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DGCA to EASA License Conversion - Enroll Now for March 2026 Batch

DGCA to EASA License Conversion

DGCA to EASA License Conversion

India

Location

Dwaraka, Sec-7, Delhi

Guidance

Capt. Awadesh Tomer

Batch

1 March 2026

Complete 2026 guide for converting FAA, EASA, and ICAO pilot licenses to DGCA India. Learn eligibility, exams, skill tests, documents required, costs, timeline, and official DGCA Pariksha process.

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DGCA EASA & FAA License Conversion in India (2026) | Complete Step-by-Step Guide

DGCA EASA & FAA License Conversion in India (2026)

Step-by-step official guide to converting FAA, EASA, and ICAO pilot licenses to DGCA India. Includes eligibility, required exams, skill tests, documentation checklist, costs, timeline, and Pariksha portal process.

Official DGCA Portal: DGCA Pariksha

What is Foreign Pilot License Conversion in India?

DGCA foreign license conversion is the regulatory process where India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) evaluates and recognizes a foreign pilot license (FAA, EASA, CASA, UK CAA, etc.) and issues a corresponding Indian CPL, ATPL, or PPL.

It is not a simple paperwork exchange. DGCA ensures compliance with Indian Air Regulations, ICAO standards, medical fitness, theoretical knowledge alignment, and operational competency.

DGCA EASA & FAA License Conversion in India (2025)

Converting a foreign pilot license — especially EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) or FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) — to a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) India license is a pivotal step for pilots who want to fly professionally in India.

Whether you trained abroad or already hold an international CPL or ATPL, understanding the DGCA license conversion process is essential to continue your aviation career within India’s regulated civil aviation system.

This comprehensive 2025 guide explains the official pathway, required documentation, written exams, flight test requirements, cost estimates, timeline expectations, and how Golden Epaulettes Aviation supports foreign license conversion candidates.

What This DGCA License Conversion Guide Covers

• What is DGCA foreign license conversion?

• Which international licenses are eligible for DGCA conversion?

• Step-by-step DGCA Pariksha portal process

• Required documents & logbook verification

• DGCA written exam & skill test requirements

• Estimated conversion costs & timeline

• FAA to DGCA conversion pathway

• EASA to DGCA conversion requirements

Official & Industry Reference Links

Official DGCA Pariksha Portal for License Conversion Application:
https://pariksha.dgca.gov.in/home

Industry Insight: PilotsIndia EASA / FAA Conversion Guide:
PilotsIndia Conversion Overview

Foreign License Guidance by FlyTech Aviation Academy:
FlyTech Aviation Foreign License Guide

Helpful Internal Resources

FAA to DGCA & EASA to DGCA Conversion – Official, Structured, Verified

If you are searching for DGCA license conversion cost in India, FAA to DGCA conversion exams, EASA CPL to DGCA requirements, or foreign pilot license validation in India, this guide provides complete clarity.

Conversion requires alignment with Indian Air Regulations, DGCA theory exams, skill test compliance, logbook verification, and Class 1 Medical validity. Proper documentation and structured preparation significantly reduce delays.

Eligible Licenses for DGCA Conversion

Issuing Authority Accepted by DGCA? Notes
FAA (USA) Yes Written exams + Skill test required
EASA (Europe) Yes Theory alignment required
CASA (Australia) Yes ICAO compliant
UK CAA Yes ICAO standard compliance required
Non-ICAO Licenses No Not eligible

What Is Foreign License Conversion in India?

Foreign license conversion in India is the official regulatory process through which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) evaluates and recognizes an existing FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), or other ICAO-compliant pilot license and maps it to Indian Civil Aviation standards.

After successful conversion, the pilot receives a DGCA-issued CPL, ATPL, or PPL that legally authorizes them to operate civilian aircraft under Indian regulatory oversight.

This is not a simple paperwork transfer. It is a structured safety, competency, and regulatory alignment process ensuring that international training meets Indian Air Regulations, operational procedures, and DGCA compliance standards.

Who Typically Applies for DGCA License Conversion?

• FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or ATP holders trained in the USA

• EASA CPL or ATPL holders trained in Europe

• ICAO-recognized license holders seeking DGCA validation

• Indian nationals returning after foreign flight training

• Pilots relocating to India for airline employment

• Experienced commercial pilots transitioning to Indian aviation markets

Why DGCA License Conversion Is Important

Converting your FAA to DGCA license or EASA to DGCA license ensures full legal eligibility to operate as a commercial pilot in India.

✔ You can legally fly commercial aircraft registered in India

✔ Indian airlines officially recognize your credentials

✔ You become eligible for Indian airline recruitment processes

✔ Your experience aligns with ICAO and DGCA operational standards

Without DGCA conversion, foreign pilot licenses have no legal validity for Indian commercial operations (unless operating foreign-registered aircraft under specific permissions).

In simple terms: no conversion means no airline job in India — regardless of how many international flight hours you hold.

DGCA License Conversion Process – FAA vs EASA Comparison

The DGCA license conversion process follows a structured regulatory pathway. However, requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you hold an FAA (USA) or EASA (Europe) license. Below is a clear comparison to help you understand the step-by-step process.

