Aviation – DGCA Proposes Stricter Pilot Training Norms for Safer Flights
Aviation – India’s aviation regulator has moved to strengthen flight safety by proposing tighter requirements for pilot training and operational eligibility. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a revised draft that focuses on improving crew preparedness, particularly during critical phases such as take-off and landing.
New Requirements for Take-off and Landing Operations
Under the proposed framework, pilots will no longer be allowed to handle flight controls during take-off or landing unless they have recent hands-on experience. Specifically, both the pilot-in-command and co-pilot must have completed at least three take-offs and landings within the previous 90 days. This experience must be gained either on the same aircraft type or through an approved flight simulator.
The move is aimed at ensuring that pilots remain familiar with aircraft handling characteristics and are fully prepared to manage real-time flight conditions. Officials believe that maintaining recent operational exposure is essential to reducing the risk of human error during the most sensitive phases of a flight.
Applicability Across Commercial Aircraft
The draft rules apply to all aircraft weighing more than 5,700 kilograms. This category includes nearly all commercial passenger planes operated by scheduled airlines in the country. Smaller and lighter aircraft fall outside the scope of these specific changes.
A senior official clarified that the proposal is designed to cover aircraft commonly used in regular airline operations, thereby enhancing safety standards across the commercial aviation sector without imposing unnecessary restrictions on smaller aviation segments.
Focus on Continuous Crew Training
In addition to operational requirements, the DGCA has emphasized the importance of regular and structured training for flight crew. Airlines will be required to ensure that pilots undergo recurrent ground training and aircraft-specific instruction at least once every 12 months.
This recurring training is intended to keep pilots updated on procedures, emergency handling, and evolving aviation technologies. By mandating periodic refreshers, the regulator aims to maintain a consistently high level of competence among crew members.
Rules for Cruise Relief Pilots Tightened
The draft also introduces stricter eligibility conditions for cruise relief pilots, who take over flying duties during long-haul flights to allow primary crew members to rest. According to the new proposal, a pilot cannot serve in this role unless they have recent flying experience on the same aircraft type within the last 90 days.
This experience may include serving as a pilot-in-command, co-pilot, or cruise relief pilot, or completing a certified refresher training program. The requirement ensures that even relief pilots remain fully capable of handling aircraft operations if needed.
Additional Conditions for Simulator-Based Training
Pilots undergoing Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT), which is conducted entirely on simulators without actual aircraft base training, will also face stricter entry requirements. Before being allowed to operate an aircraft after such training, they must meet a defined minimum number of take-offs and landings.
ZFTT is widely used in modern aviation training due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, the DGCA’s updated proposal seeks to balance simulator training with practical operational readiness.
Public Feedback Invited Before Final Decision
The aviation regulator has opened the draft for public and industry feedback, with responses being accepted until May 3. After reviewing the suggestions, the DGCA is expected to finalize and officially implement the updated rules.
The proposed changes reflect a broader effort to align India’s aviation safety framework with global best practices. By reinforcing training standards and ensuring recent operational experience, the regulator aims to enhance passenger safety and strengthen confidence in the country’s airline industry.