Context: 

• 2O Entities have been given exemption from Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rule, 2021 to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) experimental flights of drones by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

 

More in the News

• Preliminary permission grant is envisioned to assist the supplementary framework development of subsequent UAV rules pertaining to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.  
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight trials can help in creating framework for future drone deliveries and other major applications using drones.
• BVLOS Experiment Assessment and Monitoring (BEAM) Committee was constituted by Union government to invite Expression of Interest (EOI) to undertake BVLOS experimental flights of drones.
• The provided exemptions are subject to complete adherence to the requirements stated in the EOI notice and the directions/ exemptions issued (or to be issued in future) by the BEAM Committee.
• The conditional exemption shall be valid for period of one year, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

 

About Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

• BVLOS is a term relating to the operation of drones and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) at distances outside the normal visible range of the pilot.
• BVLOS drone operations allow for piloting a drone remotely, without having to be manoeuvred by looking at it.
• ‘Visual line of sight’ (VLOS) operations underlines that the pilot of the drone has to maintain continuous, unaided visual contact with the unmanned aircraft.

 

Benefits of BVLOS

• BVLOS allows a drone to collect more data in fewer deployments. 
• Along with it deploying a drone for BVLOS cost less than several traditional methods such as manned helicopters and airplanes. 
• The lower altitude of drone flight makes them ideal for high-resolution data collection. 
• In many cases, drones prevent humans from being placed in a dangerous situation, either removing them from an aircraft or a hazardous area outside VLOS.

 

Drone Regulation in India:

• India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), effective 1 December, 2018 for drones.
• As per the regulations, manufacturers of drone are required to comply with the requirements of No Permission, No Take-off (NPNT) on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
• These regulations (CAR Version 1.0) only permit operations of drones during daytime Visual Line of Sight.
• DigiSky is a portal for registration and flying of civil drones in India. 

 

Highlights of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rule, 2021

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• UAS categorised as airplane, rotorcraft and hybrid with further categorisation as remotely piloted aircraft, model remotely piloted aircraft and autonomous unmanned aircraft system.
• UAS classified as nano, micro, small, medium and large unmanned aircraft based on the maximum all up weight including its pay load ranging from <250gram to 150 kilograms. Nano UAs can be classified in the next higher category if it exceeds performance parameters of flight speed and height.
• Mandatory for individuals and companies to obtain approval from the DGCA to import, manufacture, trade, own or operate drones
• No Permission- No Take-off (NPNT) policy adopted for all UAS except for those in the nano category
• Micro and small UAS are not permitted from flying above 60m and 120 m, respectively.
• All UAS, except nano category, have to be equipped with flashing anti-collision strobe lights, flight data logging capability, secondary surveillance radar transponder, real-time tracking system and 360 degree collision avoidance system, among others.
• All UAS including nano category, are required to be equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System, Autonomous Flight Termination System or Return to Home option, geo-fencing capability and flight controller, among others.
• UAS prohibited from flying in strategic and sensitive location, including near airports, defence airports, border areas, military installations/facilities and areas earmarked as strategic locations/vital installations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Nano, micro and small UAS operations limited to within the visual line of sight and are prohibited from delivery of goods.
• Delivery of goods permitted by medium and large UAS.
• Research and development (R&D) organisations, including start-ups, authorised UAS manufacturer, any accredited recognised institution of higher education located in India, are permitted to carry out R&D of UAS only after obtaining authorisation from the DGCA.
• Penalties ranging between rupees ten thousand and one lakh for individuals, and for organisations, a 200, 300 and 400% of the amount specified for individuals, based on the size of the organisation.