A / 01CAR Sec 8, Ser X, Pt I
RPTO authorisation
A valid RPTO authorisation issued by DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Currently valid
DGCA authorisation &
regulatory
framework.
We train under DGCA's full regulatory framework. Here is our authorisation, how our syllabus measures up, and answers to common regulatory questions.
01Our authorisation
RPTO status & standing.
Every credential is verifiable on Digital Sky. We post a status update after each periodic renewal.
A / 02Digital Sky UTM
Digital Sky registration
Training flights, student records and RPC recommendations are filed on Digital Sky.
Active
A / 03RPAS I · II
Authorised categories
Authorised to train and recommend RPCs for RPAS I and RPAS II.
RPAS I & II
02Syllabus alignment
Above the DGCA minimum hours.
DGCA sets minimum hours per category. We deliver more in every one. Switch between theory, simulator and flight.
Hours delivered vs DGCA minimumPer RPAS category
DGCA minimumAerovania delivers
- RPAS INano & micro+5 h
- RPAS IISmall · 2–25 kg+5 h
Tracks2 of 2
Every categoryAbove minimum
ReferenceCAR Sec 8, Ser X
View as a table
| RPAS category | DGCA min theory | AV theory | DGCA min sim | AV sim | DGCA min flight | AV flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPAS I (Nano/Micro) | 15 hrs | 20 hrs | 2 hrs | 4 hrs | 4 hrs | 6 hrs |
| RPAS II (Small 2–25 kg) | 25 hrs | 30 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs | 8 hrs | 10 hrs |
03FAQ
Common regulatory questions.
Q01Is the Remote Pilot Certificate mandatory to fly drones commercially in India?
Yes. Under the UAS Rules 2021, any person operating an RPAS for a commercial purpose must hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) issued by DGCA for the relevant RPAS category. Operating commercially without an RPC is a punishable offence under the Aircraft Act 1934.
Q02How is the RPC different from a hobbyist certificate?
The RPC is issued by DGCA after completing RPTO training and passing DGCA theory and practical examinations. Hobbyist nano/micro drone operations in green zones do not require a certificate. However, any commercial, government, or research purpose requires an RPC regardless of aircraft size.
Q03Can I fly in a yellow or red zone after getting my RPC?
The RPC authorises you to fly commercially, but each flight in a yellow or red zone still requires a mission-specific permission applied for through Digital Sky. Green zone operations with an RPC can be conducted without per-flight approval, subject to NPNT compliance and any local NOTAMs.
Q04How long is the RPC valid, and what is the recurrency requirement?
The Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. However, DGCA mandates recurrency training every 24 months to maintain operational currency.
Q05Does my RPAS II RPC allow me to also fly RPAS I aircraft?
Yes. The RPAS categories are progressive: a higher category RPC covers lower category operations. A RPAS II certificate covers RPAS I and II aircraft. You do not need a separate certificate for each category below your highest certified level.
Q06Are foreign nationals eligible for training and RPC certification in India?
Foreign nationals can enrol in training at Aerovania Innovations. RPC issuance for foreign nationals is subject to additional DGCA requirements including security clearance from relevant government agencies. We advise contacting us before enrolment to confirm eligibility under current DGCA guidelines.
04Get started
Ready to get DGCA certified?
View available courses, check eligibility, and apply for the next available training dates.