License Needed To Fly Drone Weighing Over Two Kg

New Delhi: In a follow-up to the new drone policy, the aviation ministry has said that drones weighing more than two kg will need to have a license and a unique identification number (UIN). However, this condition may possibly be relaxed at a future date, says the government.

It may be recalled that on Monday, the aviation ministry had issued a drone policy, which allows commercial use of this technology from December this year subject to the condition that the drone remains within sight of the person using it.

Depending on the weight, drones have been separated into five categories. The smallest is nano category, which includes drones weighing up to 250 grams and going up to large that can be as heavy as 150 kg.

Apart from the first two categories, nano and micro (over 250 grams to 2 kg), which are mostly used by children as toys, all other drone users need to be registered and have a UIN.

The criteria for seeking such a drone license will be 18+ age, at least tenth pass with knowledge of English.

“Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) shall be required for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operators except for nano RPAS operating below 50 feet, micro RPAS operating below 200 feet, and those owned by security and central intelligence agencies. As of now, RPAS to operate within visual line of sight, is during day time only and up to maximum 400 feet altitude,” the policy says.

Some areas including airports, near international border, Vijay Chowk in Delhi, state secretariats in capitals and strategic locations/ vital and military installations, have been identified as no fly zones for drones.

“We will allow the use of drones within the line of sight for now. We have a task force that would in the future, work towards allowing the use of drones for beyond the line of sight,” said Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha talking to Times of India.