The Ministry of Civil Aviation has recently issued draft Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) rules, 2020 in response to the spike in drone usage during the COVID-19 lockdown. Drone use has seen a marked increase in recent times for reasons such as surveillance, disinfection, and videography. The government had previously unveiled drone regulations 1.0 and 2.0. Additionally, National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines are now in place to deal with threats posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Defining the Drone
Also referred to as an Unmanned Aircraft (UA), a drone comprises three subsets – Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Autonomous Aircraft, and Model Aircraft. Remotely Piloted Aircraft encompasses remote pilot station(s), required command and control links along with other components specified in the type of design. Based on their weight, these aircraft are categorized into five classifications – Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large.
Key Objectives
The newly notified set of rules seeks to regulate drone production, import, trade, ownership, establishment of drone ports, and operation. It also aims to establish a framework for commercial use of drones.
Draft Rules in Detail
As per the proposed guidelines, only an authorized manufacturer or importer of drones can sell its devices to an individual or entity approved by the aviation regulation body, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). A qualified remote pilot will be permitted to operate drones heavier than the Nano class. DGCA holds the power to inspect a UAS manufacturing or maintenance facility before granting any authorization under these rules.
Insurance and Payload Parameters
No UAS shall operate without a valid third-party insurance policy to cover liability from any mishaps. UAS should not carry any payload unless explicitly permitted by DGCA. There is a prohibition on dropping or projecting any object from a moving UAS unless specified.
Ownership and Future Prospects
To own and operate a drone, an individual must be at least 18 years old. For businesses, the stipulations include having the main place of business in India, with the chairman and at least two-thirds of directors being Indian citizens. Also, the substantial ownership and control of companies operating drones must rest with Indian nationals.
DGCA has permitted food startups to conduct trials for drones Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). Unlike Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) flights, which operate within the pilot’s sight line, BVLOS flights cover a range beyond visual capability. These are mostly used for monitoring large areas, enabling service providers to perform complex drone operations and facilitate drones to fly without human interference.
The Way Forward
Drones provide cost-effective, safe, and quick aerial surveillance for data collection and prove useful across various industries, such as power, mining, realty, oil and gas exploration, railways, and highways. They are effective for relief and rescue work and policing. However, misuse of drones, like the Saudi-Aramco Drone Attack, underlines the need for regulated drone usage in the current times.
