(a) whether the Government proposes to set up drone schools in various parts of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
(c) the details of the benefits likely to be accrued to the students of these drone schools for career progression in future;
(d) whether the Government proposes to have any foreign collaboration in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))
(a) & (b) As per Drone Rules, 2021, any person who intends to obtain the authorisation to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) shall submit an application to the Director General of Civil Aviation in Form D5 on the Digital Sky Platform, along with the specified fees. As on 31 December 2021, nine remote pilot training organisation have been set up by entities under Government or private ownership. The State-wise list of RPTOs is attached herewith as Annexure.
(c) to (e) Any person between 18-65 years of age and with a class tenth certificate from a recognised Board can obtain a remote pilot licence after successful completion of training from authorised remote pilot training organisation. Students passing out of drone schools can look for employment opportunities in drone operations, maintenance, design, manufacturing and data analytics, etc. depending on the courses successfully completed by them.;
An authorised remote pilot training organisation is free to have a collaboration with foreign entities while ensuring strict compliance with the requirements specified by the Director General of Civil Aviation in respect of training syllabus, infrastructure, instructors, equipment and infrastructure etc.