The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 12, 2025, issued a notice regarding caution for Indian Students Seeking Pilot Training Abroad.
Rule 41 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 allows conversion of pilot licences issued by other ICAO Contracting States into Indian licences. However, DGCA has clarified that it has no role or responsibility in regulating, overseeing, or monitoring pilot training undertaken abroad at foreign-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs).
All matters related to training quality, delays, interruptions, non-completion of flying hours, administrative issues, refunds, financial or contractual disputes are solely between the student and the foreign FTO, and fall outside DGCA’s purview. DGCA also bears no liability for accidents, incidents, safety issues, injuries, insurance claims, or losses during overseas training.
Students and parents/guardians are therefore strongly advised to exercise due diligence before enrolling abroad, including verification of the FTO’s approvals, safety record, training standards, fee structure, refund policy, and contractual terms, and to make informed decisions accordingly.
[File No: DGCA-16034(11)/24/2025 –DFT]
