How to Get a Drone Permit for Commercial Use in India?

Drones in the current scenario are used for all the different purposes, from photography to agriculture. A DGCA drone pilot license is mandatory for all drone pilots in India wishing to use drones for commercial applications. Understanding the regulations regarding commercial drone use in India is vital for getting a drone license. It is vital to understand the process of obtaining a drone license in India, including the eligibility criteria, application process, testing, and certification.

For commercial drone operation in India, a Unique Identification Number and an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) from the DGCA are needed. Drones cannot be flown in certain areas, considered “no-fly zones.” Every operator should ensure they are not flying a drone in a restricted area.

Drones cannot be flown above 400 feet, and they must be within the line of sight of the operator. It should also be made sure that the drone does not cause any harm to people, animals, or property.

Legal Requirement

As the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India said, all drones must be registered and have a UIN. Moreover, the operator should have a Remote Pilot License to fly a drone legally in India.

Safety Regulations

Strict safety regulations ensure the safety of people and property. Flying a drone without a license can cause accidents and property damage. A drone license ensures that the operator has knowledge about the safe propulsion of drones.

Commercial Use

For using drone for commercial purposes, one should have a drone license. There are separate regulations for commercial drone operations. Obtaining a drone license enables drone use for commercial purposes and avoids any legal issues.

International Travel

To travel internationally with a drone, one should have a drone license. Different countries have different guidelines for drone operations. Therefore, obtaining a drone license allows you to travel with a drone in foreign countries.

There are two types of drone licenses in India: Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit and Remote Pilot License.

Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP)

This is a permit issued to the drone operator. It is essential for people or organizations that want to fly drones commercially. Its validity is five years and can be renewed after that. For obtaining a UAOP, an application must be submitted to the DGCA along with the essential documents.

Remote Pilot License (RPL)

It is issued to drone pilots and is essential for people who want to fly drones commercially. To obtain an RPL, the pilot should get trained from a DGCA-approved training organization and pass the DGCA-approved exam.

An aspirant should meet certain eligibility criteria to get a drone license in India. The DGCA sets these criteria to guarantee safety and security in the airspace.

• Age Limit

To apply for a drone license in India, a person must be at least 18 years old.

• Educational Qualification

The applicant must have passed the 10th from a recognized board.

• Security Clearance

The applicant should have a security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs before applying for a drone license. This is mandatory and certifies that the applicant has no criminal record.

• Medical Fitness

The applicant must be medically fit to operate a drone. The DGCA has specified the medical fitness requirements for drone pilots, which include normal vision, good physical and mental health, and no history of epilepsy or other medical conditions that could affect the safety of the flight.

• Training

Before applying for a drone license, one must complete training at a DGCA-approved drone training school. The training covers several aspects of drone operation, including flight planning, navigation, emergency procedures, and more.

• Insurance

One must have insurance coverage for the drone. The insurance must cover third-party liability and damage to property.

To apply for a drone license in India, register on the Digital Sky platform. Here are the steps to follow:

• Create an account on the Digital Sky website.

• Fill the personal details and upload an ID proof.

• Choose your profile type as “Remote Pilot” or “Manufacturer”.

• Select the drone category. • Upload the training certificate if necessary.

• Select the drone type and enter the drone’s details.

• Submit the application and pay the fee.

Upon completing the registration process, a UIN will be received for your drone.

• Identity proof: Passport, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, DL.

• Address proof: Passport, Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, DL.

• Drone insurance: It covers the duration of the entire drone operation.

• Security Clearance: Security clearance from the MHA is required for commercial drone operations.

To get a drone license in India, one should pass a DGCA drone pilot exam. The test examines whether the drone operator understands drone regulations, safety procedures, and flying methods.

The DGCA has authorized several organizations’ to conduct the drone pilot certification process. These organizations offer training and conduct tests to assess drone pilots' competency.

The training courses cover various topics pertaining drone operations. It also comprises practical training on flying techniques, for example takeoff, landing, and maneuvering.

The process of certification includes a written test and a practical test. The written test consists of MCQs that gauge the candidate’s knowledge. The practical test assesses the candidate’s ability to operate a drone safely and efficiently.

When a candidate passes the written and practical tests, they will obtain a remote pilot certificate from the DGCA.

Once an RPC is obtained, it is important to keep in mind the renewal and validity period. According to the liberalized drone rules in 2021, the RPC fee has been reduced to INR 100 for all drones, valid for 10 years.

After that, the drone license must be renewed. The renewal procedure is the same as the registration process and can also be done through the Digital Sky platform. Log in. Navigate to the list of drones and apply for the license renewal.

Completing the renewal process before the license expires is important. Failure to do so can result in penalties and legal consequences. You should also keep the license valid. Any violation of regulations may result in the suspension of the license.

The Drone Rules, 2021, have set various penalties for violations of the regulations. These are categorized based on the type of past violation and its severity.

• Maximum Penalty

The maximum penalty, which once spanned several lacs, is now just 1 lac. The reduction will encourage more people to adopt drones and use them for various commercial applications.

• Enforcement of Penalties

The Ministry of Civil Aviation enforces the penalties. The drone and any other equipment used in the violation can be seized, and legal proceedings might be initiated against the violator.

For starters, getting a drone license in India is not all that hard. The process involves registering with the Digital Sky Platform, selecting the suitable license category, and obtaining certification and compliance. Drones should also be registered with DGCA on the Digital Sky Platform.

If you want to get trained in drone piloting before getting a drone pilot license, then you can enroll at Flapone Aviation. Here, we have some of the finest drone pilot instructors to help you on the voyage of becoming a certified drone pilot.