Summary of Indian New Drone Rules, 2021

The Civil Aviation ministry has passed that the new Drone Rules 2021 which will replace the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021. Under the Drone Rules 2021, the coverage of drones increased from 300 kg to 500 kg and will include heavy payload-carrying drones and drone taxis. Besides, the new drone rules remove security clearance before any registration or licence issuance. Under the Drone Rules 2021, the government has reduced the fee to operate a drone to nominal levels and de-linked from the size of the drone. The government has also reduced the number of forms/permissions to operate a drone in India from 25 to 5. Digital sky platform will be developed as a business-friendly single-window online system. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shall prescribe drone training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licences online.