH) option;

(iii) Geo-fencing capability;

(iv) Flashing anti-collision strobe lights;

(v) Flight controller;

(vi) flight data logging capability;

(vii) ‘No Permission ‘No Takeoff (NPNT)’ compliant;

(viii) SSR transponder (Mode ‘C’ or ‘S’) or ADS-B OUT equipment (if intended to operate beyond 400 feet/120 m AGL);

(ix) Reliable Command and Control Link;

(x) Real-time tracking system;

(xi) Barometric equipment with capability for remote sub-scale setting;

(xii) Detect and Avoid capability;

(xiii) Manufacturer Serial Number;

(xiv) Fire resistant identification plate for engraving the UIN ; and

(xv) Two-way communication system.

3. The NPNT Hardware and Firmware shall be tamper proof.

4. The equipment specified in clauses (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii), (x), (xi) and (xii) is not mandatory with respect to Nano class unmanned aircraft.

5. Each unmanned aircraft of Small and above class shall also be equipped with an emergency recovery system to ensure protection from damage and public injury in any failure conditions.

6. Each Certificate of Manufacture shall require an Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, Ministry of Communications for operating in de-licensed frequency band(s).

7. In addition to above, each unmanned aircraft shall comply with other technical requirements as may be specified by the Director-General for grant of Certificate of Manufacture.

8. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

9. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the Certificate of Manufacturing.

Form UA-2
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF MANUFACTURE
1.	Name of authorised UAS importer/ Manufacturer:
2.	Unique Authorisation Number issued by DGCA:
3.	Current Address
4.	E-mail ID
5.	Phone No.
6.	Preferred testing laboratory or organisation: (i) (ii) (iii)
7.	Details of Unmanned Aircraft System: a) Category: b) Classification: c) Model Name / Number: d) Fixed Wing/ Rotary Wing: e) Maximum all-up-weight: f) Engine/ Motor: i) Type: ii) Power Rating and iii) Number of Engines/Motors g) Total fuel capacity (kg)/ Battery capacity (mAh): h) Compatible payload: (i) fixed or variable or both (ii) maximum weight of the payload (kg) (iii) volume in cubic centimeter i) Launch and recovery type (as applicable): j) Overall dimensions (l x b x h) (attach a 3- view drawing):
8.	Copy of ETA from WPC Wing (to be uploaded):
9.	Details of Emergency Recovery System installation:

10. Details of equipment (√ appropriate boxes):

GNSS RTH

Geo-fence Anti-collision light

Flight controller Flight data logging capability

NPNT SSR transponder/ ADS-B OUT

Command and Control Link Real-time tracking system

Barometric equipment Detect and Avoid capability

Manufacturer Serial Number Fire resistant identification plate

Two-way communication system

(GNSS -Global Navigation Satellite System; NPNT – No Permission – No Takeoff; RTH- Return to Home)

Fee amount and Transaction Number:

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that all information provided herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and I understand that furnishing any false information herein shall make me liable for penal action as applicable.

Name and Signature

Date:
Place:

Section B

Requirements for Import Clearance

An authorised UAS importer seeking an import clearance shall submit an application in Form UA-3 along with Certificate of Manufacture through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the import clearance.

Form UA-3
APPLICATION FOR IMPORT CLEARANCE OF UAS
1.	Name of Authorised UAS importer
2.	Unique Authorisation Number
3.	In case of Company provide names of directors	1.
		2.
		3.
		4.
		5.
4.	In case of other persons provide names of top management	1.
		2.
		3.
		4.
		5.
5.	Contact details Address E-mail ID Phone No.	1.
		2.
		3.
		4.
6.	Nationality:
7.	Category
8.	Quantity of UAS
9.	Mode of acquisition (Owner / lease)
10.	Details of UAS proposed to be imported/acquired
11.	Name and address of manufacturer Nationality
12.	Model No.
13.	Serial Number
14.	Date and Year of Manufacture
15.	Fixed Wing/ Rotary Wing
16.	New/ Used
17.	Maximum all-up-weight
18.	Maximum height attainable
19.	Payload details
20.	Mode of import (Lease/Outright Purchase):
21.	Name & Address of the owner
22.	Name & Address of the Lessor
23.	Purpose of import of UAS
24.	Security clearance, if applicable

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule III (Rule 19)

Procedure for Registration of Unmanned Aircraft

1. An authorised UAS importer or manufacturer seeking a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for unmanned aircraft shall submit an application in Form UA-4 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

2. The UIN Certificate issued shall include UIN, category of UA, class of UA, model number, manufacturer‘s name with serial number, year of manufacture, date of registration.

3. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

4. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the UIN through the online platform.

Form UA- 4
APPLICATION FOR UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
1.	Name of Authorised UAS Importer/Manufacturer
2.	Unique Authorisation Number
3.	Contact details Address E-mail ID Phone No.
4.	Copy of Import License/ permission (In case of Importer)
5.	Copy of Certificate of Manufacture
6.	Model No.
7.	Date and Year of Manufacture
8.	Number of UAS
9.	Manufacturing Serial Number(s)
10.	Fee with Amount and Transaction number

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule- IV (Rule 22 and 23)
Requirements for Transfer or Change in Ownership of UAS

1. Any authorised person seeking to transfer his UAS to another authorised person or giving intimation to Director-General about change in ownership shall submit an application to the Director-General in the Form UA-5 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

2. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

3. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may approve the transfer of UAS and take on record about change in ownership of UAS.

4. The UAN of Transferor linked to UIN of UAS will be delinked and the UIN of UAS will be linked to UAN of Transferee.

5. In case of intimation about damage or loss of UAS, the Director-General upon his satisfaction may deregister the UIN and take on record such deregistration of UIN.

6. A Transaction Number showing the transfer of UAS or intimation taken on record or deregistration of UIN will be issued to the person through the online platform.

FORM UA- 5
Application for transfer or change in ownership of UAS
Part A : Transferor details a. In case of individual
1. Name
2. Current address
3. Nationality
4. Date of Birth
5. Email
6. Phone No.
7. Unique Authorisation Number (UAN)
8. GST No.
b. In case of company or corporate
9. Name of the Company
10. Business/Current Address
11. Registered Address
12. Email
13. Phone No.
14. Proof of incorporation- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
15. Names of the Directors with their DIN No.
16. Unique Authorisation Number (UAN)
17. GST No.
c. In case of local authority, Central or State Government or agency thereof
18. Name of the Organisation
19. Business/Current Address
20. Registered Address
21. Email
22. Phone No.
23. Certificate from the Head of the Department providing details of the organisation, its address and its intent to acquire a UAN.
24. Name of Authorised Signatory
25. GST No if available
d. In case of any other Person
26. Name of the Organisation
27. Business/Current Address
28. Registered Address
29. Email
30. Phone No.
31. Proof of Registration /incorporation- b. Certificate of Registration/ Incorporation
32. Names Designation address and phone numbers of the Management Committee
33. GST No if available
Part B : Transferee details a. In case of individual
34. Name
35. Current address
36. Nationality
37. Date of Birth
38. Email
39. Phone No.
40. Unique Authorisation Number (UAN)
41. GST No.
b. In case of company or corporate
42. Name of the Company
43. Business/Current Address
44. Registered Address
45. Email
46. Phone No.
47. Proof of incorporation- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
48. Names of the Directors with their DIN No.
49. Unique Authorisation Number (UAN)
50. GST No.
c. In case of local authority, Central or state Government or agency thereof
51.Name of the Organisation
52. Business/Current Address
53. Registered Address
54. Email
55. Phone No.
56. Certificate from the Head of the Department providing details of the organisation, its address and its intent to acquire a UAN.
57. Name of Authorised Signatory
58. GST No if available
d. In case of any other Person
59. Name of the Organisation
60. Business/Current Address
61. Registered Address
62. Email
63. Phone No.
64. Proof of Registration /incorporation- c. Certificate of Registration/ Incorporation
65. Names Designation address and phone numbers of the Management Committee
66. GST No if available
Part C : UAS
67. Unique Identification Number (U IN)
68. the UAS is damaged beyond repair (upload the Certificate from Maintenance Centre)
69. the loss of UAS (upload the Non Traceability Report)
70. Fee amount and transaction number:

Note- Self attested documents in support of Name, Current Address, Unique Authorisation Number (UAN), Certificate of Incorporation (in case of a Company) for both transferor and transferee, the Unique Identification Number (UIN) of the UAS, and proof of damage beyond repair or loss of UAS in case of intimation to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule V (Rule 24)
Process for acceptance of existing imported or manufactured UAS

1. Such owner or operator possessing a non-compliant UAS shall submit an application in Form UA-6 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

2. No existing imported or manufactured UAS shall be accepted by Director-General until such UAS has been issued with a valid Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) and Owner Acknowledgement Number (OAN).

