The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has published a preliminary draft of the National Air Sports Policy (NASP), outlining a crucial requirement for entities offering these services to register their equipment and follow protocol, or face potential penalties.
About the National Air Sports Policy
India’s National Air Sports Policy puts forth an intended dual-governance model for air sports in the country. This framework comprises a leading governing body named the Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) and individual associations corresponding to each air sport. ASFI will function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, representing India at the Fédération Aéronaautique Internationale (FAI), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and other international air sports platforms.
ASFI will overlook different aspects of air sports such as regulation, certification, competitions, awards, and penalties. Each air sport association is expected to establish its safety standards for equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and training. They will also be responsible for determining punitive actions for non-compliance. Failure to comply may result in penalties enforced by ASFI.
Creating Control Zones for Air Sports
The policy suggests that key air sports destinations like Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, Gangtok in Sikkim, Hadapsar in Maharashtra, and Vagamon in Kerala could be designated as “control zones.” These zones would provide a safe environment for other manned aircraft.
Scope of Activities Under the NASP
The NASP aims to cover various pursuits such as aerobatics, aeromodelling, amateur-built and experimental aircraft, ballooning, drones, gliding, hang gliding, paragliding, microlighting, paramotoring, skydiving, and vintage aircraft.
Objectives of the NASP
The primary objective of this policy is to position India as a leading air sports nation by 2030. The program’s vision includes promoting the country’s air sports sector by ensuring safety and affordability, along with an accessible, enjoyable and sustainable approach to the sport. A significant emphasis is placed on aligning with international best practices in safety.
The policy aims to stimulate domestic design, development, and manufacturing of air sports equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiative. It also proposes waiving import duty on equipment for a few years and requests the GST Council to consider reducing the GST rate on air sports equipment to 5% or less.
Significance of the NASP
The National Air Sports Policy encourages schools and colleges to include air sports in their curriculum. This inclusion provides students with opportunities to participate in FAI’s international competitions. With India’s diverse topography, expansive geographical area, and favorable weather conditions, the country has the potential to become a world leader in air sports. This potential is further bolstered by the country’s large youth population and growing interest in adventure sports and aviation.
Far beyond the direct revenue generated from air sports activities, the sector’s growth could have significant secondary benefits, including boosting travel, tourism, infrastructure, and local employment, particularly in the country’s hilly regions. The establishment of air sports hubs across India could attract professionals and tourists from around the world.
Government Initiatives for Sports Development
Several other government initiatives designed to foster sports development in India have been implemented. These include programs such as the Khelo India Scheme, National Sports Development Fund, the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) Scheme, Sports Authority of India Training Centres Scheme (STC), Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and Khelo India Youth Games.