Procedure to convert foreign flight licence in India made stricter

New Delhi: The Indian authorities have framed stringent rules for pilots and flight crew, for efficient radio-telephony communications.
To prevent accidents and ensure flight safety, the Department Of Telecommunications (DoT), in consultation with the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), has reviewed the procedure for conversion of flight radio-telephone operators’ licenses (FRTOLs) in India.
FRTOLs are required by all crew members who have to use radio for aeromobile communication in an aircraft.
Essentially, the new rules would mean that the flight crew must be well-versed with the standard international phraseology and procedures used inside and outside the controlled airspace for getting the foreign license converted in India.
This includes emergency and direction-finding procedures, an expert pointed out. Among other things, proficiency in English is also a must for converting a foreign license to an Indian one.
As per the new norm, the FRTOL issued by all Commonwealth countries would be considered for conversion/issue of permits in India. But, these licenses must be accompanied by valid flight crew licenses issued by the same countries. In case a flight radio telephone operator’s license is not accompanied by a valid flight crew license of that country, the candidate must take an internal examination conducted by the DoT on radio telephony communications, according to a government memorandum.
So far, valid flight crew license from the foreign country issuing the FRTOL was not mandatory for the conversion of FRTOL in India.
09/02/08 Nivedita Mookerji/Daily News & Analysis