In a significant step towards aligning Indian aviation training with international norms, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a committee to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for implementing the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) in India.
According to an official order dated July 25, 2025, the newly formed committee will be responsible for reviewing current regulations and crafting policy and training standards in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) guidelines, including ICAO Annex 1 and Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG).
“The committee’s objective is to develop a comprehensive regulatory, operational, and training framework for the implementation and oversight of MPL and ensure safe, standardised, and effective training pathways for cadet pilots intended for airline operations,” the order stated.
The eight-member panel is chaired by Joint Director General Sanjay K. Brahmane and includes representatives from DGCA, major Indian airlines, and Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). The committee also has the authority to co-opt additional experts or consultants, subject to the Chairperson’s approval.
The committee’s key responsibilities include:
- Regulatory Review & Policy Development
- Designing Curriculum and Training Framework
- Formulating Guidelines for Airline–Approved Training Organisation (ATO) Partnerships
- Licensing and Competency Assessment
- Ensuring Oversight and Safety Protocols
- Conducting Stakeholder Consultations
- International Benchmarking of Best Practices
The committee has been instructed to submit its final report within three months from the date of the order, although extensions may be granted upon justified request and approval from the Chairperson.
The move to explore the MPL pathway reflects India’s efforts to adopt more advanced and globally accepted training models for airline pilots, especially at a time when the aviation sector is seeing rapid growth and increasing demand for skilled professionals.