3. Such owner or operator may approach an authorised UAS manufacturer to make its UAS compliant with the ^‗Manufacturing Requirements for UAS‘ as specified in Schedule II. Compliance to No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT) requirement shall be mandatory for all existing imported UAS prior to their operation.

4. The compliance demonstration shall be carried out at any agency appropriately authorised by the Director-General for this purpose.

5. Any modification (hardware/software) required to be carried out on existing imported/ manufactured UAS to make it compliant UAS shall be carried out at authorised maintenance centers.

6. The applicant shall pay the fee as applicable for issuance of Certificate of M anufacture as prescribed in Schedule XI.

7. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the acceptance through the online platform.

8. Such person shall make an application for UIN in Form UA-4 as under Schedule III.

FORM UA-6
Application for acceptance of existing imported or manufactured UAS
UAS Owner/Operator details
1. Name of authorised owner/ operator
2. Unique Authorisation Number issued by DGCA
3. Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN)
4. Owner Acknowledgement Number (OAN)
5. Address
6. E-mail ID
7. Phone No.
UAS importer! Manufacturer details
8. Name of authorised UAS importer/ Manufacturer
9. Unique Authorisation Number issued by DGCA:
10. Address
11. E-mail ID
12. Phone No.
13. Preferred testing laboratory or organisation:
i).
ii).
iii).
Details of Unmanned Aircraft System:
a) Category:
b) Classification:
c) Model Name / Number:
d) Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing:
e) Maximum all-up-weight:
f) Engine/Motor:
i). Type:
ii). Power Rating and
iii). Number of Engines/Motors
g) Total fuel capacity (kg)/ Battery capacity (mAh):
h) Compatible payload:
(i) fixed or variable or both
(ii) maximum weight of the payload (Kg)
(iii) volume in cubic centimeter
i) Launch and recovery type (as applicable):
j) Overall dimensions (l x b x h) (attach a 3- view drawing):
14. Copy of ETA from WPC Wing (to be attached):
15. Details of Emergency Recovery System installation:
16. Details of equipment (√ appropriate boxes):
………….. GNSS ………. Geo-fence ………. Flight controller ………. RTH ………. Anti-collision light ………. Flight data logging capability ………. NPNT ………. SSR transponder/ADS-B OUT ………. Command and Control Link ………. Real-time tracking system ………. Barometric equipment ………. Detect and Avoid capability ………. Manufacturer Serial Number ………. Fire resistant identification plate GNSS -Global Navigation Satellite System; NPNT – No Permission – No Takeoff; RTH- Return to Home)
17. Compliance to Manufacturing Requirements for UAS‘
18. Fee amount and Transaction Number:

DECLARATION

Name and Signature of the Importer/Manufacturer/Owner/Operator

Date:

Place:

Schedule VI (Rule 29)

Procedure for Issuance or renewal of UAS Operator Permit (UAOP)

1. An authorised UAS operator seeking an Operator Permit or renewal of the operator permit for unmanned aircraft shall submit an application in Form UA-7 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.in.

2. Conditions of a UAS operator permit includes:

i. The UAS Operator Permit holder shall comply with all the requirements laid down in various schedules under these rules.

ii. The UAS Operator Permit shall be non-transferrable.

iii. The UAS operator permit holder shall not operate in an area without due intimation given to the land! property owner! local authority for takeoff and landing of UAS.

iv. The UAS operator permit holder shall comply with the aviation security regulations issued by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

v. The UAS operator permit holder shall ensure the privacy of individual and his property during

vi. The UAS operator permit holder shall comply with any other local or state regulatory requirements.

vii. All the UA operating under UAOP shall have valid insurance as specified in the rules.

3. The Director-General may specify any other conditions including height and air space restrictions.

4. The continued validity of the operator permit shall be subject to compliance of such conditions as may be stipulated by the Director-General in the permit.

5. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

6. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the UAOP through the online platform, as the case may be.

