Civil Aviation Ministry releases d-Drone Rules, 2021 for public consultation

New Delhi: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has released reorganized - The Drone Rules, 2021 for public consultation. Built on a premise of trust, self-certification and non-intrusive monitoring, The Drone Rules, 2021 will replace the UAS Rules 2021 (released on 12th March 2021). The last date for receipt of public comments is 5th August 2021.

 

Key takeaways from the Draft Drone Rules, 2021 include that there will be minimal human interface on the digital sky platform and most permissions will be self-generated. Safety features like ‘No Permission - No Take-off’ (NPNT), real-time



tracking beacon, geo-fencing etc. to be notified in future.

 

Import of drones and drone components will be regulated by Directorate General of Foreign Trade. All drone training and testing to be carried out by an authorised drone school. Directorate General of Civil Aviation will prescribe training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licences online. Standard operating procedures (SOP) and training procedure manuals (TPM) will be prescribed by DGCA on the digital sky platform for self-monitoring by users.