Electronic Personnel License

Electronic Personnel License Latest News

Recently, the Union Civil Aviation Minister launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots. 

About Electronic Personnel License

• It is a digital version of a personnel license that will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots.
• It will be securely accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application, ensuring a seamless and transparent process in alignment with the Government of India’s Ease of Doing Business and Digital India initiatives.
• The introduction of EPL follows International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Amendment 178 to Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses for improved security and efficiency. 
• With this advancement, India becomes the second country globally to implement this advanced system, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• It is implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 

Key Facts about International Civil Aviation Organization

• It is an intergovernmental specialized agency associated with the United Nations (UN). 
• It was established in 1947 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944) known as Chicago Convention.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada

Functions of International Civil Aviation Organization

• It is dedicated to developing safe and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes and ensuring a reasonable opportunity for every state to operate international airlines. 
• It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security and facilitation, efficiency, and economic development of air transport as well as to improve the environmental performance of aviation. 
• It also serves as a clearinghouse for cooperation and discussion on civil aviation issues among its member states.
• It also promotes regional and international agreements aimed at liberalizing aviation markets.

Electronic Personnel License FAQs

Q1: What is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation?

Ans: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues

Q2: What is Digital India?

Ans: Digital India is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Source: ET