India Introduces Digital Pilot Licenses; Becomes Second Country To Implement EPL

India has advanced its civil aviation sector by launching the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu unveiled the initiative, making India the second nation globally to adopt digital pilot licenses after receiving approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The EPL replaces physical licenses with a fully digital version accessible through the eGCA Mobile Application. This move aims to simplify the licensing process while improving security and transparency.

The initiative aligns with the government’s push for ‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’, ensuring greater convenience for aviation professionals.

The transition follows ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which promotes electronic licensing for enhanced efficiency and security.

While several leading aviation nations are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has taken an early lead, setting an example on the global stage.

Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued smart card-based pilot licenses, with over 62,000 such licenses distributed.

In 2024, approximately 20,000 pilots needed printed card licenses, averaging around 1,667 monthly.

The launch of EPL however aims to:

• Replace these physical cards over time,
• Streamlining the process,
• Minimizing delays, and
• Promoting eco-friendly practices by reducing plastic and paper consumption

Minister Naidu stated that India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector would require around 20,000 new pilots in the coming years, highlighting the growing demand for pilots.

He further emphasized that pilots play a crucial role in the industry, and digital solutions like EPL and eGCA will improve their global employability while ensuring real-time access to credentials for security purposes.

EPL’s introduction aligns with India’s broader digital transformation in aviation.

The government has already rolled out key initiatives like:

• The eGCA platform for licensing,
• The Digital Sky Platform for drone management, and
• The Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airline operations

Together, these advancements are however driving modernization and strengthening India’s position in digital aviation.

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