Drone Registration in India: Process and Documents

DGCA, an Indian regulatory organization in charge of drone safety, has made a variety of information about drone flying for leisure or business available online. In this article, we look at all things related to drone registration in India.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India is responsible for overseeing the regulatory framework for drones. To ensure the safe and responsible use of drone technology, the DGCA has issued guidelines and regulations, making it mandatory for operators to obtain the required approvals. Since the introduction of the Digital Sky platform for drone registration in India, there have been numerous proposed laws and policies aimed at enhancing the utilization of drone technology for commercial purposes. In 2019, the Government of India (GoI) updated its unmanned aircraft (UA) regulations to address concerns such as data flights, regulate UA architecture, and establish universally scalable standards.

The Government of India (GoI) has instituted the “no permission, no takeoff” (NPNT) protocol for unmanned aircraft (UA) by employing an unmanned traffic management system (UTM).  This procedural framework necessitates adherence to Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), encompassing key steps such as drone registration, the submission of a flight plan along with its intended purpose, obtaining essential permits, and completing the mandatory training for operating the aircraft.  The introduction of the UTM process aims to proficiently regulate unmanned aircraft, guaranteeing strict adherence to aviation regulations and ensuring the overall safety and compliance of drone operations.

Various Drone or UA Types

As a result of their various shapes and sizes, drones have been categorized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation according to the weight of the aircraft as follows: 

Category	Load
Nano	Weighing not more than 250 grams
Micro	Weighing more than 250 grams and equating to 2 kg
Small	Weighing more than 2 kg and equating to 25 kg
Medium	Weighing more than 25 kg to 150 kg
Large	Weighing more than 150 kg

Drone Registration in India

All individuals and unmanned aircraft (UAs) are now required to complete registration on the Digital Sky platform, obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN), acquire an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) license, undergo training, and secure necessary permissions before commencing drone operations. This directive has been mandated by the Government of India.

The launch of the Digital Sky platform is aimed at simplifying the drone registration and paperwork procedures for users. 

To register on the platform, users can follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Click on the link provided (https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in) and select the weight category of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) – either “under” or “over.” Click “register.”
2. Step 2: After clicking “register,” fill out the form with accurate information and then click “Sign Up.”
3. Step 3: For users with UAs weighing more than 250 grams, select the “over” option and choose the relevant sub-category after selecting the category of remote pilot, operator, or manufacturer. Click “Register.”
4. Step 4: Choose a category for the pilot, operator, or manufacturer and complete the form with accurate information. Click “Register” and sign up.
5. Step 5: After signing up with Digital Sky, the user will receive a notification via registered mail. The user will be directed to a page where they can select the type of drone they intend to use by clicking the provided link in the email.
6. Step 6: Complete the next page with accurate information after selecting a profile. Click “Submit” after choosing the type of drone and adding the training certificate, if required.

Getting a UIN for a Drone

To obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for a drone weighing more than 250 grams, the following steps need to be followed:

1. User Registration on Digital Sky Platform:

• Sign up on the Digital Sky platform by visiting https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in. 
• After signing up, the user will be prompted to Drone Registration by choosing one of the following options:
• Apply for Local Drones (manufactured in India)
• Apply for Import Drones (manufactured abroad)
• Apply for a UAOP license

2. Submission of Information:

Provide a valid set of credentials including:

• Name
• Address
• PAN information of the owner
• Drone details such as model number, serial number, OEM Certificate (received from the manufacturer), NPL Letter, manufacturer’s name, address, and country of origin.
• Maximum attainable height and weight for takeoff
• Specifics of a compatible payload

3. UIN Application Process:

• After providing accurate information, the user needs to pay for the application for a Unique Identification Number (UIN) to operate the drone.
• UIN applications can also be submitted through https://bharatkosh.gov.in. 

Costs and Fees for Drone Registration in India:

S.No.	Title	Amount
1	UIN	₹ 1000
2	UAOP License	₹ 25,000
3	Renewal of UAOP License	₹ 10,000

Remote Pilot Certification

Remote Pilot Certification focuses on mitigating risks associated with drone operations. To achieve this objective, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has incorporated theoretical and technical knowledge in the training curriculum, preparing users for operating drones in both private and public platforms. The training program also addresses strategies for handling emergencies such as system failures or mishaps.

Key topics covered in the training include:

1. ATC Procedures and Fundamental Radio Telephony (RT): Understanding Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures and fundamental radio telephony is essential for effective communication during drone operations.
2. Flight Planning: The training provides insights into flight planning, emphasizing the importance of careful and strategic planning for drone missions.
3. Aerodynamics Familiarity: Users gain some familiarity with aerodynamics, enabling them to comprehend the principles governing the flight of unmanned aircraft.
4. Aviation Meteorology Basics: Basic knowledge of aviation meteorology is imparted, allowing remote pilots to consider and navigate through various weather conditions.

Conditions for Obtaining Remote Pilot Training:

1. Age Requirement: The pilot must be at least 18 years old to undergo remote pilot training.
2. Educational Qualifications: Completion of 10th grade in English is a prerequisite for enrollment in remote pilot training. Additionally, candidates must fulfill the necessary training requirements and obtain security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
3. Foreign Remote Pilots: Foreign remote pilots are required to follow the guidelines outlined in the Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) Logbook.

DGCA-Approved Training Facilities 

DGCA-Approved Training Facilities are essential for individuals seeking to fly drones at altitudes exceeding 200 feet, as all members must possess a remote pilot license. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) closely monitors training sessions to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. According to Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series X Par 1, the training manual applies to all approved Flying Training Organizations (FTOs).

Eligible Participants for Remote Pilot Training include:

1. Private Pilot License Holders: Individuals who have obtained their Private Pilot License and wish to complete their Operator’s Certificate (PPL) are eligible for remote pilot training.
2. Drone Technology Enthusiasts or Professionals: Individuals with a keen interest in drone technology or professionals seeking to enhance their skills in operating and piloting UAVs.
3. Representatives Learning Drone Operations: Individuals representing organizations interested in learning about the operation and piloting of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
4. Military Personnel: Training is extended to military personnel with a focus on their specific roles related to defense forces and military unmanned aerial vehicles.
5. Organizational Representatives for Drone Delivery: Representatives of organizations anticipating the future use of drone delivery services for their products.
6. Enthusiasts and Professionals Requiring Altitudes > 200 Feet: Individuals, such as bloggers, YouTubers, photographers, and travelers, who intend to fly drones at altitudes higher than 200 feet.
7. Specialized Duties Performers: Participants involved in specialized duties like tracking wildlife or conducting rescue missions.

No Permission, No Takeoff

“No Permission, No Takeoff” is a strict rule emphasizing that drone takeoff is only allowed with proper authorization. Users can interact with the Ministry for operational requirements through the NPNT (No Permission, No Takeoff) app. This application determines whether the drone can operate at the requested time, primarily designed for commercial purposes such as shipping, rescue missions, and usage by hospitals, bloggers, and YouTubers.

The app is designed to receive and approve takeoff requests, and users are prohibited from using the Unmanned Aircraft (UA) if the request is denied. The software installation on devices is adaptable based on the operator’s preferences.

Conclusion 

Vakilsearch‘s knowledgeable legal staff can guide you through every step of the drone registration process in India. For immediate assistance, visit our website!