What is it?

The Bill seeks to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934.  The Act regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircrafts, and licensing of aerodromes.  

Key provisions of the Bill include:

• Authorities:  The Bill converts three existing bodies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation into statutory bodies under the Act. These three authorities are: 

1. the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), 
2. the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and 
3. the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB).  

Each of these bodies will be headed by a Director General who will be appointed by the centre.  

• Power of centre to make rules:  Under the Act, the central government may make rules on several matters.  These include: 

(i) registration of aircraft, 

(ii) regulating air transport services, and 

(iii) prohibition of flight over any specified area.  

• Penalty: The Bill proposes to increase the fine amount for violations of rules from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for aviation industry players.
• Powers of central government : It may cancel the licences, certificates or approvals granted to a person under the Act if the person contravenes any provision of the Act.
• Exemptions for Armed Forces : The Act exempted aircrafts belonging to the naval, military, or air forces of the Union.

Why in News?

Rajya Sabha recently passed The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020.

References:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-is-india-amending-its-aircraft-law-6598360/
2. https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/aircraft-amendment-bill-2020
3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-passes-bill-to-give-statutory-status-to-aviation-regulators/article32609985.ece