GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION

DRONE TRAINING CIRCULAR 03 OF 2022

E-File No. DGCA-31018/3/2022-DRONE-Dte Dated 15 February 2022

Subject: Training & Procedures Manual for Remote Pilot Training

1. Introduction
The Training and Procedures Manual describes the way the organisation conducts its activities
in accordance with Drone Rules, 2021 and DTC 01 of 2022. As such it is a document which
is essential for the organisation as it provides the management and accountable personnel
with a clear guidance on the policy of the organisation as well as the procedures and
processes which are used to provide RPA training.
During the approval process, it helps the DGCA to assess whether the procedures developed
by the organization are in line with the existing requirements. Once the remote pilot training
organisation is functioning, DGCA will ensure that the organisation is functioning in line with
the Training and Procedures Manual, through a planned surveillance.
This training and procedure manual is applicable to all authorised RPTO for imparting Practical
training on Remotely Piloted Aircraft as specified in The Drone Rules, 2021 and DTC 01 of
2022.
2. General Consideration
In preparing the Training and Procedures Manual, it is important for the RPTO to ensure that
the Training and Procedures Manual is consistent with regulations, manufacturer
requirements, other guide lines issued by the training organization and in line with and human
factors principles. It is also necessary to ensure consistency across all departments within the
organisation.
3. Contents of the TPM
The content of the Training and Procedures Manual spelt out in this Annexure-I, provides a
detailed list which expands on the structure expected for the manual. Depending on the size
and scope of training provided by the organisation, some of the elements contained in the
Annexure can be combined / subdivided further as determined by RPTO and acceptable to
DGCA.
4. Organising the Manual
4.1. The Training and Procedures Manual should be organised as far as practicable.
4.2. The manual should be consistent with the remote pilot training organisation’s
philosophy, policies, procedures and practices and in accordance with the Drone
Rules, 2021 and DTC 01 of 2022.

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5. Design
5.1 The structure of the manual should be easy to understand, appropriate for the
information documented and clearly identified through headings and other formatting
devices. The document structure should be identified at its beginning by explaining
organising elements such as headings, the numbering scheme, and main parts of the
document and other sources of coding or grouping.
5.2 Precise language should be used wherever possible. Significant terms for common
items and actions should be maintained throughout the manual. Terms must be clear
and easily understood.
5.3 Writing style, terminology, formatting, and use of graphics and symbols should be
consistent throughout the document. This includes the location of specific types of
information and consistent use of units of measurement and codes.
5.4 The manual should include a glossary of terms, acronyms, abbreviations and
associated definitions. The glossary should be updated on a regular basis to ensure
access to the most recent terminology.
5.5 The revision process should be considered when designing the manual for ease of
amendment and distribution.
5.6 The training and procedures manual should comply with the requirements of the
training organisation’s quality assurance system.
6. Deployment
The RPTO should have a system in place to monitor use of the Training and Procedures
Manual after it is published. This will ensure appropriate and realistic use of the manual, based
on the operational environment, in a way that is operationally relevant and beneficial to the
personnel for whom it is intended. The monitoring system should include formal feedback to
obtain inputs from the principal users of the manual and other persons who would be affected
by a new or revised policy, procedure or practice.
7. Record, Distribution, & Amendment
7.1. The RPTO should develop an effective information gathering, review, and distribution
and revision control system to process information obtained from all sources relevant
to the organisation. Sources include, but are not limited to the DGCA safety
regulations, manufactures and equipment vendors.
Note. — Manufactures’ provide information for the operation of specific aircraft that emphasizes the
aircraft systems and procedures under conditions that may not fully match the requirements of the
training organisation. Training organisations should ensure that such information meets the philosophy,
policies, procedures and practices and in accordance with the Drone Rules, 2021 and DTC 01 of 2022.

7.2. The training organisation should develop an information review, distribution and
revision control system to process information resulting from changes that originate
within the organisation. This includes changes:
a. in the organisation’s policies, procedures and practices;
b. in response to operating experience;
c. to the scope of training provided;
d. to the content of training programs;
e. resulting from the installation of new equipment;
f. to an approval document or authorisation certificate; and
g. For the purpose of maintaining standardization.
7.3. The training and procedures manual should be reviewed in association with other
operational documents that form the organisation’s flight safety documents system:

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 a. on a regular basis (at least once a year);
b. After major events such as mergers, acquisitions, rapid growth, downsizing,
etc.;
c. After technology changes, e.g.: the introduction of new equipment; and
d. After changes in safety regulations.

7.4. Permanent changes to the training and procedures manual shall be communicated
through a formal amendment process. The manual should be amended or revised as
necessary to ensure that the information contained is kept up to date.
7.5. Distribution of amendments and revisions should include a tracking system. The
tracking system should include some form of log combined with a procedure to ensure
that all amendments are furnished promptly to all organisation or persons to whom the
manual has been issued.

