There is hope, expectations and a few doubts as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has finally notified laws to permit the flying of remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) from December 1. The 37-page document lays out ground rules for drone users.
“I feel it is bit overly bureaucratic and complex for a drone enthusiast to just fly a drone. Wish distinction was made on the basis of purpose, like hobbyist and professional,” says Teva S.V., a student, after going through the long document loaded with legalese.
“There is uncertainty whether consumer drones like Mavic Pro and Mavic Air fall under micro or small UMVs as they can fly beyond 60 metres but are less than 2 kg in weight. If they are considered small (which the document indicates), it makes no sense to obtain a licence by paying ₹25,000 just to fly it as a hobbyist. I think the document fits well for professionals who fly heavier drones like DJI Inspire for commercial purposes. But for a hobbyist, it is very disappointing,” adds the drone enthusiast.
Called ‘Civil Aviation Requirements Section 3 – Air Transport Series X Part I’, the rules hopefully will free the potential of drones in India where everything flew under the radar till now. Only a months ago, a photographer from West Bengal was picked up by police for flying a drone near Charminar in the evening hours.
The Hyderabad Police has been regularly issuing alerts about the ban on drones. But this has not deterred drone flyers; most wedding videos have a slice of drone footage as the bride and groom walk down the aisle. Countless movies and advertisements have also been shot in Telangana using drones.
Now, drone owners can register to acquire a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and for advanced users Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP). The users will also need to get insurance for their devices, and before flying their vehicle, a police permission and on ‘Digital Sky Platform’.
“These are a pretty comprehensive set of rules but they have missed out on the privacy issue. The European Union has laid great emphasis on privacy while the DGCA move shifts the onus on the drone flyer. It is a grey area,” says Owais Farooqui, who specialises in laws for drones, and teaches at Jamia Hamdard.
Boom time
Businessmen are delighted with the new regulations. “I have sold between 400-500 drones over the past few years. Most wedding photographers are using them. There is a great demand for them in rural areas. Once these regulations come into force, people will buy and use them without worrying about police action,” says Alok Simharaju, who deals in camera equipment.
