DGCA Conversion Guide – Step-by-Step

Your CPL is Only Half the Journey. Here's How to Convert it in India.

What Most People Get Wrong!

Captains, let’s get this straight — most students don’t mess up during training. They mess up after training, during DGCA conversion.

So let’s break this down like you’re 5 years old (because no one ever explains this stuff properly):

Before you return to India, you need to make sure you’ve completed these DGCA prerequisites while flying abroad (yes, your foreign school follows South African law — not Indian). But DGCA doesn’t care about that. If you don’t meet their checklist, they’ll reject your application and you’re stuck.

Mandatory Flight Requirements for DGCA Conversion:

Before applying for conversion in India, make sure your logbook has:

• 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)

• 40 hours of Instrument Flight Time (up to 20 hours on a simulator allowed)

• 50 hours of Solo Cross Country

  • Definition: First leg must be more than 100 NM. Other legs can be shorter but the full route should be flown in one day.

• One 300 NM Cross Country flight (with three full-stop landings)

Within the last 6 months before returning to India, make sure you’ve also done:

• GFT (General Flying Test) by Day on Multi-Engine

• GFT by Night on Multi-Engine

• IR (Instrument Rating) Check on Multi-Engine

• 10 Take-offs & Landings by Night as PIC

• 15 hours PIC time

• 5 hours Instrument Flight Time

These flights must be done within last 6 months — not from the date you land in India, but from when your last 15 hours PIC (recency) starts.

Important: Before you leave your foreign FTO, collect all documents. Don’t come back empty-handed — you’ll need license copies, logbook entries, check ride endorsements, simulator certifications, and FTO verification letters.

When You’re Back in India

Now you’re in India, here’s your step-by-step to complete conversion:

1. Renew your DGCA Class 1 Medical.

2. RTR Process:

   • If you don't already have Indian RTR, apply for RTR (P) conversion.

3. Apply for FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License) once you have RTR and Medical.

Assumption: You already cleared your DGCA exams (Nav, Met, Reg) before going abroad. If not, go clear them now.

Final Step: Indian FTO Flying Checks

Once FRTOL is issued, go to any DGCA-approved flying school and complete these checks:

• 250 NM cross-country with one full-stop landing

• 120 NM cross-country by night, returning to base without landing

• GFT by Day (Single-Engine)

• GFT by Night (Single-Engine)

Common Confusion: The RT Lifetime Validity

If you've converted your foreign RTR, great. But remember:

• Converted RTR is valid for 1 year only.

• To make it valid for life, appear for Part 1 of RTR in India within that year.

Final DGCA Application Tip:

Once everything is done:

• Go to DGCA Delhi office

• Submit original documents: Logbook, SACAA CPL, Medical, etc.

• Get the Challan

With the challan in hand, you can apply for airline jobs even before the license arrives.

One Final Word:

Treat DGCA conversion like a boss battle. Be smart, stay organized, and always fly with one eye on your logbook.

If you follow this checklist — you’ll be landing your first airline job in no time.