**Executive Summary**
This document outlines the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for the approval of Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) in India. It specifies the minimum requirements that organizations must comply with to gain approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to impart remote pilot training. The CAR is effective forthwith and based on Aircraft Rules 1937.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **General Provisions**
* RPTOs must be approved by DGCA.
* RPTOs must submit a Training and Procedures Manual (TPM) as per Flying Training Circular 1 of 2019.
* Import/acquisition of RPA shall follow the provisions of CAR Section 3 Series X Part 1.
* RPTOs must obtain DGCA approval for any substantial changes to facilities, equipment or material.
* The CAR applies to all organizations seeking approval for Remote Pilot Training.
* **Approval of RPTO**
* Eligibility criteria, requirements and procedures for approval of RPTO are mentioned in FTC 1 of 2019.
* DGCA may grant approval for five years initially, renewable upon compliance.
* RPTO approval depends on compliance with this CAR and other RPA rules.
* The Certificate of Approval will contain the organization's name, location, date of issue, period of validity, terms of approval, and type of RPAs with UIN and UAOP (as applicable).
* Renewal is subject to satisfactory compliance requirements as laid down in FTC 1 of 2019.
* **Training Program and Manual**
* RPTOs must prepare a training and procedures manual.
* Guidelines and content for training and procedure manual are specified in FTC 1 of 2019
* The training program must be based on CAR Section 3 Series X Part 1.
* Training must be conducted by an approved trainer who is RPA pilot qualified.
* Course completion certificates must be issued to students who pass the exam with a minimum of 70% marks.
* The format and content of the certificate are annexed in FTC 1 of 2019.
* **Safety and Quality**
* RPTOs must establish appropriate maintenance arrangements as per the Manufacturers Maintenance Manual.
* RPTOs must implement a safety management system acceptable to the DGCA.
* A safety management system shall clearly define lines of safety accountability throughout the approved RPTO.
* The training organization shall establish a quality assurance system, acceptable to the DGCA.
* **Facilities and Personnel**
* Facilities and the working environment must be suitable and acceptable to the DGCA.
* General Requirements and guidelines regarding facilities is provided in FTC 1 of 2019.
* An accountable manager must be appointed to ensure training standards.
* The accountable manager shall ensure that all necessary resources are available to accomplish remote pilot training.
* The accountable manager is responsible for any misconduct/misuse of the RPA/RPTO.
* RPA trainers must be approved by the Accountable Manager.
* RPA trainers must undergo refresher/recurrent training every two years.
* RPTOs must verify the character and antecedents of Accountable Managers and RPA trainers.
* Duties and responsibilities of the Accountable manager and RPA trainer shall be clearly defined in the Training and Procedures Manual.
* **Records and Oversight**
* RPTOs must maintain personal records for students and trainers.
* Details/Records of all students passing from RPTO and trainers shall be uploaded in Digi Sky.
* DGCA can inspect facilities, equipment, and records.
* The organization is responsible for maintaining its capabilities during the approval period.
* **Enforcement**
* The approval may be altered, suspended, or cancelled for non-compliance with regulations.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs)**
* **Impact:** Establishes the requirements for obtaining and maintaining approval to conduct remote pilot training.
* **Action Required:** Review the requirements outlined in the CAR and Flying Training Circular 1 of 2019. Update training programs, manuals, facilities, personnel management, safety, quality assurance, and record-keeping processes to ensure compliance.
**Stakeholder: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)**
* **Impact:** Defines the standards and procedures for the approval, oversight, and enforcement related to RPTOs.
* **Action Required:** Implement the CAR requirements, including the process for evaluating RPTO applications, conducting inspections, and addressing non-compliance.
**Stakeholder: Remote Pilot Trainees/Students**
* **Impact:** Determines the standards of training they will receive from approved RPTOs.
* **Action Required:** Ensure that training providers are DGCA-approved RPTOs and that the training programs meet the requirements outlined in the CAR.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The regulator responsible for approving Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTO) and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): A document specifying requirements for training and licensing of flight crew, including remote pilots. This specific CAR outlines the requirements for RPTO approval.
Aircraft Rules 1937: The foundational regulatory framework for aviation in India, under which the CAR is issued.
Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO): An organization approved by DGCA to provide training for remote pilot certification.
Flying Training Circular 1 of 2019: Document specifying guidelines for Training and Procedures Manuals required for RPTOs.
DRAFT CAR FOR RPA TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
TECHNICAL CENTRE, OPP. SAFDURJUNG AIRPORT, NEW DELHI
CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 7 – FLIGHT CREW STANDARDS
TRAINING & LICENSING
SERIES D, PART VII
ISSUE 1, Dated xxxxx EFFECTIVE:
FORTHWITH
F. No. DGCA-16017/4/2020-DFT
Subject: Approval for Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO)
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Remote Pilot Training organization (RPTO) is an organization approved by
DGCA to impart Remote Pilot Training.
1.2. This CAR is issued under the provisions of Rule 133B of the Aircraft Rules 1937
and specifies the minimum requirements to be complied by the organizations
seeking approval as RPTO.
2. DEFINITION
Remotely Piloted Aircraft: Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is an unmanned aircraft,
which is piloted from a remote pilot station. A remotely piloted aircraft, its associated
remote pilot station(s), command and control links and any other components forms
a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1. RPTO shall submit Training and Procedures Manual (TPM) as per guidelines
specified in Flying Training Circular 1 of 2019
3.2. For import/acquisition of RPA provisions of CAR Section 3 Series X Part 1 shall
be followed.
