Hi,
I see there are some educated people on these forums regarding use of drones. I will be visiting India in March, and am interested in bringing my drone with me. It is a NANO-type drone, a Mavic Mini to be exact.
My research has me finding conflicting results, as foreigners are not allowed to use drones, unless it is for commercial usage and the drone is in turn leased to and Indian entity, who in turn applies for a UIP and UAOP. But for NANO drones UIP and UAOP application is not required in the first place. Also NANO drones are exempt for import clearance, according to the papers attached. I have added all the links and material related to the subject that I have been able to find on official channels, and will post them here. Following examination of these paper, is the NANO category exempt from rules regarding foreigners flying drones, since they do not require UIP and UAOP application? I would appreciate thoughts and opinions on this matter.
Thankshttp://dgca.nic.in/cars/RPS-FAQs.pdf6. What are the requirements for import of Drones (with or without camera) in India?
Any entity intending to import RPAS in India shall obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC Wing, Department of Telecommunication for operating in de-licensed frequency band(s). Such approval shall be valid for a particular make and model.
The applicant, other than Nano category, shall apply to DGCA along with ETA for import clearance. Based upon the import clearance issued by DGCA, DGFT shall issue license for import of RPAS.
.
8. What is controlled and uncontrolled airspace?
10. Whether drones fall under the category of restricted items for carrying in hand baggage in aircrafts?
Drones are restricted items and can’t be carried in hand baggage.
12. I am a foreigner and want to fly drones in India. What are the permission do I require?
Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India. For commercial purpose, they need to lease RPAS to an Indian entity who in-turn will obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) and UAOP from DGCA.
13. What is UIN?
UIN is unique identification number issued by DGCA for a particular RPA (except Nano).
Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are
provided.
Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is not
necessary or cannot be provided for practical reasons.
14. How much is the fees for UIN & UAOP?
For UIN: - One thousand Indian Rupees (Rs.1000/-).
For fresh UAOP :- Twenty Five Thousand Rupees (Rs.25,000/-)
For Renewal of UAOP:- Ten Thousand Rupees (Rs.10,000/-)
15. Where do I pay fees for UIN and UAOP for drone?
You will be prompted for payment through payment Gateway in the Digital Sky Platform.
Or
The link for paying the fees is
https://bharatkosh.gov.in/.You need to mention the transaction receipt number and upload copy of the payment receipt in Digital Sky Platform at the time of your application.
17. If I'm just flying my UAS inside a building, do I have to register it?
For Nano, no UIN is required. However, for micro category and above, UIN is required.
18. What is UAOP?
UAOP is Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit
19. Who all are required to obtain UAOP?
All operators other than exempted categories mentioned below are required to obtain UAOP from DGCA:-
Operators of Nano &Micro category in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises upto 50ft and 200ft respectively
RPA operated by NTRO, ARC, and Central Intelligence Agencies.
20. What is the validity of UAOP?
Five years
26. We are a company registered elsewhere than in India and we have a remote pilot who is licensed by our civil aviation authority. We want to lend our services to an Indian Organisation. What permissions do we require?
Foreign Entity has to lease their RPAS to the Indian Entity. The Indian entity shall apply for UIN and UAOP. Remote Pilot (if a foreign national) should be security cleared. Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India.
27. Where should I apply for security clearance?
For Security clearance, apply as per the form available in the CAR on RPAS or Use “E- Sahaj – Online portal for processing security clearance applications” available in DGCA homepage
www.dgca.nic.in28. I have a Nano drone. What permissions to I require?
Nano RPA (less than 250 gm) is exempted from obtaining UIN and UAOP. Please ensure not to fly it beyond 50 ft (15m) AGL. Also, ensure you are not flying in controlled airspace and no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby. If operations to be done in controlled airspace you need to apply for UIN, UAOP and your RPA shall be NPNT complaint. It is recommended to fly in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises and go through Do’s and Don’ts every time before you fly.
41. I have a Nano drone, should I also intimate local police each time before I fly?
No. But there is no harm in keeping your local police office informed. In addition, please go through Do’s and Don’ts before flying your Nano drone each time.
http://www.cbic.gov.in/resources/htdocs-cbec/guide_for_travellers/guide-to-travellers.pdfPage 11, Para 22
22. Can drones /helicopters be imported as Baggage? What are the norms, if so?
There is no prohibition on import of drones. However, 11
passengers possessing drones have to opt for Red Channel and should declare the same in the separate column in the Customs Declaration Form.
The drones and helicopters are allowed subject to the conditions that the importer should have licence issued by the WPC wing of Ministry of Communication and Information Technology for importing the same mentioning proper name, model and specifications of the goods.
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