DGCA to come up with draft regulations on drones

After drone sighting near Delhi airport recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped up efforts to regulate the use of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and a draft regulation is expected early next week.
 
Sources said the draft is likely to propose making it mandatory for operators of drones and other UAS to have a remote pilot licence. The draft rules are expected by Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital was shut twice last Sunday after pilots reported spotting of drones as they approached the airport for landing. It is speculated that the drones spotted by the pilots were used by photographers to capture functions, especially marriages, in banquet halls near the airport.
 
Sources said the planned regulations would be tougher compared to other countries. The draft would be put out for comments from stakeholders before finalising the regulation.
 
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had in April last year issued a draft circular, which proposed to allow the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, including drones, with strict control. Sources said they said the last year's draft was circular, which is advisory in nature, but now they are planning a Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) that would be mandatory to follow.
 
The draft circular had proposed that those planning civilian use of UAS need to obtain a operators permit and Unique Identification Number (UIN) from DGCA.
 
The premise on which the circular was brought out was that the operation of UAS "present problems to the regulator in terms of ensuring the safety of other users of airspace and persons on the ground".
 
"However, in view of technological advancements in UAS over the years and their increased civil applications, it has become necessary to develop guidance material to regulate this activity," the DGCA had said while banning the use of drones and UAVs till further regulations are put in place.
 
However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had cautioned the DGCA on allowing the use of drones, saying the potential for collisions between manned and unmanned aircraft is growing alarmingly.