3.3. An approved RPTO shall not make a substantial change in facilities, equipment
or material that have been approved for a particular training programme, unless that
change is approved in advance by the DGCA.
4. APPLICABILITY:
1DRAFT CAR FOR RPA TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS
Provisions of this CAR are applicable to all organizations seeking approval for
Remote Pilot Training.
5. ISSUANCE OF APPROVAL OF RPTO
5.1. Eligibility criteria, requirements and procedures for approval of RPTO are
mentioned in FTC 1 of 2019.
5.2. Upon satisfactory compliance of all requirements, DGCA may grant approval as
RPTO initially for a period of Five Years which may be further renewed.
5.3. The approval of RPTO by DGCA shall be dependent upon the applicant
demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this CAR and other rules for RPA
5.4. The Certificate of Approval will contain atleast the following elements:
a) Organization’s name and location;
b) Date of issue and period of validity; and
c) Terms of Approval.
d) Type of RPAs with UIN and UAOP(as applicable)
5.5. RPTO approval may be renewed for a period of Five years subject to
satisfactory compliance of requirements as laid down in FTC 1 of 2019.
6. TRAINING AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
6.1. The RPTO shall prepare training and procedures manual for the use and
guidance of personnel concerned.
6.2. Guidelines and content for training and procedure manual are specified in FTC 1
of 2019
7. TRAINING PROGRAMME
7.1. Training programme shall be designed as per the syllabus prescribed in the
CAR Section 3 Series X Part 1 and the same shall be specified in the Training and
Procedures Manual.
7.2. Training shall be conducted by approved trainer who shall be RPA pilot qualified
on type of RPA on which training is to be imparted.
7.3. An organization shall issue a course completion certificate to each student who
completes its approved course and pass the exam, to be conducted at the end of the
course. The pass percentage shall be minimum 70% marks.
7.4. Format and content of the Course completion certificate is annexed in FTC 1 0f
2019
8. MAINTENANCE ARRANGEMENTS
2DRAFT CAR FOR RPA TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS
The RPTO shall establish an appropriate maintenance arrangements for the
maintenance of equipment, sensors, power plants, wiring, software updation and
charging/ Changing Battery etc as per Manufacturers Maintenance Manual.
9. SAFETY MANAGEMENT
9.1. DGCA shall require, as part of the State safety programme, an approved training
organization which is exposed to safety risks during the provision of its services
implement a safety management system acceptable to the DGCA that, as a
minimum:
(a) Identifies safety hazards;
(b) Ensures the implementation of remedial action necessary to maintain agreed
safety performance;
(c) Provides for continuous monitoring and regular assessment of the safety
performance; and
(d) Aims at a continuous improvement of the overall performance of the safety
management system.
Note: Guidance on defining safety performance is contained in the Safety
Management Manual (SMM) (ICAO Doc 9859).
9.2. A safety management system shall clearly define lines of safety accountability
throughout the approved RPTO, including a direct accountability for safety on the
part of senior management.
10. QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
The training organization shall establish a quality assurance system, acceptable to
the DGCA which ensures that training and instructional practices comply with all
relevant requirements.
11. FACILITIES
11.1. The facilities and working environment shall be appropriate for the task to be
performed and be acceptable to the DGCA.
11.2. General Requirements and guidelines regarding facilities is provided in FTC 1
of 2019
12. PERSONNEL
12.1. The organization shall appoint an accountable manager who has corporate
authority for ensuring that training can be financed and carried out to the standard
required by appropriate Rules and relevant regulations and this CAR.
12.2. The accountable manager shall ensure that all necessary resources are
available to accomplish remote pilot training in accordance with the laid down
standards established to promote the safety and quality of the training.
3DRAFT CAR FOR RPA TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS
12.3. Accountable manager shall be responsible for any misconduct/ Misuse of the
RPA/ RPTO for any unauthorized/ unlawful activities.
12.4. The RPA trainers shall be approved by the Accountable Manager of the
RPTO.
12.5. RPA trainer shall undergo refresher/recurrent training after every two years.
12.6. At the time of employment, RPTO shall verify the ‘character and antecedents’
of persons to be employed as Accountable Manager and RPA trainer. The
verification is required from the places where the applicant has resided for more than
one year during the preceding three years from concerned District Police Authorities.
The verification must be within past 06 months on the date of application
12.7. Duties and responsibilities of the Accountable manager and RPA trainer shall
be clearly defined in the Training and Procedures Manual.
13. RECORDS
13.1. The organization shall employ administrative staff to maintain a personal
record for every student and RPA trainer. Records maintained must be sufficient to
provide documentary evidence of each training action and allow the reconstruction of
training history. Integrity of the records be ensured by proper protection from
alteration or removal. Proper arrangement shall be made to safeguard the records
from natural disasters. Organization shall also establish system acceptable to DGCA
to archive non-active personal records.
13.2. Details/Records of all students passing from RPTO and trainers shall be
uploaded in Digi Sky.
14. OVERSIGHT
14.1. Each organization shall allow the DGCA to inspect the facilities, equipment
and records at any reasonable time in order to determine compliance with these
regulations.
14.2. It will be the responsibility of the organization to ensure that during the period
of validity of the approval, the capability of the organization is not degraded in any
form.
15. ENFORCEMENT
In case of concealment or misrepresentation of facts to DGCA; or during the course
of training activities, if the organization fails to comply with the requirements of
Aircraft Act 1934, Aircraft Rules 1937, applicable CARs or other regulations issued
from time to time; or if the standard of training is found to be below the desired level,
the approval granted to the organization shall be liable to alteration, suspension or
cancellation.
(Arun Kumar)
Director General of Civil Aviation
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