The Intelligence and Security headquarters has issued guidelines for the use of drones by members of the general public. According to these guidelines, the procedure established by the Government of India must be followed before purchasing a drone. All information regarding this is available on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation website www.dgca.nic.in.
Before the operation of a drone, a unique identification number (UIN) and unmanned aircraft operator permit (UAOP) should be obtained from the DGCA.
The pilot who will be operating the drone must be trained from an institution authorised by the Government of India for the purpose. A drone should not be operated in drone-restricted areas, the list of which is available on the digital sky platform. Before every flight of the drone, it is mandatory to secure permission for the same from the digital sky platform.
After securing permission from the DGCA for flying a drone, it is necessary to inform the police station concerned about it 24 hours before the planned flight.
Those interested in operating drones should also study in detail the do’s and dont’s, frequently asked questions and civil aviation requirement (CAR) on the DGCA website and ensure that the directions are followed.
Violating the drone related rules and operating a drone in restricted area is a punishable offence under sections 121, 121 A, 287, 336, 337 and 338, and the Airports Authority of India Act.
