The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 09, 2024, issued the Electronic Personnel License- Flight Crew (EPL) Specifications, Standards and Procedures.
This circular outlines the requirements for an Electronic Pilot License (EPL), specifications for the user interface management system, minimum requirements for mobile display devices, EPL Verification Job Aid and a surveillance support system.
This circular shall be applicable for Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL) and Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licenses (FRTOL) issued on or after January 15, 2025 in the First Phase. All Subsequent ratings and renewals if any on such license will reflect in the EPL only.
The Advantages of Electronic Personnel Licensing (EPL) are as stated:
EPL is expected to provide safety, efficiency, financial and other benefits. Specifically, the projected benefits include:
• Safety benefits. An EPL is likely to enhance safety by reducing potential fraud and reflecting any license changes in a timelier manner than is possible for hard copy licenses. An EPL can facilitate license verification during surveillance activities since all relevant information regarding the holder’s license ratings and certificates are accessible on their self-contained mobile electronic visual display device. Furthermore, an EPL can be linked to other information, including medical certificates or endorsements such as language proficiency.
• Efficiency benefits. Through automation, an EPL can enhance efficiency by reducing the overall time required for issue/renewal of a license and perform license verification.
• Financial benefits. Potential cost savings through reduction or elimination of production and handling costs associated with hard copy licenses, manual data management and maintenance of hard copy files. Once the initial processes are established, potential cost savings maybe realized in terms of resources saved in personnel time to process initial applications, amended licenses/certificates, including suspension, revocation, reissue, etc.
• Other benefits. Immediate access to the license and its updates by the license holder and inspectors, as well as easy transfer to an alternate device (e.g. replacement after device loss)
For more details, please refer to the document provided below.
[File No: DGCA-18024/19/2024-DTL-DGCA]
