DGCA tightens norms for expat pilots

Mumbai: Expatriate pilots hired by airline operators in India will henceforth have to undergo the ‘air regulation examination’ conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) like their Indian counterparts. They will also have to submit an authentification certificate from the licence issuing authority of their respective country, in addition to their commercial pilot licence (CPL
In a communication to airlines last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has also made it mandatory for airlines to verify that the pilot has a valid endorsement on his license of the type of airplane he would be flying. Currently, there are 498 expat pilots in India employed by various airlines.
According to the current rules, a pilot has to complete 700 hours of flying before being hired by an airline. Also, before hiring, it must be ascertained whether they have had experience in flying in heavy monsoon conditions. However, these norms would now be extended to expat pilots.
Meanwhile, HR officials from Kingfisher and Jet Airways, amongst other airlines say that they are scrutinising all aspects of the probable candidate to be hired by their company. They shall comply with the DGCA norms while recruiting the pilots.
09/08/07 Shaheen Mansuri/Indian Express