The Ministry of Aviation has finalized a new framework for registering drones and unmanned aircraft.
Named the ‘Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules, 2024’, the draft regulations await federal cabinet approval. These rules aim to govern drone usage nationwide, requiring all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be registered with the federal government.
Read more: Ukraine Has Reported The Destruction Of A Russian Drone Base
The rules classify UAVs into four categories based on their maximum take-off weight: category-I (up to 250 grams), category-II (250 grams to 10 kilograms), category-III (10 kg to 25 kg), and category-IV (25 kg to 100 kg).
According to the draft, operating categories II, III, and IV UAVs requires logging into the CAA’s electronic system and submitting operational details.
Additionally, pilots of drones in categories II, III, and IV must obtain a “Remote Pilot Licence” from the CAA.
The rules prohibit flying into restricted airspace without written permission from the Director General (DG) or an authorized officer. Each UAV must be registered with the CAA, with registration renewed every three years and assigned a unique alphanumeric identifier.
Importers and exporters of UAVs must register with the DG, with specific clearances needed for category III and IV drones from the Ministry of Defence. Violations may result in fines up to Rs. 100,000, with daily penalties for continued non-compliance.