FORM UA-7
Application for Issue or Renewal of UAS Operator Permit (UAOP)				Recent passport size photo (in case of an individual)
				Signature
Part-A: General
Authorised UAS Operator Number
1. Name
2. Nationality
3. Email
4. Phone Number
5. GST No., if available.
Part-B: Details of UAS
6. Number of UAS
7. Make & Model of UAS
8. Manufacturing Serial Number
9. Category of UAS
10. MAX AUW
11. Rotary Wing/Fixed Wing
12. Payload Details
13. ETA
14. UIN
Part-C: Details of Qualified Remote Pilot/UAS Pilot Licence
15. Name of Qualified Remote Pilot
16. Qualification Details
17. Name of UAS Pilot Licence Holder
18. UAS Pilot Licence Number
19. Security Clearance from MHA in case of foreign nationals
20. Fee amount and Transaction Number
21. Existing UAOP Number (in case of renewal application)

Note: All requisite documents like unique authorisation number, ETA, UIN, Qualified Remote Pilot or Remote Pilot License (as applicable), security clearance from MHA (if applicable) shall be uploaded.

For renewal of UAOP, any changes in Part B and C of Form UA-7 shall be uploaded.

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that all information provided herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and understand that furnishing any false information herein shall make me liable for any penal action as applicable.

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule VII (Rules 31, 32 and 33)
Section A

Requirements for ‘Qualified Remote Pilot’

(a) The person shall not be less than eighteen years of age.

(b) The person shall have passed class X or its equivalent examination from a recognized Board.

(d) The person shall be conversant with UAS rules and directions issued by Director-General.

(e) The person having completed the training course from an authorised training organisation or institutes as per the requirements specified by the Director-General.

(f) No person having age more than sixty-five years can be a ^‗Qualified Remote Pilot‘.

Section B

Requirements for Remote Pilot’s License

1. A person seeking a new Remote Pilot‘s License or renewal of the Remote Pilot‘s License under these rules shall submit an application in form UA-8 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.i n.

2. The person shall meet the requirements of qualified remote pilot as specified in Section A.

3. The person shall submit a certificate of medical fitness from registered medical practitioner in the prescribed form as required by the Director-General.

4. The person shall submit a certificate of training appropriate to the class of UAS from an authorised training organisation or institutes.

5. The person shall pass an online examination as per the syllabus specified and conducted by the Director-General.

6. The person shall submit a license from Ministry of Communication for Flight Radio Telephone Operator in case of Large UA.

7. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

8. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the Remote Pilot‘s License, as the case may be.

FORM UA-8 Application for the issue or renewal of Remote Pilot License
1.	Name					Recent Photograph
2 .	Father‘s Name
3.	Date of birth
4.	Nationality
5.	Email Id
6.	Phone Number
7.	Permanent Address
8.	Correspondence Address					Signature
9. Educational Qualification
Examination	Name of Board/ university				Year	Result
Class X or equivalent
10. Medical Fitness
Name of the Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP)		Date of medical examination			Medical Center	Remarks, if any
11. DGCA Online Examination
Examination name		Passed on	Roll No.	Date of Result	Valid upto	Remarks, if any

12. Training
Name of Training Organisation/ Institute		Date From	Date To	Training Certificate Number on successful completion		Remarks, if any

13. Details of FRTOL, in case of Large UA
FRTOL Number		Date of Issue	Valid upto	Remarks, if any

14.		Have you been involved in UAS accident/ incident in preceding 5 years				Yes/No
		If yes, give details thereof; with the disciplinary action taken, if any:-
15.		If, holding any Indian flight crew license please give details
Name & number of License			Date of issue		Valid upto
16. Fee amount and Transaction number
17. Existing Remote Pilot License number (in case of renewal application)

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address, Date of Birth, Educational Qualification, Medical Fitness, Training and FRTOL to be uploaded. For renewal of Remote Pilot License, copy of existing Remote Pilot License and updated training records, medical fitness to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Date:

Section C

Requirements for Training

1. Any person desiring to become Qualified Remote Pilot (QRP) shall undergo requisite training from an authorised training organisation or institutes.

2. The training on the UAS shall comprise of theoretical and practical courses.

3. The training shall have specific syllabus for Qualified Remote Pilot and Remote Pilot License.

4. The syllabus of theoretical and practical courses may be specified by the Director-General based on the categories and classes of UAS.

Section D

Requirements for UAS Training Organisation

1. The applicant seeking authorisation of Training Organisation or institute or renewal of authorisation of Training Organisation or institute shall submit an application in Form UA-9 through digital sky platform available on website www. dgca.gov.i n.

