The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduced the Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) on Wednesday. This move signifies a significant step in the DGCA’s digital transformation journey. The Electronic Personnel Licence is a digital license with advanced security features aligned with ICAO standards to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering. It can be accessed through the eGCA mobile application.
The EPL rollout began in February 2025, initially covering Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) and Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s (Restricted) Licence (FRTOL). By extending the EPL services to ATPL, the DGCA reinforces its dedication to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in the aviation sector. Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai emphasized that the EPL initiative plays a crucial role in fortifying India’s civil aviation regulatory framework with secure and modern digital systems.
During the launch event, Kidwai commended the DGCA teams and technology partners for their efforts in implementing the EPL initiative. He also acknowledged the cooperation from the aviation industry and stakeholders in embracing the new system. India became the second country to digitize pilot licenses in accordance with ICAO guidelines, following the rollout of the Electronic Personnel Licence system for CPLs and FRTOLs. This initiative offers pilots and authorities digital, tamper-proof access to pilot credentials through the eGCA mobile app, aligning with ‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiatives.
The introduction of EPL aligns with ICAO’s Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages member states to adopt electronic licenses for enhanced security and efficiency. While many global aviation leaders are still in the process of implementing similar systems, India has taken the lead in digital aviation solutions.
