The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is planning to allow more than just Flight Training Organisations to set up drone pilot training schools (Remote Pilot Training Organisations). The regulator has floated a draft circular that proposes to allow willing organisations under central and state governments, government-approved universities, and even private drone manufacturers to sign up as drone pilot training schools. This is a significant shift, because so far, the only organisations that have been allowed to operate as RPTOs are a handful of Flight Training Organisations authorised by the DGCA, and this draft essentially proposes to widen the scope of who can apply to become a drone pilot training school. The regulator has invited comments from relevant stakeholders on the draft until July 13. Under the draft, the entities that can apply to become RPTOs are: Central or state government or their undertaking or autonomous Bodies, Government-approved universities, DGCA approved FTOs, NSOPs, SOPs, Domestic CAR-147 approved Maintenance Training Organisations, CAR-145 approved CAMOs and CAR 21 approved Design Organisations, Remotely Piloted Aircraft manufacturers Entities willing to be RPTOs will first have to receive an NOC from the DGCA, which will be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. After receiving the NOC, applicants are required to establish and obtain approval for setting up an RPTO within a period of two years. To apply for a NOC, an applicant will have to submit evidence of having funds of at least Rs 10 lakh in the form of…
