What is NPNT? – No permission, No Takeoff

About NPNT

NPNT or ‘No Permission – No Take-off” is a software program that enables every remotely piloted aircraft (except Nano) to obtain valid permissions through digital sky platform before operating in India.

• NPNT requires all manufacturers to implement firmware & hardware changes that only allow flights authorized by DGCA to physically take-off.
• Permission artefact: Every Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) / Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) sold in India under the regulations published by DGCA for UAS / RPAS, must have a secure mechanism built on to the equipment to self-authenticate its permission to take-off. It is made possible through a digitally signed document called a Permission Artefact (machine-readable) which when read by the equipment establishes its authenticity and permission to fly. This technology framework is referred to as NPNT (No Permission No Take-off).
• The framework plays an important role in ensuring various measure of safety and security of a flight by enforcing UAS / RPAS not to take-off without a digitally signed permission from DigitalSky.

Rationale

• Security threats: To ward off security threats posed by unidentified drones.
• Proper regulation of drones: To regulate the drones properly as they not allowed in the red zones and no-go areas.
• In the worst scenario, If an NPNT compliant drone tries to breach geo-fencing, the in-built software will compel the drone to return-to-home (RTH).