2. All requisite documents as may be specified by the Director-General shall be submitted by the applicant.

3. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

4. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the authorisation for the training orgnaisation.

Form UA-9
APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION OR RENEWAL OF AUTHORISATION OF TRAINING ORGANISATION OR INSTITUTE
Sl. No.	Particulars	Information	Remarks, if any
1.1	Name of the Training Organisation or institute
1.2	Registered Address
1.3	Current/Business Address
1.4	Phone Number
1.5	Email
1.6	GST Number
1.7	Name of Board of Directors with their DIN No., in case of Company Name of trustee and members in case of trusts and society Name of Head of the Department /Chairman/CEO in case of central/State Govt. or agency thereof.
1.8	Name of the Authorised Signatory
1.9	Category and class of UA on which Training will be imparted
1.10	Number of the UAS trainer (s) for different classes of UA
1.11	Principal base of operation
1.12	Fee amount and transaction details
1.13	Existing authorisation number for training 62organisation (in case of renewal application)

1. Unmanned Aircraft System Details

S/No.

Class of UA

Owned/ Leased

UIN

Make and Model

2. Documentation (Tech. & Operational)

S/NO	DOCUMENTATION	STATUS(Available/Not-Available)
1.	Training & Procedure Manual (TPM)
2.	Operational Manual for UAS

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address and Incorporation/registration of organisation and requisite documents to be uploaded.

In case of local authority, Central or state Government or agency thereof, Certificate of the Head of the Department providing name, address and status of the organisation.

For renewal, all the requisite documents to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule VIII (Rule 34)

No Operation Area

1. OPERATING RESTRICTIONS

1.1 No UA shall be flown:

a) Within a distance of 5 kilometer from the perimeter of airports at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad;

b) Within a distance of 3 kilometer from the perimeter of any civil, private or defence airports, other than those mentioned in Para 1.1(a);

c) Above the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) or PANS-OPS surfaces, whichever is lower, of an operational aerodrome, specified in the rules related to Height Restrictions for Safeguarding of Aircraft Operations;

d) Within permanent or temporary Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas including TRA, and TSA, as notified in AIP by Airport Authority of India;

e) Within 25 kilometer from international border which includes Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control
(LAC) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL);

f) Beyond 500 meter (horizontal) into sea from coast line provided the location of ground station is on fixed platform over land;

g) Within 3 kilometer from perimeter of military installations’ facilities’ where military activities’ exercises are being carried out unless clearance is obtained from the local military installation’facility;

h) Within 5 kilometer radius from Vijay Chowk in Delhi. However, this is subject to any additional conditions’ restrictions imposed by local law enforcement agencies’ authorities in view of the security.

i) Within 2 kilometer from perimeter of strategic locations’ vital installations notified by Ministry of Home Affairs unless clearance is obtained from MHA;

j) Within 3 kilometer from radius of State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals;

k) From a mobile platform such as a moving vehicle, ship or aircraft; and

l) Over eco-sensitive zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries notified by Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change without prior permission.

1.2 The Director-General may permit flying of UA in select restricted areas on request made by any Government Authority or any airport Operator in exceptional circumstances.

Schedule- IX (Rules 43, 44 and 45)
Requirements for Authorisation or License of Drone port

1. The applicant seeking authorisation or license or renewal of license of drone port shall submit an application in Form UA-10 through digital sky platform available on website www.dgca.gov.in.

2. Documentation requirements for obtaining such authorisation or license and conditions of such authorisation or license shall be as specified by the Director-General.

3. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

4. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue the authorisation or license or renewal of license of the drone port.

FORM UA-10
Application for issuance of Authorisation or License or renewal of license of Drone port		Recent passport size photo (in case of an individual)
		Signature
Part A For an Individual
1. Name
2. Gender
3. Nationality
4. Date of Birth
5. Email
6. Phone No.
7. Document for Proof of Identity Submit any one	Passport Number
	Aadhar Card Number
	PAN Card Number
	Voter Identification Card Number
	Driving License Number
8. Document for Proof of Address Submit any one	Passport Number
	Aadhar Card Number
	PAN Card Number
	Electricity Bill No/ Water Bill No/ Bank Account Statements showing address
9. GST No.
Part B For a Company or Corporate
10. Name of the Company
11. Business/Current Address
12. Registered Address
13. Email
14. Phone No.
15. Proof of incorporation Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
16. Names of the Directors with their DIN No.
17. GST No if available
Part C For local authority, Central or state Government or agency thereof
18. Name of the Organisation
19. Business/Current Address
20. Registered Address
21. Email
22. Phone No.
23. Certificate from the Head of the Department providing details of the organisation, its address and its intent to acquire a UAN.
24. Name of Authorised Signatory
25. GST No
26. Fees amount & transaction
27. Existing license number of drone port (in case of renewal application)

