In a significant move aimed at bolstering aviation services and regulatory oversight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has initiated Part Flight Crew Licensing (FCL) functions at its regional offices in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. This expansion comes in addition to the existing offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
The newly operationalized offices will offer a range of Part FCL services to stakeholders, including the renewal of Instrument Rating (IR), license records update (Validation), updating RTR details, and AELP Renewal/Endorsement. This strategic step aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for aviation personnel in these regions, streamlining licensing processes and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been actively engaged in fortifying institutional frameworks and expanding the workforce within key aviation authorities such as DGCA, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). As part of these efforts, 416 new positions have been established within the DGCA, reinforcing its capacity to maintain stringent safety standards and regulatory oversight.
India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth, catapulting the nation to the third-largest aviation market globally. The establishment of new airports under the Greenfield Policy, operationalization of unserved/underserved airports through the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), and the induction of a significant number of aircraft by airline operators have fueled this expansion over the past nine years.
With the exponential growth of the aviation industry comes an urgent demand for additional human resources and strengthened institutional infrastructure. The proactive measures undertaken by regulatory bodies and the government signal a concerted effort to address these evolving needs, ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of India’s aviation sector.