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New DGCA rule sparks panic among airlines over stricter military medical standards and fears of pilot shortage.
Pilots also report being sent for unnecessary secondary tests, which are both expensive and time-consuming. (Representative Image)
India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has announced that all commercial pilots must now undergo mandatory medical tests at Indian Air Force (IAF) centres.
This replaces the earlier process where tests could be carried out at DGCA-approved private hospitals or by authorised medical examiners.
The decision has sparked worry among airlines, with many fearing that the strict military-style assessments may reduce the number of pilots deemed fit to fly.
Why the Airlines Are Worried
Airlines say that military standards are designed for combat pilots, not commercial flyers. The result? Experienced commercial pilots may fail these stricter checks unnecessarily, leading to pilot shortages. Adding to the worry is the limited capacity of IAF medical facilities, which could create delays in pilot clearances and disrupt flight schedules.
As per TOI, a senior airline official said, “The Air Force is not equipped to handle the growing civil aviation needs. Globally, civil and defence pilot health checks are separate — only India still links the two.”
Medical Standards: Not in Line with the World?
Currently, Indian pilots must go through extra tests like ultrasounds, treadmill tests, and specialised blood tests. These are not mandatory in the US (under the FAA) or Europe (under EASA) for commercial pilots.
The Federation of Indian Pilots pointed out that IAF doctors often recommend extra secondary tests, causing further delays and costs that may not be needed.
What’s at Stake?
India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, behind only the US and China. Experts estimate the country will need over 30,000 new pilots in the coming years. Industry voices are calling for urgent review and revision of the rule to avoid a major setback in the country’s aviation growth.
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c…Read More
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c… Read More
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