Subject: Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/ Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(UAS) for Civil Applications
Of late, lots of interests are being shown for civil use (both commercial and
recreational) of UAS in the country. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is
yet to publish Standards And Recommended Practices (SARPs), as far as certification
and operation of civil use of UAS is concerned.
UAS has potential for large number of civil applications. However, its use besides
being a safety issue, also poses security threat. The Airspace over cities in India has
high density of manned aircraft traffic. Due to lack of regulation, operating procedures/
standards and uncertainty of the technology, UAS poses threat for air collisions and
accidents.
The civil operation of UAS will require approval from the Air Navigation Service
provider, defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and other concerned security agencies,
besides the DGCA.
DGCA is in the process of formulating the regulations (and globally harmonize
those) for certification & operation for use of UAS in the Indian Civil Airspace. Till such
regulations are issued, no non government agency, organization, or an individual will
launch a UAS in Indian Civil Airspace for any purpose whatsoever.
The above is for strict compliance.
Director General of Civil Aviation