Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) usage to Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Kerala, for Integrated Urban Regeneration & Water Transport System Project (IURWTS).
This conditional exemption is valid till December 31, 2021, from the date of issue of the letter or until the full operationalisation of Digital Sky Platform (Phase-1), whichever is earlier. This exemption shall be valid only if all conditions and limitations are strictly adhered to. In case of violation of any condition, this exemption shall become null and void, according to a PIB release.
Conditions and limitations to Kochi Metro Rail Limited to use Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems include
- The KMRL shall obtain necessary clearances from (a) Local Administration (b) Ministry of Defence (c) Ministry of Home Affairs (d) Air Defence Clearance from Indian Air Force and (e) Airport Authority of India (AAI) [as applicable] prior to operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
- M/s Senselmage Technologies engaged by KMRL (through Techno Vision Survey & Mappings ltd.) shall only operate the RPAS models specified in the approved Standard Operating procedures (SOP)V.1.0.2020. Any change in the approved SOP for e.g. Change in procedures or RPAS or use case or personnel or area specified in the approved SOP shall be included in the SOP and submitted to DGCA for approval.
- KMRL shall ensure that only trained experienced bonafide personnel operates the RPAS as per the approved SOP. Subsequently, the RPAS operator shall ensure that remote flight crew is trained through approved FTOs/ RPTOs.
- The RPAS Operator shall ensure that the RPAS is in working condition and maintained as mentioned in the approved SOP and shall be responsible for any eventual ties due to malfunction/ disorientation of equipment.
- In case of incident/accident during at any phase of the operations, the operator shall generate a report with full details to Air Safety Directorate of DGCA within 48 hours of such event.