The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has recently expanded permits for ‘No-Permission-No-Takeoff’ (NPNT) compliant drone operations, allowing their use in 34 new green zones. This move is aimed at facilitating, streamlining, and promoting the drone operation industry within the country.
About NPNT and Its Role in Drone Operations
NPNT is a unique software program that allows all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), except nano aircraft, to obtain necessary permissions through the DigitalSky platform before operating in India. RPAs are in essence Unmanned Aircraft (UA)—aircraft piloted from remote stations—commonly known as drones.
A product of the Ministry of Civil Aviation initiative, DigitalSky plays a crucial part in managing the drone airspace in India. It offers a highly secure and scalable platform compatible with technology frameworks like NPNT. By digitally enabling flight permissions and efficiently managing Unmanned Aircraft operations and traffic, it makes drone functions more user-friendly and safe.
Impact on Green Zone Restrictions and Geo-fencing Breaches
Considered an advanced safety feature, geo-fencing alerts or deters a drone from going beyond a designated airspace boundary. If a NPNT compliant drone tries to breach this geo-boundary, its in-built software forces it to ‘return-to-home’ (RTH).
Drone flights in the green zone sites must adhere to the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021. To operate in these areas, drone users only need to inform authorities of the time and location of their flights. Permissions are needed for yellow zones, while red zones are entirely off-limits for drone operations.
Understanding the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021
The UAS Rules, 2021, categorize UAS into airplanes, rotorcraft, and hybrid. They’re further classified as remotely piloted aircraft, model remotely piloted aircraft, and autonomous unmanned aircraft system. Based on the maximum all-up weight, UAs are classified into nano, micro, small, medium, and large unmanned aircraft.
Individuals and companies wishing to import, manufacture, trade, own, or operate drones must obtain approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The No Permission- No Take-off (NPNT) rule applies to all UAS except those in the nano category. Micro and small UAS are restricted from flying above 60m and 120m, respectively.
The rules prohibit UAS from operating in strategic and sensitive locations, including airports, defence airports, border areas, military facilities, and sites designated as strategic locations/vital installations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Also, R&D organizations, start-ups, authorized UAS manufacturers, and fully accredited higher education institutions in India can undertake UAS R&D activities after obtaining authorization from the DGCA.
Penalties Under the UAS Rules, 2021
The UAS Rules also specify penalties for individuals and organizations that violate these regulations. Individuals can face fees ranging from ten thousand to one lakh rupees. Meanwhile, organizations may have to pay 200%, 300%, or even 400% of the fine based on the size of their organization.
