How to Register Drone in India

Author: Iqbal | Guide: India |

Mostly photographers and cinematographers use drone as the toll to make their footage unique and beautiful. Drone camera captures the shot from the top and you get wide shots in your footage, which makes your footage appealing. But for security concern, you need to take permission for it. You need to register for Drone in India.

Let’s see how you can register for Drone in India.

Drone categories by weight in India

India has set the categories for the registration for Drone. It is required for all but the Nano category. These are the categories:

  • Nano: Less than or equal to 250 grams (.55 pounds)
  • Micro: From 250 grams (.55 pounds) to 2kg (4.4 pounds)
  • Small: From 2kg (4.4 pounds) to 25kg (55 pounds)
  • Medium: From 25kg (55 pounds) to 150kg (330 pounds)
  • Large: Greater than 150kg (33 pounds)

You need to keep in mind the weight of your Drone.

If the weight is less than 250 grams, you will not need any registration. You can start flying them. Weight will be considered for the registration. You just need to inform the local police for the privacy concern.

How To Register DRONE In India

What documents you need for the registration?

Follow these simple points to better know about the Drone registration documentation.

  1. You can register your drone on DGCA website.
  2. You need to get UIN (Unique Identification Number).
  3. If you want to get UIN, then you required to have an address proof.
  4. Make the permit from the Police and the department of telecom.
  5. Submit these documents and get a UIN.
  6. UIN needs to be marked on a fire-proof plate which has to be installed on your device. You need to set before flying the drone.

How much cost you need for the registration?

  • You need to get the UIN for the registration. To get your UIN, you will need to a pay a fee of Rs 1000.
  • In case you are getting UAOP (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit), then the cost will be Rs 25,000.
  • If you want to renew your UAOP, that will cost you Rs 10,000.

What are the General Rules for Flying a Drone in India?

There are few rules, which you need to follow before flying a Drone in India. Here are the few steps, which will help you to get the registration for a Drone.

  1. A permit is required for commercial drone operations (except for those in the Nano category flown below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).
  2. All drones except those in the Nano category must be registered and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
  3. Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight at all times while flying.
  4. You cannot fly Drone more than 400 feet vertically.
  5. You cannot fly Drone in areas specified as “No Fly Zones”, which include areas near airports, international borders, State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals, strategic locations, and military installations.
  6. Don’t fly drone over groups of people or public events without permission
  7. You cannot fly drone over government facilities.
  8. You cannot fly drone over private property without any permission.
  9. You cannot drop or carry hazardous material
  10. You cannot fly drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  11. You cannot fly drone from a moving vehicle, ship or aircraft
  12. Permission to fly in controlled airspace can be obtained by filing a flight plan and obtaining a unique Air Defense Clearance (ADC)/Flight Information Center (FIC) number.

Before every single flight, drone pilots are required to request permission to fly via a mobile app, which will automatically process the request and grant or reject it. India is calling their system “No Permission, No Takeoff” (NPNT).

Note: If a drone pilot tries to fly without receiving permission from the Digital Sky Platform, he or she will simply not be able to take off. All drone operators will register their drone and request permission to fly for each flight through India’s Digital Sky Platform.

What is the safe airspace to fly a drone?

The airspace has divided into three different zones:

  • Red Zone: Flying not permitted
  • Yellow Zone: Controlled airspace where permission required before flying
  • Green Zone: Uncontrolled airspace with automatic permission

Required Drone Equipment in India excluding Nano

India have added some specific requirements according to the types of a drone. Here, we are not considering the Nano category based Drone equipment. These are the mandatory requirements:

  • GPS
  • Return-to-home (RTH)
  • Anti-collision light
  • ID plate
  • A flight controller with flight data logging capability
  • RF ID and SIM/No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT)

Some safety tips to save your registration:

There are few safety tips you should know before flying the drone after getting registration:

  1. Ensure drone is in good condition or not damaged and fit for flying safely.
  2. Interference can be from mobile devices or blockage so keep an eye on it.
  3. Fly only during daylight.
  4. Fly in good weather. Good weather lets you not only fly your drone better but also
  5. Fly in visual line of sight. Always be within visual range of your drone.
  6. Follow Flying Guidelines.
  7. Do your homework before spending the considerable money for a drone. Make sure you clearly understand all operational and regulatory aspects.
  8. Be aware of Airspace Restrictions/ No Drone Zones.
  9. Do stay away from airports and heliports.

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