Last updated on May 14th, 2024 at 10:52 am

If you are fascinated by the idea of flying a camera in the sky and capturing stunning aerial photos and videos, you might be interested in buying a drone. But what is a drone exactly and how to register your drone and fly it legally? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will explain the steps and requirements for registering a drone in India, and why it is important to do so.

What is a Drone?

A drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a quadcopter, is a device that can fly without a human pilot on board. It is controlled by a remote controller or a smartphone app. A drone usually has four or more propellers that provide lift and thrust, and a battery that powers the motors and the onboard camera. Some drones also have sensors, GPS, and other features that make them more intelligent and autonomous.

What is a Drone Camera?

A drone camera is a camera that is attached to the drone and allows you to capture images and videos from the air. There are different types of drone cameras, depending on the quality, resolution, zoom, stabilization, and angle of view.

Some drones come with built-in cameras, while others allow you to attach your camera or use a smartphone as a camera. The quality of the drone camera affects the quality of the footage you can get from your drone.

How to Register Your Drone in India?

Drones are becoming more popular and accessible in India, thanks to their many applications and benefits. Whether you want to use them for photography, videography, agriculture, mapping, surveying, delivery, or just for fun, drones can offer you a new perspective and experience.

However, drones are also subject to rules and regulations by the government, to ensure the safety and security of the airspace and the people. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the authority for civil aviation safety and regulation in India, and it has issued guidelines and norms for drone operations.

According to the DGCA, drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), and model aircraft. The DGCA has also categorized drones into five types based on their weight:

1. Nano: Less than or equal to 250 grams
2. Micro: Greater than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg
3. Small: Greater than 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg
4. Medium: Greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg
5. Large: Greater than 150 kg

Depending on your drone type, you will need to follow different procedures and obtain different permissions to fly it legally. The DGCA has also designated different zones for drone operations:

• Red Zone: No-fly zone
• Yellow Zone: Controlled airspace
• Green Zone: Uncontrolled airspace

To fly a drone in India, you will need to register it on the DigitalSky platform, which is a portal through the DGCA and the Indian government for drone registration and operation. DigitalSky provides information and guidance for remote pilots, drone manufacturers, and drone service providers. You can also apply for a drone license, check the drone zones, and access the digital sky services through this platform.

Here are the steps to register your drone in India:

Step 1: Create an account on DigitalSky

Visit the DigitalSky website and click on “Get Started”. Enter your name or company name and fill in the required details to sign up. After registering with DigitalSky, you will receive a notification through the registered email.

Step 2: Log into DigitalSky and fill out your form

After creating your DigitalSky account, log in with your credentials. Select “Add UAS” from the dashboard. Fill in the details of your drone model and click on the “Preview” button. Preview the application for a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and submit it.

Step 3: Get your UIN from DigitalSky

After submitting your application, you will receive an email with a payment link. Pay the fee of Rs. 1000 for UIN issuance. After verifying your payment, DigitalSky will issue you a UIN for your drone. You will need to mark this UIN on your drone in a visible manner.

Step 4: Apply for UAOP (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit)

If your drone falls under the micro or above category, you will also need to apply for UAOP, which is a license to operate your drone. To apply for UAOP, you will need to provide additional documents such as security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), permission from the local administration or landowner, insurance cover, etc.

You will also need to undergo training from an approved flying training organization (FTO) and pass an exam to get a remote pilot certificate. The fee for UAOP is Rs. 25,000 and it is valid for five years.

Step 5: Plan your flight and get permission

Before flying your drone, you will need to plan your flight on the DigitalSky platform. You will need to specify details such as the date, time, location, altitude, speed, etc. of your flight. You will also need to ensure that your flight is within the permitted zones and does not violate any restrictions or regulations.

After submitting your flight plan, you will receive a permission artifact (PA) from DigitalSky through email or SMS. This PA is a unique code that validates your flight and allows you to fly your drone. You will need to activate this PA before taking off and deactivate it after landing.

By following these steps, you can register your drone in India and fly it legally. Registering your drone is not only mandatory but also beneficial for you as a responsible drone operator.

No-Fly Zones for Drones in India

• Airports: Drones were typically prohibited from flying within 5 kilometers of airports or airstrips. This restriction was in place to avoid interference with manned aircraft.
• Military Installations: Flying drones near military installations, including army bases and defense facilities, was strictly prohibited for security reasons.
• Government Buildings: Drones were generally not allowed to operate near government buildings and other sensitive government infrastructure.
• Crowded Areas: Flying drones in overcrowded areas, such as markets, public events, and gatherings, was often restricted to ensure public safety.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones: Some eco-sensitive areas, like wildlife reserves and national parks, had restrictions on drone flights to protect the environment and wildlife.

To find out about no-fly zones and the risks they pose, visit the Tropogo Air Sherpa Risk Calculator.

What is the price of drones in India?

The price of a drone in India can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, features, and specifications. As of my last knowledge, you could find entry-level consumer drones in the range of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 INR, while more advanced and professional-grade drones could cost upwards of ₹1 lakh (₹100,000 INR) or even more.

Conclusion

Drones are amazing devices that can give you a new perspective on the world and let you capture stunning aerial photos and videos. However, buying a drone in India requires some research and preparation. You need to check the category of your drone, get a UIN and a UAOP if required, follow the Drone Rules 2021, and register your drone on the Digital Sky Platform.

By following these steps, you can buy and fly your drone legally and safely in India.