Conversion Stage FAA to DGCA EASA to DGCA
Step 1 – Pariksha Application Apply under Flight Crew → Conversion on DGCA Pariksha portal Same Pariksha portal process
Step 2 – Document Verification FAA license, logbooks, passport, Class 1 Medical required EASA license, logbooks, Class 1 Medical, ICAO validation required
Step 3 – DGCA Theory Exams Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology commonly required Air Regulations usually mandatory; other subjects depend on DGCA assessment
Step 4 – Skill Test (FST) DGCA Flight Skill Test typically required Often required unless exemptions apply (case-by-case)
Step 5 – RTR (Radio Telephony) Indian RTR (Aero) endorsement usually required RTR endorsement required for Indian operations
Final Stage – DGCA License Issuance DGCA CPL / ATPL issued after compliance DGCA CPL / ATPL issued after compliance

Key Similarities

  • • Both require application via DGCA Pariksha portal
  • • Class 1 DGCA Medical mandatory
  • • DGCA theory alignment required
  • • Skill test commonly required
  • • Indian Air Regulations exam is critical

Key Differences

  • • FAA licenses may require broader theory alignment
  • • EASA holders may receive limited exemptions depending on experience
  • • Instrument privileges mapping differs slightly
  • • Logbook verification formats may vary
Official Application Portal: DGCA Pariksha Portal

Required Documents for DGCA License Conversion

The documentation stage is the most critical part of the DGCA foreign license conversion process. Incomplete, inconsistent, or mismatched records are the number one cause of delays in FAA to DGCA and EASA to DGCA license conversion cases.

Primary License Documents

  • • Valid Foreign CPL / ATPL / PPL copy
  • • Application form via DGCA Pariksha (Flight Crew category)
  • • Passport-size photograph (as per DGCA specifications)
  • • Proof of identity (Passport / Aadhaar if applicable)
  • • Detailed pilot logbook (total & category-wise flight hours)

Medical & Regulatory Compliance

  • • Valid DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • • RT Radiotelephony (RTR Aero) license if required
  • • Board Verification Certificates (if applicable)
  • • ICAO license verification record
  • • Police verification (rare cases, if requested)

Supporting & Experience Records

  • • Academic certificates (10+2 with Physics & Maths)
  • • Type rating endorsements (if applicable)
  • • Experience letters from previous operators
  • • Instrument Rating endorsements
  • • Cross-country and night flying hour records

Common Reason for Conversion Delays

Missing, inconsistent, or improperly attested documents are the primary cause of DGCA license conversion delays. Name mismatches, incomplete logbook entries, expired medical certificates, or unclear type rating endorsements frequently result in re-submission requests.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides comprehensive pre-submission documentation audits for FAA, EASA, and ICAO license holders. Our structured review process ensures compliance with DGCA conversion standards before your Pariksha application is filed — minimizing delays and rejection risks.

DGCA License Conversion Timeline & Cost (2026 Estimate)

Stage Timeline Estimated Cost (₹)
Application Submission 1 Week 1,000–3,000
Document Verification 2–6 Weeks Variable
Written Exams 1–8 Weeks 2,000–7,000 per subject
Skill Test 2–10 Weeks 10,000–50,000
Final License Issuance 1–2 Weeks DGCA Fees Applicable

DGCA License Conversion Timeline & Cost Estimates (2025)

⏱ Estimated Timeline – FAA / EASA to DGCA Conversion

Conversion Stage Typical Timeline
Pariksha Application Submission ~1 Week
Document Verification by DGCA 2–6 Weeks
DGCA Written Exam Scheduling 1–8 Weeks (Exam Cycle Dependent)
Flight Skill Test (FST) Scheduling 2–10 Weeks
Final DGCA License Issuance 1–2 Weeks

Total Estimated Duration: Approximately 3–6 months. Actual timelines may vary depending on DGCA exam cycles, documentation accuracy, skill test availability, and individual compliance status.

💰 Estimated DGCA License Conversion Cost (Indicative)

Cost Component Estimated Range (₹) Notes
Pariksha Application Fees 1,000 – 3,000 DGCA processing charges
Written Exam Fees 2,000 – 7,000 (per subject) Depends on subjects required
Flight Skill Test Fees 10,000 – 50,000 Varies by aircraft & examiner
Documentation & Attestation 5,000 – 20,000 Government & notarization costs
Travel & Logistics Variable Exam centers / Skill test locations

These figures are indicative estimates for FAA to DGCA and EASA to DGCA license conversion. Actual costs may vary depending on regulatory updates, number of required subjects, and individual documentation complexity.

Insights from Reddit & Quora Discussions

Many pilots on Reddit and Quora highlight:

How Golden Epaulettes Aviation Supports License Conversion

✔ Document audit before Pariksha submission
✔ DGCA exam coaching (Air Reg, Nav, Met)
✔ Skill test planning & strategy
✔ Airline interview readiness post-conversion
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When you sit with Capt. Tomar for counselling, it doesn’t feel like a formal session. It feels like talking to someone who has already walked the path you’re trying to understand. He knows how confusing the beginning can be — medicals, DGCA Computer Number, ground classes, flying school choices, budgets — everything feels overwhelming at first. He speaks honestly. If something is risky, he will tell you. If something is unnecessary, he will explain why. There are no big promises or shortcuts — just practical guidance based on real experience in aviation. The focus is simple: help you make the right decision from day one. Because one wrong step in pilot training can cost time and money. Capt. Tomar makes sure you understand the process clearly before you move ahead.

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Counselling with Capt. Deval Soni is deeply personal, because his journey into aviation was never smooth or handed to him easily. He understands the confusion, the financial pressure, the fear of making the wrong decision, and the emotional stress that comes with chasing a cockpit dream. He has lived that uncertainty himself. During counselling, he does not simply explain the process — he shares perspective. From medicals and DGCA Computer Number to ground school strategy, flight training choices, budget planning, and airline preparation, everything is discussed honestly. When you speak to Capt. Deval, you are not talking to a counsellor — you are talking to someone who once sat exactly where you are sitting now.

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"the ground classes were highly useful and informative. the way navigation concepts are simplified is super. i cleared my dgca exams on the first attempt thanks to the structured mock series."

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