Foreign CPL Conversion to DGCA CPL (India)

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Must hold a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by an ICAO contracting state (e.g., FAA, CASA, SACAA, TC, CAANZ).

Minimum 200 flying hours total (as per DGCA requirements).

Valid Class 1 DGCA Medical in India.

Valid Foreign Licence and Logbook.

Pass DGCA theory exams in India.

Pass RTR (Aero) Licence (Radio Telephony, issued by WPC, Ministry of Communications, India).

📍 Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Step 1: Document Verification & File Submission

Upload all documents on eGCA (DGCA online portal).

Required documents:

Application Form (through eGCA)

Foreign CPL copy (attested)

Valid Class 1 Indian Medical certificate

Logbook (certified) with flying hours breakdown

Certificate of authenticity from foreign CAA (Licence Verification Letter – LVL)

Passport (for training country proof)

10th & 12th Marksheet (Physics & Math mandatory)

Step 2: DGCA Theory Exams

Conducted by DGCA, India (at exam centres).

Subjects to clear:

Air Regulations ✈️

Aviation Meteorology ☁️

Air Navigation 🧭

Aircraft Technical (General + Specific for type) ⚙️

⚠️ Even if you studied abroad, you must pass DGCA exams.

Step 3: RTR (Aero) Licence (Radio Telephony)

Conducted by WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing), India.

Two parts:

Written (Air regulations & communication procedures)

Viva/interview (practical radio telephony & emergency procedures)

Mandatory for using radio equipment in aircraft in India.

Step 4: Flying Skill Test (Check Ride in India)

Conducted by a DGCA Examiner (Check Pilot) in India.

You must demonstrate:

General flying skills

Cross-country navigation

Instrument flying procedures

Night flying (if applicable)

This ensures you meet DGCA's flight standards.

Step 5: Issue of DGCA CPL

After successful completion of:

✅ DGCA exams

✅ RTR (Aero)

✅ Class 1 Medical

✅ Skill Test

DGCA issues your Indian CPL, allowing you to apply for airline jobs.

📊 Flying Hours Requirement (DGCA Minimums)

200 total flying hours (including all stages)

100 hrs PIC (Pilot-in-Command)

20 hrs Cross-Country PIC

10 hrs Instrument Flying (5 hrs can be in simulator)

5 hrs Night Flying PIC (with 10 take-offs & landings)

💡 Note: If your foreign CPL has 250 hrs (like USA FAA), you already meet DGCA 200 hrs. If your logbook doesn't meet any sub-requirement, you may need hour-building in India before conversion.

Quick Facts

Minimum Hours: 200 Total
PIC Hours: 100 Hours
Cross Country: 20 Hours
Instrument Flying: 10 Hours
Night Flying: 5 Hours
Countries Accepted: USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, South Africa

🌍 Summary: Foreign CPL to DGCA CPL Path

✅ Get foreign CPL (ICAO-compliant, with ≥200 hrs).

✅ Apply for Indian Class 1 Medical.

✅ Submit documents on eGCA portal.

✅ Pass DGCA exams (Air Regs, Met, Nav, Technical).

✅ Clear RTR (Aero) exam in India.

✅ Pass Skill Test (Check Ride) in India.

🎖️ Get DGCA CPL → Eligible for airline Type Rating & airline jobs.