India Drone Rules 2020 Height Restrictions for DJI Mavic Mini

DGCA has updated Drone rules on Aug 15, 2020 on their Digital Sky Platform. If you have been planning to buy a new Drone like DJI Mavic Mini or Mavic Air, i would suggest you read the updated DO's and Don't's as chances are you would probably be breaking some rules if you take it up the sky.

There are different categories of Drones or RPAs available. Of these, products like DJI Mavic Mini comes under the Nano category. All drones weighing under 250g come under the Nano. The advantage of using this type of Drone is that you don't need any licence to fly it nor you need prior permission. However, according to the official DGCA website, all drones under Nano category have a 50ft ( 15meters ) allowed height limit. 

"Nano RPA (less than 250 gm) is exempted from obtaining UIN and UAOP. Please ensure not to fly it beyond 50 ft (15m) AGL. Also, ensure you are not flying in controlled airspace and no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby. If operations to be done in controlled airspace you need to apply for UIN, UAOP and your RPA shall be NPNT complaint. It is recommended to fly in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises and go through Do’s and Don’ts every time before you fly."

Any drone above 250g must be registered with Digital Sky platform and the drone needs to be Digital Sky “No Permission- No Take off” (NPNT) Compliant. As of this writing, DJI drones are not compliant, so chances are Indian Govt would ban any such drones from legally flying in near future. 

According to the new rules, you must obtain Permission before each flight through Digital Sky Platform. You also would need to inform the local police about your RPA flying activity ( Nano drones do not need to that ). Read the source links to get more info on the new 2020 Drone rules in India.

Source: Digital Sky FAQs, Do's and Dont's