Part D for Documentation

S/NO.	DOCUMENTATION	STATUS(Available/Not-Available)
1.	Land/Building details
2.	NOC from Authorities
2.	Drone port Manual

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address, Incorporation/ Registration of organisation and requisite documents to be uploaded.

For renewal of license, all the requisite documents to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Schedule- X (Rules 47, 48 and 49)

Section A

Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Service Provider

1 UTM System shall provide UTM service to participating unmanned and manned aircraft for enabling UAS operations for safety and security of all participating aircraft.

2 UTM Service should be provided primarily in designated Uncontrolled Airspace upto 1000 feet AGL in accordance with the Central Government policy.

3 UTM Service in segments of Uncontrolled Airspace above 1000 feet AGL and in Controlled Airspace shall be provided as specified by the Director-General.

4 UTM System shall include provisions for Registration, Pre-flight, In-flight and Post-flight services to stakeholders as specified by the Director-General.

5 The Services to be provided by UTM Service Provider shall be as specified by the Director-General.

6 The equipment and technology to be integrated in the UAS to ensure safe and secure provision of UTM services in Indian airspace shall be as specified by the Director-General.

7 The continued validity of the UTM Service Provider License shall be subject to compliance of such conditions as may be stipulated by the Director-General in the License.

8 The operational requirements shall include, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Classification of UTM Airspace.

(b) Rules of the Air for Unmanned Aircraft (UA).

(d) Minimum Terrain and Obstacle Clearance Standards for UA.

(e) Minimum Clearance Standards for Safety of Uninvolved Persons; and

(f) Minimum Clearance Standards for Noise Abatement.

9 The Technical Specification and Standards shall include, but not limited to, the following:

(a) UTM Architecture;

(b) Technical Standards for Communication

(c) Communication Protocols for UAS-UAS, UAS-UTM, UTM-UTM, UTM-SDSP, UAS-SDSP, UTM-ANSP, UTM-ATM and UTM-CUAS communication; and

i. (d) Minimum set of data elements to be exchanged.

10 The operational requirements, technical specifications and standards shall be as specified by the Director‑ General.

Section B

Requirements for License of UTM Service Provider

1. Any person other than individual seeking a license or renewal of license for providing UTM service shall submit an application in Form UA-11 through digital sky platform available on website www. dgca.gov.in.

2. Conditions of an UTM Service Provider License includes:

i. The UTM License holder shall comply with all the requirements laid down in this Schedule.

ii. The UTM License shall be non-transferrable.

iii. The UTM License holder shall comply with the directions issued by the Director General.

3. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

4. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the UTM Service Provider License.

FORM UA-11
Application for Issue or Renewal of License of UTM Service Provider
1. Name of the Organisation
2. Registered Address
3. Current/Business Address
4. Name of Board of Directors with their DIN No., in case of Company Name of trustee and members in case of trusts and society Name of Head of the Department/Chairman/CEO in case of central/State Govt. or agency thereof.
5. Name of the Authorised Signatory
6. Email
7. Phone Number
8. GST No.
9. Details of UTM Infrastructure
10. Experience as UTM Service Provider
11. Security Clearance from MHA in case of foreign nationals
12. Fee with Amount and Transaction number
13. Existing License number (in case of renewal application)

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address and Incorporation/registration of organisation and requisite documents to be uploaded.

In case of local authority, Central or state Government or agency thereof, Certificate of the Head of the Department providing name, address and status of the organisation.

For renewal of license, the requisite documents to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date:

Place:

Section C
Requirements for UTM Personnel License

1. Any person seeking a UTM Personnel License or renewal of the UTM Personnel License for providing UTM service shall submit an application in Form UA-12 through digital sky platform available on website dgca.gov.i n.

2. The person shall submit a certificate of training appropriate to the UTM from an authorised training

3. The person shall submit a certificate of medical fitness from a Government Hospital not lower than a district hospital in the prescribed form as required by the Director-General.

