Permission to Fly: A Guide to Flying Your Drone in India’s Yellow Zones

Introduction

Flexnova is here to guide you.

What Exactly is a Yellow Zone? A Closer Look

First, it’s important to know what a Yellow Zone is. These are areas of controlled airspace where drone operations are restricted but not entirely banned. You need permission to fly here. This is why it’s essential to follow **drone laws for controlled airspace**. A Yellow Zone usually includes several types of areas:

• The airspace above 400 feet (120 meters) in a Green Zone. You can fly freely below this height in a green area, but you need permission to fly higher.
• The region between 8 km and 12 km from the edge of an airport. In this zone, you may fly up to 200 feet (60 meters), but only with permission. This sets it apart from Red Zones, which are completely off-limits for flight.
• Airspace around other sensitive locations that are not full Red Zones. This can include certain government buildings or large public venues during an event. The Digital Sky map will always show you where these zones are located.

Flying in a Yellow Zone without permission is illegal and unsafe. Therefore, you must always adhere to the rules. It’s crucial to understand the difference between this and a Red Zone, which is strictly no-fly. For more details, check our guide on why you should never fly near airports.

Step 1: The Prerequisites – Get Your Drone and Paperwork Ready

Before you can apply for **DGCA permission for drone flying**, you must first complete certain steps. This is the most crucial part of the process. Without these prerequisites, your application will be rejected. It’s vital to finish these steps first.

1. Register Your Drone and Get a UIN

You must register every drone you plan to fly in a controlled area on the DGCA’s Digital Sky platform. After registering, your drone will receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN). This UIN serves as a digital license plate for your drone. It’s mandatory to apply for permission. So, make this step your top priority. Your **drone registration and UIN** confirm that your drone is legally recognized and included in the system.

2. Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)

If you are flying for commercial reasons or if your drone weighs more than 2 kg, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC). This license is obtained by finishing a training course from a DGCA-approved training organization. You’ll need your RPC number for the application. The RPC proves you have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a drone safely. It’s a key part of the process for anyone serious about flying drones professionally. Plus, it adds an extra layer of safety for everyone in the airspace.

Step 2: How to Get Permission on the Digital Sky Platform

Once you have your UIN and RPC (if necessary), you can officially request **flight plan approval**. The entire process for **how to get drone flight permission** is done online, making it very convenient. You can apply from anywhere you have internet access.

1. Log In to Digital Sky: Visit the Digital Sky website and log into your account. This site is the main hub for all legal drone operations in India.
2. Select “Apply for Permission”: Find the section for applying to fly in a Yellow Zone. This option is clearly visible on the user dashboard.
3. Fill Out the Flight Plan: Provide detailed information about your planned flight. Be specific and accurate. This is where you outline all the particulars of your mission.
   • **Date and Time of Flight:** Be precise with your start and end times.
   • **Exact Location and Coordinates:** You can choose your flight area on the map.
   • **Planned Altitude and Duration:** Specify the maximum height you will fly and how long the flight will take.
   • **Purpose of the Flight:** Describe the reason for your flight, such as “photography,” “survey,” or “real estate videography.”
   • **Your Drone’s UIN and Your RPC Number:** The system will use this information to verify your legal status.
4. Submit and Wait for Approval: After submitting your request, it will be processed by the relevant Air Traffic Control (ATC) authority. You will receive an update on the platform. This is part of the NPNT (No Permission, No Takeoff) system. In other words, your drone won’t take off in a Yellow Zone until it gets official digital clearance from the system.

What Your Permission Allows You to Do

• You have legal approval to operate in that controlled airspace for the date, time, and location specified in your flight plan.
• You can fly up to the maximum altitude allowed in your permission, which is usually up to 400 feet (120m), unless stated otherwise.
• You still have to comply with all other **drone laws for controlled airspace**, such as keeping Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and not flying over people.

Additionally, this approval only applies to the specific flight you requested. You must go through the whole process again for any future flights in a Yellow Zone. There are no blanket permissions. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities. To learn more, see our article on your rights and responsibilities as a drone pilot.

FAQs on Flying in Yellow Zones

How long does it take to get permission?

The processing time can differ based on the location and the workload of the ATC. It is not immediate. For this reason, always plan your flights well ahead of time. Submit your application early enough to allow for review. So, don’t expect to receive permission for a flight on the same day. It’s always best to apply a few days in advance to be safe.

What if my permission request is denied?

The ATC can deny permission for several reasons. For example, there might be high air traffic in the vicinity, a special event, or security issues. If your request is denied, do not fly in that Yellow Zone. You can try applying for a different date or time, or you will need to find another location, preferably a Green Zone. Remember, safety is paramount, and the system is designed to protect both you and the public.

Can I fly in a Yellow Zone with a nano drone?

No. The exemption from registration and licensing for nano drones only applies to flying in Green Zones. If you wish to fly a nano drone in a Yellow Zone, you must first register it and obtain a UIN. After that, you will need to follow the same permission process as for any other drone. This ensures that even the smallest drones are accounted for in controlled airspace.

Is there a fee for applying for permission?

Currently, there is no fee for submitting a flight plan and requesting permission to fly in a Yellow Zone through the Digital Sky platform. The service is provided at no cost by the DGCA. This allows responsible pilots to comply with regulations more easily.

Conclusion: Fly Smart, Fly Legal

In the end, a pilot’s ability to get **permission to fly in controlled airspace** is a critical part of flying drones responsibly in India. By understanding the **drone laws for controlled airspace**, completing your **drone registration and UIN** duties, and following the clear steps on the Digital Sky platform, you ensure your flights are safe and legal. This commitment to following the process is the best way to gain **DGCA permission for drone flying**. So, the next time you find that perfect spot in a Yellow Zone, you’ll know exactly **how to get drone flight permission** and capture your amazing shots worry-free. Flexnova is with you at every step of this journey.