NEW DELHI: In view of the nationwide lockdown triggered by coronavirus outbreak, the aviation regulator DGCA today announced several exemptions including extension of the validity of pilots’ licences that were nearing expiry for next 90 days.
At the same time it has also extended the validity of medical assessment certificates, aircraft rating certificates, skill test certificates among other certifications for a period of 90 days from now.
“DGCA is aware that operators and individual license holders are facing issues in completing their requirements towards renewal, issuance of various pilot licenses and ratings and to exercise the privileges of their respective licenses and ratings including temporary authorizations (FATA),” it said in a public notice.
FATA stands for foreign aircrew temporary authorization, which is issued to foreign pilots that are working for Indian airline companies. “Due to the impact of COVID-19, restrictions have been imposed by the government. Owing to this, several training organisations utilised for the training of flight crew, conduct of checks have been affected and shut down in many places,” the DGCA’s public notice said.
“Training organisations have also been shut down in many other ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) contracting states,” it added.