New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots on Tuesday, making India the second country globally to implement this advanced digital licensing system. Approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), EPL is set to enhance safety, security, and efficiency in India’s aviation sector.
The EPL replaces traditional physical licenses and will be securely accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application, streamlining the licensing process under the government’s Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives. The move aligns with ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1, encouraging member states to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and transparency.
Highlighting India’s booming aviation sector, Naidu stated that the country will need approximately 20,000 pilots in the near future. EPL, along with other digital initiatives such as the Digital Sky Platform for drones and the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) for airlines, will improve operational efficiency and global employability for Indian pilots.
Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued physical smart card licenses, with 62,000 cards issued so far and around 20,000 new licenses printed annually. The EPL will gradually phase out the need for printed cards, promoting sustainability by reducing plastic and paper use.
With this initiative, India strengthens its position as a global leader in aviation technology, ensuring a more secure and tamper-proof regulatory framework for pilots.
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