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    Converting a Foreign Pilot Licence to an Indian DGCA Licence

    Written by Flying Star Aviator Academics Team · Last updated

    How do you convert a foreign pilot licence to an Indian licence?

    DGCA converts foreign pilot licences under CAR Section 7, Series 'G', Part I. Your rating on the foreign licence must be current — at least 10 hours as Pilot-in-Command in the 24 months before you apply — and you must pass DGCA's written examinations through the Central Examination Organization and a skill test with a DGCA-approved examiner in India.

    Sources: DGCA CAR Section 7, Series 'G', Part I (Issue II, Rev 4, 9 Sep 2019)

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    Which licences can be converted?

    CAR Section 7, Series 'G', Part I covers conversion of foreign pilot licences into Indian ones. The categories it names are pilot licences for microlights, gliders, balloons, light sport aircraft and gyroplanes, plus the Private Pilot's Licence, Commercial Pilot's Licence and Airline Transport Pilot's Licence — each for aeroplanes or helicopters.

    The practical case for most Indian candidates is a CPL earned abroad, commonly on an FAA or EASA licence, being converted so it can be used commercially in India.

    What does conversion actually require?

    RequirementWhat the CAR states
    Currency on the foreign licenceThe rating must be 'current' for the type of aircraft — defined as at least 10 hours as Pilot-in-Command in the twenty-four months preceding the date of application
    Written examinationsConducted by DGCA's Central Examination Organisation
    Skill testCompetency demonstrated to a DGCA-approved examiner in India
    Medical fitnessPer Schedule II of the Aircraft Rules, 1937
    Validity of documentsThe foreign licence and supporting documents must be within their laid-down validity period
    DocumentsAs required under the applicable provisions of Schedule II, Aircraft Rules 1937

    Source: DGCA CAR Section 7, Series 'G', Part I, Issue II, Revision 4, dated 9 September 2019 (effective 1 July 2019).

    The mistake that costs the most time

    The currency rule is the one people discover too late. If you finish training abroad, return to India and then spend a year arranging paperwork, your 10 hours of Pilot-in-Command time in the preceding 24 months can quietly become a problem — and re-establishing currency abroad is expensive.

    The theory papers are the part you can do something about early. They are Indian papers, sat in India, and a passed CPL or ATPL paper is valid for five years. Clearing them before or during your time abroad removes the longest pole from the conversion timeline.

    What conversion does not do

    • It does not waive the DGCA theory examinations. Hours logged abroad do not substitute for Indian papers.
    • It does not waive the skill test with a DGCA-approved examiner in India.
    • It does not waive Indian medical requirements under Schedule II.
    • It does not make an expired foreign licence usable — documents must be within validity.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I fly commercially in India on an FAA or EASA licence?
    No. A foreign licence must be converted to an Indian DGCA licence under CAR Section 7, Series 'G', Part I before it can be used for commercial flying in India.
    What does 'current' mean on the foreign licence?
    The CAR defines it as having flying experience of at least 10 hours as Pilot-in-Command in the twenty-four months preceding the date of application, for the type of aircraft.
    Do I still have to pass Indian exams if I trained abroad?
    Yes. Conversion requires passing written examinations through DGCA's Central Examination Organisation, plus a skill test with a DGCA-approved examiner in India.
    Which foreign licences can be converted?
    Pilot licences for microlights, gliders, balloons, light sport aircraft and gyroplanes, and the PPL, CPL and ATPL for aeroplanes or helicopters.
    When should I clear the DGCA papers if I am training abroad?
    Early. A passed CPL or ATPL paper is valid for five years, so clearing the theory before or during training abroad removes the longest step from the conversion timeline.

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    Ask before you commit

    We run DGCA CPL and ATPL ground classes from Dwarka, New Delhi. If you want the sequencing checked against your own papers, medical and budget, tell us where you are and we will map it out.

    Contact us