'Aero models, drones not same'; government urged to review draft bill

MUMBAI: The Indian Aeromodellers Association (IAMA) has urged the ministry of civil aviation to reconsider certain provisions of the draft civil drone (promotion and regulation) bill, 2025, stating that the legislation, in its current form, could make it nearly impossible for enthusiasts, schools, and clubs to continue the century-old tradition of aeromodelling in India.

In a detailed representation to the ministry sent last month, the IAMA said the most crucial detail was that the bill clubbed aeromodelling with drones without appreciating the vast difference between the two. Drones are typically used for commercial, industrial, or surveillance purposes, while aeromodelling is a recreational and educational activity that has "inspired generations of pilots, aircraft engineers, and aviation professionals."

The present draft of the Drone Bill is overly restrictive and, if implemented as is, will effectively end aeromodelling in India, the association said. It argued that the proposed framework - which mandates registration, licensing, type certification, and flight permissions - is unsuitable for non-autonomous, manually flown model aircraft that pose minimal risk.

Under the draft law, no person may own or operate any unmanned aircraft without registration and a unique identification number (UIN). Violation can attract fines up to Rs1 lakh or imprisonment up to one year. The bill also makes violations of restricted airspace rules "cognisable and non-compoundable," punishable by imprisonment up to three years or fines up to Rs1 lakh.

"Aeromodelling is a low-risk, high learning activity...," the letter said. Almost all of their members design, build, and fly their own model aircraft-not multi-rotor drones. Since these are individually made and not bought from any manufacturers, it would be impossible to register them under the bill's rules, the IAMA said.

The IAMA sought clear exemptions and recognition for educational and recreational model aircraft within the bill. The association urged the ministry to restore aeromodelling to the educational and sports category, as it was before 2021.


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