How to convert foreign CPL in India ?

So many of you have asked me questions about DGCA CPL conversion requirements. What is the best way? How much does it cost? How to go about it? What exactly do some of the requirements mean? I am going to answer all of your questions right here, trying to make it a one stop shop for all conversion needs.

A ONE STOP SHOP FOR DGCA CPL CONVERSION

Assuming you are reading this before you go abroad for your training, there are a few things you can and must do before you go. These few things ensure you save a lot of time and possibly some money after you are back to India for the conversion process.

• Class 2 medical – This ensures that you have a file number generated at the DGCA. A file number is basically a unique identity number for everything related with you at DGCA. Here’s a list of DGCA approved doctors. If you have time, then you could also consider doing an Initial Class 1 medical.
• Computer Number – register yourself on the PARIKSHA website and get a computer number. This is required to write exams. Be very careful while making the application, read every word multiple times as applications get rejected due to the smallest of things.
• eGCA – Head of to the eGCA website and register yourself. All your applications and records concerning DGCA will be held here.

These are the most time consuming towards your DGCA CPL

Assuming you are reading this during your training abroad, you can still enroll on eGCA get the computer number done. Most of the work is done online but ensure to have all the physical documentation ready before pressing that submit button. This is because the physical documents need to reach DGCA offices within a few days or the application will be rejected. You will need the help of family or friends living in India for this process.

*EDIT* OCTOBER 2024* To ease the process, the DGCA has abolished with immediate effect the need for hard copies and requirement of certification from ‘competent authority’ and attestation by gazetted officer. You are required only to ‘self attest’ documents and apply online. FILE NO. DGCA-19012/47/2019-CEO-DGCA. Dated 14/10/2024.

_{Incase you are looking for a flight school, consider reading my blog about finding the best flight school.}

In my personal opinion please do not try to attempt any DGCA exams before starting flight training abroad.

I know this is a controversial statement, but hear me out! To give these exams you will seek out someone who takes classes and who will charge you. DGCA exams are held every 3 months, so incase you do not clear all the exams in the first attempt, then you will try again. So you have lost out on 3 months minimum. You will have zero flying experience but are expected to pass a CPL level exam.

This also has a very theoretical approach, which is very common and can be a successful strategy in other professions. Aviation is really different. Think about it this way – if you want to learn how to drive a car. You take out the manual of the car and learn it for months together. Now you sit in the car, will you be able to drive it successfully? I hardly think so!

Or in simpler terms – you are expected to pass 12th grade exams, without passing 10th grade while being in the 5th grade. It’s not going to be easy!

Most countries in the world will get you in the aircraft first and teach you a few basics and then point you towards a PPL level book. As flying experience grows, so will your knowledge and then subsequently exams are given. I have of course trained many a pilots during my time as an instructor so I can say this with some confidence.

When you come back to India you will have all the experience and knowledge that comes with holding a CPL, so clearing the DGCA exams is far easier. There will be only 2 exams to give. You will not need any extra classes, self study will suffice. So you will save some money and possibly time as well.

Here’s a highly recommended book if you’re starting your career. This one is sure to get you ahead of the curve and make things easier in your initial days. I personally like having physical books as it functions as a collectable and has a lasting connection.

If you are reading this after completion of your training, what is the fastest way to convert the CPL?

• The first thing you need to do is to get a computer number, resigter on eGCA and to get a Class 1 medical done. As I’ve stated above these are the most time consuming. If you already have these before going abroad then you will have to get a renewal of the Class 1 medical. (Medical has to be valid at the time of submission)
• Verification of 10th and 10+2 schooling certificates. Although you may have already submitted these to obtain your computer number, that was a different department of the DGCA, so once again original verifications will be required. This can be done before returning to India.
• EXAMS – Look for the closest exams dates and start studying for them. You will have to give a composite exam and air regulations.
• RTR – your foreign Radio Telephony licence can be converted directly in India. You will get an RTR-(P). Visit the WPC website for the latest forms. Click here if you want to know more about RTR.
• FRTOL – Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence can be applied with the DGCA immediately after you receive an RTR from the WPC.
• Flight School – enroll in a flight school in India as there will be some flying required, and I recommend to do the flying once you have passed the exams. The flying requirements can be completed within a week.
  • The flight school will also issue a Signal Reception Test with minimum 8 words per minute.

All of these are not connected to each other and can be obtained simultaneously.

When I was in the process of converting my licence, the flight school I had enrolled with told me to do one thing at a time and I did not know they could be done simultaneously. This costed me about 8 months and I still did not have all the documents required. Needless to say I changed the flight school.

For conversion when you submit your logbook to the DGCA, the process will be easier if you have logged everything in a DGCA logbook. Click Here to get one that I have been using since my conversion.

Let’s dive into the Flying Requirements

What you need from abroad?

What you need within the preceding 6 months from date of application?

What check rides / test flights are required to be done in India?

These also need to be completed within 6 months from the date of application.

Important points from the tables above

• For DGCA, PIC time can be logged only when you are :
  • Flying solo (no instructor, safety pilot, etc on board)
  • Undertaking a check ride / test flight (examiner on board)
• For DGCA, cross country can by logged only when the straight line distance between departure and destination is more than 100 NM.
• Not more than 50% of time required for instrument time can be done on a simulator. You must ensure that the simulator is approved by the relevant authority (FAA, CAA, DGCA, etc)
• Multi-engine time includes flight time spent on check rides / test flights.
• DGCA will require a separate statement for every requirement from the flight school abroad and flight school in India, appropriately signed and stamped.
• Specifically from TABLE 2 :
  • PIC night time must show minimum 10 take offs and landings.
  • Instrument time must be on actual aircraft.
• Buddy flying from the US will not be accepted by DGCA.
• Along with all the certificates and statements you get from abroad, do remember to get –
  • A certificate for technical specific exam for the type of aircraft you want on the Indian licence.
  • An english language proficiency certificate. In some countries like the US, the CPL will have english proficient written on the CPL. In such cases, DGCA will award you with a level 4 during the conversion.

Now that you have converted your licence or are in the process to do so, I recommend this book to get ready for any interview. Or read my blog about airline interview process.

With that I hope things are easier to understand. I will however leave you one more advise, for those who have not yet completed with their CPL. In my opinion this will save you time and possibly money when you come back to India.

If you can manage to and your budget allows, I suggest that once you complete your PPL and have about 100 hours of flying, you start studying for DGCA exams. Complete all your CPL exams abroad as quickly as you can. When you have around 50 hours remaining for completion of CPL, take a trip to India. Time it in such a way that you can apply and attempt the DGCA exams. In this case you will have to write all the exams since you still do not have a foreign CPL.

If you pass the exams, you get to check off the most stressful part of the conversion process and you will definitely not have to worry about the 6 months requirements of table 2. In the case that you do not pass, then you have the experience of these exams and now know exactly what to expect and how to study for these exams for the next time and the composite exam will be easier to pass in the 1st attempt when you are back with a CPL. Again this way the 6 months requirement will not bother you much.

Most of the cost of conversion comes from the flying requirement. So do everything you can to have all your documents and flying done within 6 months of completing your CPL, and you will definitely save money on 15 hours of flying.

_{These are of course just my opinions based on my experiences and gained knowledge. Differences in opinions are welcome.}

_{Leave a comment below if I have missed out on something you want to discuss.}