Sd/-
(Arun Kumar)
(Director General of Civil Aviation)

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 Annexure-I
Checklist for Developing Training and Procedures Manual for RPTO

This checklist may be used as a guidance for developing of Training and Procedures Manual
by the RPTO.

Name of RPTO:
Date:

Address of RPTO:
Contact details e-mail of RPTO:

Name of Accountable manager_

Name of approved RPA Trainers with email address and phone numbers:
Tel.

Tel.

Tel.

Scope of Training

PART-I

No. Subject Page & Para Remarks

no. of TPM
1. GENERAL

1.1 Preamble relating to use and authority of the

Training and Procedures Manual.
1.2 Table of contents.
1.3 Amendment, revision and distribution.
a) Procedures for amendment;
b) Amendment record page;
c) Distribution list; and
d) List of effective pages.
1.4 Glossary of significant terms and definitions.

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1.5 Description of the structure and layout of the
manual, including:
a) Various parts, sections, their contents and
use;
b) The paragraph numbering system.
2. Scope of Training and Organization

2.1 Scope of training i.e. category and Type of

RPAs.
2.2 Organisation chart (of management
organisation)
2.3 Qualifications, responsibilities and succession of
command of management and key operational
personnel, including but not limited to:

a) Accountable manager
b) RPA instructor and training coordinator
3. Facilities

3.1 RPA details –(at least with following details)

# RPAs

a) Type of RPA with Mode and Serial Number

b) Unique Identification Number (UIN)

c) Cat. of RPA- Fixed wing/ Rotary Wing/ Others

d) Details of the UAS owner

i) Payload Details and Payload Capability

3.2 RPA Simulators details – (with following

details)

a) RPA Simulator Name

b) Manufacturer

c) RPA Supported Types (Rotary/ Fixed

wing/Others)

3.3 System to ensure proper functioning of

simulators and serviceable RPAs.

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 3.4 Space for waiting, Operations, flight planning etc.
a) Office space for operation and admin
b) Storage area including secure area for trg. and
personnel record
c) Space for the students waiting for their training.
d) Flight Operation room or area.
e) Flight Planning room or area.
f) Space for pilot briefing/ debriefing.
g) Arrangement and equipment for pilot briefing.
h) Office facility for instructors is available.
i) Room for Simulator and RPA Assembling and
repair room
j) Battery charging and Storing Facilities
3.5 Class Rooms
a) Proper class rooms commensurating with the plan.

b) Training aids such as computer,

projector/suitable monitor, multimedia aids etc.
3.6 Library

a) Library with system of ready access to trainee

pilots.
b) System to track the revisions and stock position of
books / study material.
c)
Adequate number of text books for ground subjects
specific to RPSs as specified in syllabus
3.7 Radio Telephony

a) Arrangement for Radio telephony training and

testing with facilities for Radio Telephony basic
training for RPAs as specified in the syllabus

4. THE TRAINING PLAN

4.1 Aim of the course -

 A statement of what the student is expected to

do as a result of the training on RPA as per
DTC 1 of 2021.

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  The level of performance on specific category
of RPA- Fixed Wing/ Rotary Wing/ others
 The training constraints to be observed

4.2 Pre-entry requirements -

 Minimum age
 Educational requirements
 Language requirements
 Medical requirements
 Any Other Requirements
4.3 Training curricula/ Training Plan -

 Training schedule and End of Course report

 The flying curriculum and Training
Methodology (Fixed Wing RPAs)
 The flying curriculum and Training
Methodology (Rotary Wing PRAs)
 The flying curriculum and Training
Methodology
(Hybrid RPAs)
 The RPA Simulator training curriculum
 The Ground training Curriculum
4.4 Training programme -

 The general arrangements of daily and weekly

programs for RPA flying, ground and Simulator
training.
 Program constraints in terms of maximum
student training times, (flying, theoretical
knowledge, simulator) e.g. per day/week/month

 Restrictions in respect of duty periods for

students
 Duration of solo and instructor assisted flights
at various stages
 Maximum flying hours in any day
 Maximum number of training flights in any day

4.5 Training records -

 Training Certificate/Card Format and Flight Log

records

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  De Briefing , Evaluation Sheets , Flight
Training Progress Report and End of Course
RPA Pilot Training Report
 Procedure for maintaining integrity of record and
documents i.e. protection from alteration and
removal etc.
 Attendance records.
 The form of training records to be kept e.g.
dossier.
 Persons responsible for checking.
 The nature and frequency of records checks.
 Standardization of entries in training records.
Rules concerning training log entries.
4.6 Safety training

 Individual responsibilities.

 Battery Changing procedures, emergencies and

Maintenance of Battery Changing Log Book

 Essential exercises.
 Emergency drills including GPS fail safe
landing, Communication fail, Wind drift
procedure and Low battery etc.
 Checks
 Requirement before first RPA training flight
4.7 Checks and tests –

 Flying: Progress checks and skill tests.

