Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has started a Comprehensive Special Audit order to evaluate the whole aviation ecosystem

What does it signify?

India’s top civil aviation regulatory authority, tasked with monitoring air safety, issuing licenses, and ensuring adherence to international standards.

Founded in: Initially created in 1978 as a subordinate office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was established as a statutory organization through the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Department: Functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Goal: To enhance safe, efficient, and secure air travel via strong regulation and proactive safety monitoring.

Main Responsibilities of DGCA:

Aircraft & Pilot Licensing: Maintains a registry of civil aircraft and issues licenses to pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, and crew members.

Airport Certification: Authorizes airports for operational safety and effectiveness.

Airworthiness Criteria: Establishes airworthiness criteria and issues Certificates of Airworthiness.

Accident Investigation: Examines aviation occurrences and encourages measures for accident prevention.

Safety Oversight: Ensures adherence to regulations by all licensed aviation organizations as per Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Training Authorization: Approves flight, simulator, and maintenance training entities.

Air Transport Services Oversight: Issues Air Operator’s Certificates and oversees the operations of Indian and foreign airlines in Indian airspace.

Collaboration with ICAO: Participates in ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and represents India in international aviation discussions.

Indigenous Development: Supports local production of aircraft and their parts.

Advisory Position: Counsel the Government on technical, regulatory, and international issues related to civil aviation.