Rules Governing Flying Of Drones / Remotely Piloted Aircrafts In India

The Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation ('DGCA'), Government of India, has issued the much-awaited Civil Aviation Requirements ('CAR') considering the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft ('RPA') by civilians for several purposes including but not limited to surveys for infrastructure monitoring. A remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), command and control links and related components form a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). CAR is issued under the provisions of Rule 15A and Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

RPA is defined as an unmanned aircraft, which is piloted from a remote pilot station. Looking at the definition, a drone (commonly known term) will be an RPA under the provisions of CAR.