Question : Spotting of Flying Objects Near Airports

(a) whether the Government is aware of the frequent incidents of sighting of unidentified flying objects, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, flashing of laser lights within the no-fly zone at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and other airports in the country, if so, the details thereof and the number of such incidents reported in the recent months;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any investigation/enquiry in these incidents, if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) whether radars on the airports are outdated and are unable to detect small objects or any objects beyond a height of 2,000 feet;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government to upgrade the radars with latest technology; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to create new regulations on flying of drones and if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) & (b) One incident of sighting of unmanned aerial vehicle over Indra Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was reported on 26.10.2015 at 0751 hrs. An FIR has been registered with the Delhi Police on 27.10.2015. Further, pilots of Jet Airways flight nos. 816 and 746 landing at IGI Airport on 16.11.2015 reported being inconvenienced by flashing lights. Preliminary inquiry has been conducted and the reports have not been confirmed by any photographic or documentary evidence except for witness accounts.

(c) The radars in operation at airports are not outdated and are capable to detect any object beyond a height of 2,000 feet.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is yet to issue Standards And Recommended Practices (SARPs) for the certification and operation of civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). However, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has currently restricted civil use of drones by non-Government agencies, organizations and individuals vide public notice dated 07.10.2014. This is available in DGCA''s website (www.dgca.nic.in). However, use of UAVs by Government organizations has not been restricted by this public notice.