4. The person shall pass an online examination as per the syllabus specified and conducted by the Director-

5. The person shall have Bachelors‘ degree in Science with Physics and Mathematics or with Electronics and Telecommunication or with Computer Science or an equivalent degree from a recognised university.

6. The additional qualifications, training and experience requirements for granting licence to UTM Personnel for providing UTM service shall be as specified by the Director-General.

7. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

8. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the UTM Personnel License.

FORM UA-12 Application for the issue or renewal of UTM Personnel License
1.	Name							Recent passport size photo (in case of an individual)
2.	Father‘s Name							Signature
3.	Date of birth
4.	Nationality
5.	Email Id
6.	Phone Number
7.	Permanent Address
8.	Correspondence Address
9. Educational Qualification
Degree			Name of Institute/university			Year			result

10. Medical Fitness
Name and address of the Govt. Hospital		Date of medical examination				Remarks, if any

11. DGCA Online Examination
Examination name		Passed on		Roll No.	Date of Result		Valid upto		Remarks, if any

12. Training
Name of Training Organisation		Date From		Date To	Training Certificate Number on successful completion				Remarks, if any

13. Fee amount &Transaction No.
14. Existing License number (in case of renewal application)

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address, Date of Birth, Educational Qualifications, Medical fitness and Training to be uploaded.

For renewal of license, the requisite documents to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Date:

Place:

Name and Signature

Section D

Requirements for Training

1. Any person desiring to become licensed UTM personnel shall undergo requisite training from an authorised training organisation.

2. The training on the UTM shall comprise of theoretical and practical courses.

3. The syllabus of theoretical and practical courses may be specified by the Director-General.

Section E

Requirements for UTM Training Organisation

1. The applicant seeking authorisation or renewal of authorisation of UTM Training Organisation shall submit an
application in Form UA-1 3 through digital sky platform available on website www. dgca.gov.in.

2. The applicant shall pay the fee as prescribed in Schedule XI.

3. The Director-General upon his satisfaction may issue or renew the authorisation for the UTM Training Organisation.

Form UA-13
APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION OR RENEWAL OF AUTHORISATION OF TRAINING ORGANISATION
Sl. No.	Particulars	Information	Remarks, if any
1.	Name of the Training Organisation
2.	Registered Address
3.	Current/Business Address
4.	Phone Number
5.	Email
6.	GST Number
7.	Name of Board of Directors with their DIN No., in case of Company Name of trustee and members in case of trusts and society Name of Head of the Department/ Chairman/CEO in case of central/State Govt. or agency thereof.
8.	Name of the Authorised Signatory
9.	Number of the UTM trainer (s)
10.	Principal base of operation
11.	Fee amount and transaction details
12.	Existing authorisation number of training organisation (in case of renewal application)

Documentation (Tech. & Operational)

S/NO.	DOCUMENTATION	STATUS(Available/Not-Available)
1.	Training and Procedure Manual (TPM).
2.	Operational Manual for UTM

Note.- Self attested documents in support of Name, Address and Incorporation/registration of organisation and requisite documents to be uploaded.

In case of local authority, Central or state Government or agency thereof, Certificate of the Head of the Department providing name, address and status of the organisation.

For renewal of authorisation, requisite documents to be uploaded.

DECLARATION

Name and Signature

Date: Place:

Schedule- XI (Rule 51)

1. Fees for various services.

(a) (i) The fee for authorisation of:

(A) Importer or manufacturer or trader shall be rupees ten thousand only;

(B) Operator with fleet of 10 or more UAS shall be rupees five thousand only;

(D) Owner shall be rupees five hundred only; and

(E) training organisation shall be rupees five thousand only.

(ii) The fee for renewal or any variation of such authorisation, as the case may be, shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (a).

(b) The fee for issue of Certificate of Manufacture for a particular UAS model shall be:

(i) Class of UA	Fee (Rs.)
(A) Nano	500/-
(B) Micro	1,000/-
(C) Small	2,000/-
(D) Medium	3,000/-
(E) Large	5,000/-

(ii) The fee for any variation in the certificate shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (b).

(i) Rupees one hundred only for Nano UA;

(iI) Rupees two hundred only for Micro UA;

(iii) Rupees five hundred only for Small UA;

(iv) Rupees one thousand only for Medium UA;

(v) Rupees two thousand only for large UA.

