India Amends Aircraft Rules,1937, prioritises safety, ease of doing business, extends Pilot License validity

The Amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937, officially notified in the Gazette on October 10, 2023, marks a crucial shift in promoting ease of doing business and ensuring safety and security within the aviation sector. This is a Significant Step towards Strengthening Aviation Safety and Ease of Doing Business in aviation regulation with the amendment to the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Key Highlights of the Amendment:

• Alignment with International Standards: The amendments align India’s aviation regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and international best practices.
• License Validity Extension: The validity of licenses for Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders has been increased from five years to ten years, reducing administrative burdens.
• Clarification on False Lights: Rule 66 clarifies the government’s jurisdiction over the display of “false lights” within 5 nautical miles of an aerodrome. It empowers authorities to take action against lights disrupting safe aircraft operations.
• Removal of Redundant Rules: Rule 118 for validation of foreign licenses has been removed, aligning regulations with the evolving needs of the aviation sector.
• Flexible Competency Requirements: A clause added under Schedule III provides flexibility for Air Traffic Controller License holders to meet competency requirements.

These amendments represent a significant step towards strengthening aviation safety, security, and the ease of doing business within the aviation sector in India. The reforms enhance the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry, ensuring it remains at the forefront of global aviation standards.