FOREIGN CPL TO DGCA LICENSE CONVERSION
DGCA License Conversion is the process through which pilots holding a foreign Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) convert their license to a DGCA-issued Indian CPL—allowing them to fly commercially under Indian aviation regulations. This process is mandatory for pilots who completed flying training abroad and wish to pursue airline or commercial flying careers in India.
Timeline
3–6 Months
Process
Exams + Skill Tests
Outcome
DGCA Indian CPL
Who Needs CPL Conversion?
- Hold a valid foreign CPL (FAA / EASA / ICAO member state)
- Planning to work as a commercial pilot in India
- Need your foreign license to be converted as per DGCA regulations
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Foreign CPL issued by ICAO contracting state
- DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Minimum 200 flying hours(including PIC, cross-country, night & instrument time)
- Properly maintained logbooks verified by issuing authority
- Recent flying experience (recency) required
DGCA Exams & Skill Tests
-
Pass DGCA Theory Exams:
- Air Navigation
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Regulations
-
Complete Skill Tests in India:
- General Flying Test (Day & Night)
- Cross-country Flying Test
- Instrument Rating Test (if applicable)
Documents & Additional Requirements
- Valid Foreign CPL & Medical
- Flying Logbook with endorsements
- Cross-country & Night flying records
- Instrument flying records (if applicable)
- RTR(A) License
- English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- 10th & 12th Certificate Verification
- DGCA exam validity (as per rules)
Foreign CPL to DGCA – FAQs
Which foreign licences are eligible for DGCA conversion?
ICAO-compliant licences such as FAA, EASA, and other approved authorities are eligible, subject to DGCA evaluation.
Do I need to write DGCA exams again?
This depends on your foreign licence authority and subjects completed. DGCA may require certain theory papers to be cleared.
Is DGCA Class 1 Medical mandatory?
Yes. A valid DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate is compulsory for licence conversion.
How long does the conversion process take?
The process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on document readiness, exam schedules, and DGCA processing timelines.
Can I do Type Rating before DGCA conversion?
In most cases, DGCA CPL issuance is required before proceeding with Type Rating for Indian airline operations.
Does AirStar handle the entire process?
Yes. AirStar provides end-to-end guidance, from initial evaluation to final DGCA licence issuance.
Can converted pilots apply to Indian airlines?
Yes. Once converted, pilots are eligible to apply for Indian airline opportunities, subject to airline selection criteria.
Submission of Documents at DGCA HQRS New Delhi
Duly filled application form with appropriate fees and supporting documents as per check list to be submitted at DGCA
At DGCA Reception: By Hand/Post
Examination of papers in DTL
General Requirements
to be fulfilled on the date of application:-
- Age - 18 years
- Educational Qualification – Pass Class 12th with Physics & Mathematics from recognized board/university or equivalent
- Medical – Valid Class 1 Medical (both foreign & India)
- Knowledge – Pass ELO (DGCA) examination in Air Regulation & Air navigation Composite (validity 5 years)
- Valid RTR issued by WPC, DoT.
- Valid foreign licence with current ratings
- Original Verification of Educational Qualification (10th and 12th)
- Original Log books
- Eight passport size photographs with name imprinted.
Flying Requirements
to be fulfilled on the date of application:-
- Total 200 hrs. PIC - 100 hrs., PIC Cross Country - 20 hrs. (enclose separate statement)
- Statement of 300 NM PIC Cross Country
- Statement of 10 hrs. Instrument time
Flying experience required in preceding 6 months:-
- PIC: 15hrs.
- PIC in Night: 5 hrs. with 10 take offs & 10 landings
- GFT by Day
- GFT by Night
- 250 NM PIC Day Cross Country test
- 120 NM PIC Night Cross Country test
For Instrument Rating:-
- PIC Cross Country - 50 hrs.
- Instrument Time - 40 hrs. (Actual/simulated 20 hrs. or more + Synthetic Simulator 20 hrs. or less)
- 5 hrs. instrument time Actual/simulated in preceding 6 months
- IR test in preceding 6 months
- Pass Signal Reception test (6 to 8 words per minute)
Examination of documents
Not Satisfactory
Papers returned to applicant with letter giving reasons for rejection for compliance of complete requirement and resubmission (no fee refund)
Note:
Applicant has to meet all the requirements at the time of next date of submission.
For further details please go through the Aircraft Rules 1937 and CARs on the subject.
Note:
Applicant has to meet all the requirements at the time of next date of submission.
For further details please go through the Aircraft Rules 1937 and CARs on the subject.
Satisfactory
License issued and dispatched by Speed Post only.
