How to Convert Foreign CPL to Indian CPL

Updated Requirements, DGCA Exams, Medicals, Flying & Logbook Upload Process.

Introduction

If you completed your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) abroad, you must convert it to an Indian CPL to fly professionally in India. The DGCA has a clear conversion process, but small mistakes—especially in recency, medicals, or exam timing—can cause big delays and extra cost.

1. Eligibility Requirements for Foreign CPL Conversion

✔ 1. Valid Foreign CPL from an ICAO Member State

Must be issued by an ICAO contracting state.

✔ 2. Recency Requirement (IMPORTANT UPDATE)

To apply for conversion, your recency must be:

➡ Minimum 15 hours of PIC flying within the preceding 6 months before the date of application.

This is one of the most common reasons DGCA applications get delayed or unable to apply for CPL license conversion..

✔ 3. English Language Proficiency (ELP)

ICAO ELP must be present on the license or completed in India.

✔ 4. RTR Requirement (NEW RULE CLARIFIED)

RTR Part 2 is mandatory for everyone.
RTR Part 1 is exempted if flying was completed in a Commonwealth country (e.g., Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, South Africa).

✔ 5. Flight Experience Requirements

Your logbook must include verified entries for:

PIC
Cross-country
Night
Instrument flying
Skill tests

Logbook must be authenticated with sign and stamps.

2. DGCA Medical Requirement (CRITICAL TIMING ADVICE)

Step 2: Get Your DGCA Class 2 Medical (Before Flying Abroad)

Strong Advice: It is highly recommended that candidates complete their DGCA Class 2 Medical BEFORE leaving India for flight training.

Why? Because:

Class 2 Medical certificate takes up to 3 months to be issued.
If you return after flying and then start Class 2 → followed by Class 1: Your 6-month flying recency may expire, forcing you to return abroad just to redo minimum flying hours. ✔ This increases cost ✔ This causes unnecessary delays

Best Strategy:

➡ Do DGCA Class 2 Medical before starting flight training abroad.
➡ After returning to India, you can apply directly for Class 1 Medical, and avoid the recency problem.

This simple planning saves time, money, and prevents the need for additional flying abroad.

3. DGCA Exams Required for CPL Conversion

If flying is done abroad, you must clear two DGCA exams:

1. Air Regulations

2. Composite Paper

(Composite = Air Navigation + Air Meteorology)

⭐ Very Important Note:

➡ DGCA exam results are valid for 5 years from the date you passed the exam to the date you apply for the CPL conversion.

⭐ Highly Recommended Advice:

➡ You should complete DGCA exams BEFORE starting flying abroad.

Why?

You will save months after returning
You can apply for conversion immediately
No delay due to exam months

Avoid recency expiration risk

4. Uploading Logbook & Required Certificates on eGCA

This is a newly added step per your instructions.

After finishing flying abroad, you must:

Upload your entire verified logbook
Upload all required certificates (flight experience, academic docs, foreign CPL, ELP, medicals, etc.)
Ensure format, hours, and authentication stamps are clear

Tip:
Incorrect or incomplete logbook upload is one of the biggest reasons DGCA returns files.

5. Conversion Flying Requirements in India

DGCA requires you to complete specific flying tasks in India:

✔ General Flying Test (GFT): Day

✔ General Flying Test (GFT): Night

✔ Instrument Rating Test (if applying for IR conversion)

✔ Cross-Country Requirement (IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION)

For all cross-country flights:

➡ The first point of intended landing OR the point overflown must be more than 100 NM from the aerodrome of departure. This ensures proper cross-country navigation experience.

✔ Cross-country requirements generally involve:

250 NM Day cross-country

120 NM Night cross-country

6. Apply for Issue of Indian CPL on eGCA

Once:
✔ Exams completed
✔ Medicals done
✔ Logbook uploaded
✔ Conversion flying completed
You can now submit your application for:
Indian CPL
IR (if converting)
SE/ME Ratings
DGCA will issue your Indian CPL after verification.

7. Timeline & Cost

Typical Time Required

3–6 months depending on exams, medicals, and logbook clarity.

Costs Approx 5-6 Lakhs Include:

DGCA exams

Medicals

Conversion flying

Logbook verification

DGCA processing fees

8. Final Tips (Must Read)

Do DGCA Class 2 BEFORE going abroad.

Give DGCA exams BEFORE flying abroad — saves time and avoids recency issues.

Maintain 15 hours recency within 6 months.

Ensure logbook entries are properly authenticated.

Check that all certificates required for conversion are received from your training school abroad.

Plan for RTR Part 2; check if Part 1 is exempt based on the country.

Conclusion

Converting a foreign CPL to an Indian CPL becomes simple when you understand DGCA’s exact requirements—especially medical timing, exam timing, and recency. By planning smartly and following the steps above, you can avoid unnecessary delays, cost, and extra flying abroad.
This updated guide includes all 2025 DGCA rules so you can complete your DGCA CPL Conversion smoothly and start your career in Indian aviation.