(d) The fee for grant of permit to operate a UAS shall be:

(i) Class of UA	Fee (Rs.)
(A) Micro	1000/-
(B) Sma	2,000/-
(C) Medium	3,000/-
(D) Large	5,000/-

(ii) The fee for renewal or any variation in the permit shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (d).

(e) The fee for issue of UAS pilot license inclusive of any examination fee shall be:

(i) Class of UA	Fee (Rs.)
(B) Sma	1,000/-
(C) Medium	2,000/-
(D) Large	3,000/-

(ii) The fee for renewal or any variation in the permit shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (e).

(f) (i) The fee for issue of UTM Service Provider License fee shall be rupees ten thousand only;

(ii) The fee for renewal or any variation in the license shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (f).

(g) (i) The fee for issue of UTM Personnel License inclusive of any examination fee shall be rupees one thousand only;

(ii) The fee for renewal or any variation in the license shall be fifty per cent of the fee payable under sub-clause (i) of clause (g).

(h) The fee for transfer of UAS shall be rupees five hundred only for each UAS.

2. Fee for establishment of drone port. (a) The fee for the grant of:

(i) License of drone port shall be rupees ten thousand only;

(ii) Authorisation of drone port shall be rupees two thousand only.

(b) The fee for renewal of license shall be fifty per cent of the fee chargeable under sub-clause (i) of clause (a).

SCHEDULE XII (Rule 60)

Penalties

Category I ─ Offences punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with fine not exceeding one lakh rupees, or with both:

S.No.	Nature of offence	Relevant rule or rules
1.	Use of an authorisation by importer, manufacture or trader without validity	Rule 10
2.	Non-compliance of rule 11	Rule 11
3.	Unauthorised importer of a UAS or part or component thereof	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 12
4..	Unauthorised manufacturer of a UAS or part or component thereof	Rule 13
5	Non-compliance with the provisions of rule 15	Rule 15
6.	Non-compliance of the rule 16 by manufacturing Organisation.	Rule 16
7	Non-compliance of rule 18	Rule 18
8.	Unauthorised buying or selling or leasing of a UAS or a part or a component thereof.	Rule 20
9.	Contravention of the provisions of rule 25	Rule 25
10	Contravention of the provisions of rule 26	Rule 26
11.	Contravention of the provisions of rule 27	Rule 27
12.	Non-compliance with the provisions of rule 29.	Rule 29
13.	Operating a large category UAS in India other than a Licensed Remote Pilot	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 32
14.	Flying an unmanned aircraft over no-operation area	Rule 34
15.	Contravention of sub-rule (2) of rule 35	Sub-rule (2) of Rule 35
16.	Contravention of sub-rule (1) rule 37	Rule 37
17.	Contravention of rule 38	Rule 38
18	Contravention of the provisions of rule 40	Rule 40
19.	Contravention of rule 41	Rule 41
20.	Establishment of Drone port or Drone corridor in unpermitted areas	Rule 42
21	Contravention of the provisions of rule 43	Rule 43
22.	Non-compliance of directions issued under sub-rule (1) of rule 50	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 50
23.	Operating UA without a valid third party insurance	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 52
24.	Non-compliance of sub-rule (3) of rule 54	Sub-rule (3) of Rule 54
25.	Fraudulently lend any licence, certificate, authorisation, permit or approval or allow it to be used by any other person	Rule 61

Category II ─ Offences punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or with fine not exceeding fifty thousand rupees, or with both:

S.No	Nature of offence	Relevant rule or rules
1.	Non-providing information regarding change in the credentials of eligibility conditions subsequent to issuance of authorisation number	Rule 9
2.	Use of an authorisation by owner or operator without validity	Rule 10
3.	Owns or operates an Unmanned Aircraft without allotment a Unique Identification Number.	Rule 17
4.	Unauthorised owner a UAS or part or component thereof in India	Rule 21
5.	Contravention of the provisions of rule 22	Sub-rule (1) and (2) of Rule 22
6.	Non-compliance of rule 23.	Rule 23
7.	Operating a UAS by an unauthorised UAS Operator.	Rule 28
8	Non-compliance with the provisions of rule 30.	Rule 30
9.	Operating a UAS other than a ‗Qualified Remote Pilot	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 31
10.	Contravention of sub-rule (1) of rule 3	Sub-rule (1) of Rule 35
11.	Non-compliance of rule 36	Rule 36
12.	Non-compliance of rule 39	Rule 39