Electronic format to replace physical aircrew licenses for better security, faster updation of details

The physical copy of professional licenses held by civilian aircrew, including pilots and cabin personnel, will be replaced by an electronic format accessible on cell phones that will enhance security, enable faster endorsements and updation of details, and allow instant verification.

“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plans to introduce an Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for flight crew in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and specifications. This initiative will be rolled out in a phased manner to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of flight crew licenses,” a communique issued by the civil regulator this month states.

An EPL has been defined as an electronic version of a personnel license that can be securely stored on self-contained mobile electronic visual display devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, or made available online in such devices by a specific application developed by the issuing state.

The electronic document will contain all updated personal particulars of the holder, including ratings, endorsements, remarks and other administrative or disciplinary actions by the authorities, which would be readily available online or on mobile devices.

In the first phase, the EPL will be applicable to commercial pilot licenses and flight radio telephone operator’s licenses issued after the project’s launch date. The existing hard copy licenses and those licenses not covered in the first phase will continue to be valid.

“An EPL is likely to enhance safety by reducing potential fraud and reflecting any license changes in a timelier manner than is possible for hard copy licenses. It can facilitate licence verification during surveillance activities since all relevant information regarding the holder’s licence ratings and certificates are accessible on their mobile devices. This can also be linked to other information, including medical certificates or endorsements such as language proficiency,” DGCA said.

Further, through automation, an EPL can enhance efficiency by reducing the overall time required for issue or renewal of a licence and verification. There is also potential cost savings through reduction or elimination of production and handling costs associated with hard copy licences, manual data management and maintenance of hard copy files.

The EPL would be accessible through the eGCA mobile application developed by DGCA using valid credentials. The app will provide real-time information by fetching data directly from the DGCA’s server when connected to the internet, or relevant information stored on the mobile device when offline.

The application will be the only valid mode for displaying EPL to inspectors and other authorised personnel. A laid down protocol devised by ICAO is to be followed for ensuring security of login credentials, data protection and access.