The Ministry clarified that the DGCA is meeting indicative timelines and issuing commercial pilot license in 20 to 30 working days despite an increase in the number of applications.
"The indicative timelines published for Issue & Conversion of Commercial Pilot License (CPL) by DGCA is 20 & 30 working days respectively. DGCA has been meeting the indicative timelines despite an increase in number of applications. Average timelines achieved for applications during 2023 for CPL Issue & Conversion is 22 and 31 working days," the DGCA said.
The clarification comes amid reports that DGCA is taking two months to issue licences to
trained pilots due to staff shortage.
The Ministry stated that the DGCA has 15 posts designated for flight crew and licensing against which 12 officers are currently posted.
"On the issue of staff position at DGCA, it is clarified that the total sanctioned strength of Operations Cadre in DGCA is 228. These 228 posts are spread across various Directorates in DGCA, which perform various regulatory functions such as flight crew licensing and examination, ATCO licensing etc. Of these 228, the sanctioned strength of Technical Manpower in Flight Crew Licensing Directorate in DGCA HQs is 15, against which 12 officers are currently posted," the DGCA added.
The Ministry highlighted that pilots' applications where prompt compliances are ensured by the applicants are approved faster while some applications take more time as the applicants are not able to adhere to compliances laid down by the DGCA.
"As on date 25 applications are in process with DGCA. 7 applications have crossed the threshold of 60 days, of which in five applicants are yet to respond to DGCA observations. In the remaining two cases, approvals are expected to be granted by the end of the month provided all requirements are complied with," the aviation regulator stated.
(Edited by : Anushka Sharma)
