New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS): A rising number of Remote Pilot licenses have been issued by the Aviation Regulator during the last few months.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, a total 222 remote pilot certificates were issued during July this year against the 155 certificates during the previous month of June.

Recently, during the last month, the Ministry granted conditional exemption to the aviation regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for processing of applications for authorisation of remote pilot training organization. The move was aimed at fast tracking the authorisation process of drone pilot training organisation in the Country.

According to an Order issued by the Ministry, the exemption has been granted for authorisation of remote pilot training organisation with single or multiple locations through emails.

As per the Drone Rules, any person who intends to obtain the authorisation to establish a remote pilot training organisation will have to submit an application to the Director General in a prescribed form on the digital sky platform.

In September, 2021, the government notified the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote the growth of drone manufacturing by private companies. The scheme provides for an incentive of Rs 120 crore, spread over three financial years.

The PLI rate is 20 per cent of the value addition over three financial years. PLI for a manufacturer shall be capped at 25 per cent of total annual outlay. The beneficiaries include 12 manufacturers of drones and 11 manufacturers of drone components.

The Drones Rules, 2021 notified on August 25, 2021 provides the necessary regulatory framework for commercial use of drones.

These rules cover various aspects like type certification, registration and operation of drones, airspace restrictions, research, development and testing of drones, training and licensing, offences and penalties etc.