How Do I Meet DGCA Conversion Requirements? #1 Ultimate Guide

If you’re a foreign-trained pilot planning to fly commercially in India, understanding the DGCA conversion requirements is your first step. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that all pilots with foreign licenses must meet specific criteria before they can operate aircraft under Indian regulation.

This guide is built for pilots holding FAA, EASA, or other ICAO-compliant licenses. Whether you trained in the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East, this article explains exactly what you need to convert your license legally and efficiently.

We’ll break down the DGCA conversion process step by step—covering required documents, theory exams, flight hour validations, timelines, medicals, and the best flight schools in India that support conversion training.

Who Needs to Meet DGCA Conversion Requirements?

The DGCA conversion requirements apply to any pilot holding a foreign license who wishes to fly under Indian commercial regulations. This includes both Indian nationals and international applicants.

If you hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) issued by a foreign aviation authority, you’ll need to undergo DGCA conversion before flying for any Indian airline or operator.

The process also applies to:

Indian citizens trained abroad who completed their CPL or ATPL under FAA, EASA, or other ICAO jurisdictions.
Foreign nationals seeking employment with Indian charter services, cargo operators, or airlines.
Students returning from pilot training abroad, including those who completed CPL training in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or the UAE.

DGCA Conversion Requirements: Core Checklist

To successfully convert your foreign license under DGCA, you must meet the following key requirements:

Valid Foreign License: Must be issued by an ICAO-compliant authority (e.g., FAA, EASA, CASA).

Class 1 Medical Certificate: Must be issued by a DGCA-approved medical examiner in India—not just your original country’s aviation body.

License Verification: Your foreign authority must send direct verification of your license to the DGCA in India.

Documents: Prepare your passport, logbook, and a detailed flight time summary, categorized by total time, PIC, cross-country, night, and instrument hours.

Academic Requirement: A copy of your 10+2 certificate with Physics and Mathematics (equivalent qualifications are accepted in some cases).

RTR(A) License: You must hold an Indian Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) license, issued by the WPC under the Ministry of Communications.

English Proficiency: Minimum Level 4 as per ICAO English Language Proficiency requirements.

These are non-negotiable requirements. Incomplete documentation or lack of medical/RTR(A) compliance is one of the most common reasons for conversion delays.

DGCA Written Exams You Must Pass

As part of the DGCA conversion requirements, foreign license holders must pass a set of mandatory written exams to demonstrate theoretical knowledge aligned with Indian aviation regulations.

You’ll need to pass the following subjects:

Air Navigation – Covers route planning, time-speed-distance calculations, and performance planning
Air Meteorology – Includes weather systems, cloud classifications, visibility, and aviation weather forecasts
Air Regulation – Focuses on DGCA rules, airspace classifications, ATC procedures, and pilot responsibilities
Technical General/Specific – Optional but required if you’re converting a type rating (e.g., A320, B737)

These exams are conducted by DGCA in designated centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and others. You’ll need to register via the Pariksha DGCA portal, and you must pass the exams within 6 months of your application approval date.

Pro Tip: Many students underestimate these exams—especially Air Regulation. If you’ve trained under FAA or EASA systems, make time to review Indian-specific rules and formats.

DGCA Conversion Requirements for Flying

In addition to theory exams, DGCA may require you to complete practical flying requirements—especially if your foreign logbook doesn’t fully align with Indian hour structures.

A checkride in India is often mandatory, typically conducted through a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organization (FTO) or with a designated DGCA examiner. This check ride helps confirm your flying competency under Indian procedures and airspace regulations.

Minimum logged hours expected by DGCA usually include:

200 total flight hours
100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
20 hours cross-country
10 hours of instrument flying
5 hours of night flying

If you’re short on any of these, schools like Florida Flyers Flight Academy India offer hour top-up programs tailored specifically for foreign-trained pilots converting their licenses. These programs include aircraft rental, instructor time, and check ride preparation—all structured to align with DGCA expectations.

DGCA-Approved Schools That Support License Conversion

Choosing a school that understands the DGCA conversion requirements is essential. Not every flight academy is equipped to guide you through the paperwork, licensing exams, and flight check processes unique to conversion candidates.

Here are some of the most trusted DGCA-approved schools known for supporting license conversion:

Florida Flyers Flight Academy India: Offers modular, U.S.-style CPL training and customized conversion paths for FAA and EASA-trained students. They provide hour top-ups, exam prep, and direct RTR(A) and Class 1 medical assistance.

CAE Gondia: Best known for airline cadet programs, CAE also offers structured support for international pilots converting to Indian CPL standards. A strong option for those eyeing IndiGo or similar airline placements.

IGIA Chandigarh: Affordable and reliable for modular conversions, especially for students needing theory exam coaching or basic hour validation.

Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Science (IGIAS): Offers a clean path from PPL to CPL for returning students. Known for steady ground school and competent instructor support.

Tip: Choose a school that’s familiar with eGCA portal workflows, RTR(A) scheduling, and DGCA examiner protocols—this can save weeks during the application process.

DGCA Conversion Requirements: Timeline & Process

Here’s a step-by-step view of the DGCA conversion process and what you can expect in terms of timelines:

License Verification: Contact your issuing authority (e.g., FAA or EASA) to send verification of your license directly to DGCA via email or post.

eGCA Application: Register and submit your conversion request via the eGCA portal. Upload your documents, education certificates, and logbook summary.

Written Exams Schedule and pass the required DGCA theory subjects: Air Navigation, Meteorology, and Air Regulation.

DGCA Class 1 Medical: Book and complete your Class 1 medical exam at an approved center in India. This step must be completed before license issuance.

RTR(A) License: Apply for and pass the Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) exam conducted by the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing (WPC) under the Ministry of Communications.

Flight Hour Completion / Check Ride: If required, complete any flight hour shortfalls or book your DGCA check ride through an approved FTO.

Final Submission: Once all documents, exams, and flight requirements are met, submit everything for final CPL processing and issuance by DGCA.

Total timeframe: Most applicants complete the process in 3 to 6 months, depending on exam success, medical scheduling, and availability of check rides.

DGCA License Conversion Costs in 2025

While the DGCA conversion process is straightforward, it does come with several direct and hidden costs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses you’ll incur when converting a foreign CPL to DGCA standards in 2025:

Category	Estimated Cost (INR)
DGCA Exams	₹15,000–₹25,000
Medical Tests + Class 1 Cert	₹10,000–₹15,000
RTR(A) Exam	₹5,000–₹7,000
Document Verification	₹3,000–₹5,000
Flight Hour Top-Up	₹5–15 lakhs (depending on hours required)
Application & Admin Fees	₹3,000–₹10,000

Note: These estimates vary by school, location, and personal flight history. Costs for flight hour top-ups are the most variable—some students may not need any, while others may need significant catch-up flying.

International License Holders: Special Considerations

If you hold a foreign license and are looking to convert it in India, there are a few extra details you need to watch closely:

FAA vs EASA: DGCA accepts both FAA and EASA licenses, but EASA-trained pilots often have an easier time with hour documentation and theory alignment. FAA-trained students may need to adjust to DGCA’s written format and India-specific regulations.

ICAO Compliance Is a Must: Your license must come from an ICAO-recognized authority. Hours logged in non-ICAO-compliant training programs or on aircraft that don’t meet standard categories may not be accepted.

English Language Proficiency: All applicants must hold at least ICAO Level 4 English. If this is not documented in your original license, DGCA may require an additional assessment.

Aircraft Type & Hour Format: Be cautious about aircraft used for training. Experimental, LSA, or non-certified aircraft often don’t count toward DGCA hour minimums. It’s best to consult with a DGCA conversion-supportive school—like Florida Flyers Flight Academy India—before applying.

Pro tip: Even if your license is valid abroad, documentation issues can delay DGCA conversion. Keep digital and signed physical copies of all logbook pages, endorsements, and license verifications.

Conclusion: Get Cleared for India’s Cockpit

Meeting the DGCA conversion requirements is a critical step for any foreign-trained pilot planning to fly professionally in India. While the process involves multiple stages—exams, medicals, RTR(A), and potential flight hour adjustments—it’s entirely achievable with the right guidance.

The key to success lies in preparation. Work with schools that understand the system, have experience with foreign license holders, and offer tailored programs to help you navigate the process without delays or surprises.

If you’re ready to transition from international training to Indian skies, there’s no better place to start than a school that specializes in DGCA conversion support.

Start your DGCA conversion process with Florida Flyers India—and earn the license that launches your flying career in India.

FAQs: DGCA Conversion Requirements

Question	Answer
Can I convert an FAA license to DGCA?	Yes, as long as it’s ICAO-compliant and you pass all required DGCA exams, medicals, and RTR(A).
Is RTR(A) mandatory for DGCA license conversion?	Yes. The Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) license is issued by WPC and is required.
Do I need to redo flight hours in India?	Only if your logbook doesn’t meet DGCA hour minimums. Flight top-ups are common but vary.
How long does DGCA conversion take?	Most pilots complete it within 3–6 months if documents are in order and exams are passed promptly.
Can I do DGCA conversion from outside India?	Partially. You can start online, but exams, check rides, and medicals must be done in India.
What if my foreign license has expired?	You’ll need to renew it with your original licensing authority before applying for conversion.
Which school is best for DGCA conversion support?	Florida Flyers India offers dedicated support for FAA and EASA pilots, including top-up flying and paperwork help.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at 91 (0) 1171 816622 to learn more about the Private Pilot Ground School Course.