 Knowledge: Progress tests and knowledge
tests.
 Authorization for test.
 Rules concerning refresher training before
retest.
 Test reports and records.
 Test/retest procedures.
4.8 Training effectiveness -

 Individual responsibilities.
 General Assessment.
 Liaison between departments.
 Identification of unsatisfactory progress
(individual students).

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  Actions to correct unsatisfactory progress.
 Procedure for changing RPA Trainer.
 Maximum number of instructor changes per
student. Internal feedback system for detecting
training deficiencies.
 Procedure for suspending a student from
training.
 Standards and level of performance at
various stages.
 Individual responsibilities.
 Standardization.
 Standardization requirements and
procedures.
5. BRIEFING AND AIR EXERCISES
5.1 Air exercise -

 A detailed statement of the content specification

of all the air exercises to be taught, arranged in
the sequence to be flown
with main and sub-titles.
5.2 Air exercise reference list

 An abbreviated list of the above exercises giving

only main and sub-titles for quick reference,
preferably in flip-card form to facilitate daily use
by instructors.
5.3 Student progress

 The requirement for student progress and

include a brief but specific statement of what a
student is expected to be able to do and the
standard of proficiency he or she must achieve
before progressing from one phase of exercise
to the next.
Include minimum experience requirements in
terms of hours, satisfactory exercise completion,
etc. As necessary before significant exercises/
maneuvers/emergency handling.
5.4 Instructional methods -

 The RPTO requirements, particularly in respect

of pre and post flying briefing, adherence to
curricula and training specifications,
authorization and
supervisions
5.5 Progress tests -

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  The instructions given to examining staff in
respect of the conduct and document of all
progress tests.
5.6 Annexures -

 Progress test report forms.

 Skill test report forms.
 RPTO certificates of experience, competence,
etc. as required.
5.7 Standardized check-lists for normal, abnormal and
emergency procedures
5.8 Maps and charts and other equipment’s required
to be carried for RPA flights.
5.9 Check-list to show the documents required to be
carried
5.10 Digi Sky flight planning/ approval procedures.
5.11 Procedures for carrying out flying check of trainees
5.12 System of keeping of certificates and logs for ready
reference.
5.13 Occurrence reporting procedure for RPAs.
5.14 Procedure for disposing off damaged RPA
6. RPA Simulator Training
6.1 Exercise Details
6.2 Exercise reference list
6.3 Course structure-phase of training
6.4 Course structure integration of curricula
6.5 Student progress
6.6 Instructional methods
6.7 Progress tests
6.8 Glossary of terms
6.9 Annexures
7. RPA OPERATING INFORMATION

7.1 RPA descriptive notes

7.2 RPA handling (including checklists, limitations,
maintenance and technical logs, in accordance with
relevant requirements, etc.)

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 7.3 Emergency procedures
7.4 Radio and radio navigation
7.5 Allowable deficiencies
7.6 Flight Log Book ,Battery Charging Log Book / Log
Card , Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)
cannibalization Record and Firmware/Software
Version Records
8. STAFF TRAINING

8.1 Appointments of persons responsible for

standards/ competence of staff
8.2 Initial training
8.3 Refresher training
8.4 Standardization training
8.5 Proficiency checks
8.6 Upgrading training
8.7 RPTO staff standards

PART-II
9. Flying Area/Aerodrome (Requirements &
Procedures)
9.1 Proper airport perimeter fencing and/ or watch and
ward for preventing runway incursion during
aircraft operations.
9.2 Procedure for runway inspection (if Fixed wing
RPA is operational).
9.3 Check availability of smooth runway of
adequate length for the type of a/c.
9.4 Check availability of sufficient length of runway for
type of a/c for clearing all obstacles in the take-off
flight path by at least 50 feet.
9.5 Proper communication arrangements with ATC.
9.6 Proper and adequate safety services are provided
by the training institute or by ATC (as applicable).
9.7 Visibility of wind sock or wind direction indicator
from each end of the runway at ground level.
9.8 Proper traffic pattern for carrying out the flying
training.

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9.9 Proper drills for RPA emergency during flying at
airport.
9.10 Airport perimeter fencing with adequate watch and
ward for preventing runaway incursion during
aircraft operation?
9.11 Proper air ground communication to supervise
the flying training activities.
9.12 Alarm bell and siren facilities at a suitable
location.
9.13 Sufficient number of fire extinguishers.
9.14 First-aid room with proper kits and validity.
9.15 Trained manpower to handle safety services.
9.16 Proper coordination procedure with local fire
station.
9.17 Display of ‘No-Smoking’ sign at prominent
places.
9.18 Suitable and adequate hangar space for parking,
mooring and maintenance of aircraft. The hangar
shall be well lighted and suitable for aircraft
maintenance. (if applicable)
10. RETURNS TO BE SUBMITTED TO DGCA
10.1 Students Records
10.2 RPA records and Utilization

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