📋 Table of Contents
- The Aircraft Act, 1934 — Extent, Powers, Penalties
- The Aircraft Rules, 1937 — Complete Rule-by-Rule Coverage
- Prohibited Areas — Schedule I Areas
- Licensing, Medical & Logbooks — Rules 38–67A
- Aerodromes & Scheduled Services — Rules 79–161
- The Indian Aircraft Rules, 1920 — Customs & Arrivals
- Aircraft Manual (India) — Vol I & II
- Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, 1954
- International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005
- Other Applicable Rules — Security, Accidents, UAS
- Practice Questions & Answers
Part 1: The Aircraft Act, 1934 Central Legislation
The Aircraft Act, 1934 is an Act of Parliament for the control of manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft in India. Rules made under this Act are called the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The Act extends to the
| Clause | Applies To |
|---|---|
| (a) | Citizens of India wherever they may be (even outside India) |
| (b) | Persons on aircraft registered in India, wherever they may be |
| (c) | Aircraft registered outside India but for the time being in or over India |
| (d) | Aircraft operated by a non-citizen of India whose principal place of business or permanent residence is in India |
The
The following are prohibited within a radius of 10 km from the aerodrome reference point:
- Slaughtering and flaying of animals
- Depositing rubbish, filth and other polluted and obnoxious matter
Any authority authorised by the Central Government may detain any aircraft if, in their opinion:
- (a) The intended flight would involve danger to persons in the aircraft or to other persons or property
- (b) Detention is necessary to secure compliance with any provision of the Act, or to prevent a contravention of any rule made under clause (h) or (i) of sub-section (2) of section 5, or to implement any court order
- By issuing a written direction to the pilot or person in charge
- By use of force, denial of access, removal of parts, defuelling
- If aircraft is kept at a Government aerodrome — housing/picketing charges are payable for the entire detention period
The provisions of Part XIII of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 relating to Wreck and Salvage apply to aircraft on or over the sea or tidal waters. The owner of an aircraft is entitled to a reasonable reward for salvage services, like the owner of a ship.
| Sub-section | Offence | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Contravention of rules under clause (l) — carriage of arms/explosives or giving false information about dangerous goods. Owner also liable unless offence was without owner's knowledge/consent. | Imprisonment up to 2 years + Fine up to ₹1 Crore |
| (1A) | Contravention of rules under clause (qa) — slaughter/flaying of animals, depositing rubbish within 10 km of aerodrome reference point | Imprisonment up to 3 years OR Fine up to ₹1 Crore, or both |
| (1B) | Offence under sub-section (1A) | Cognizable offence (police can arrest without warrant) |
| (2) | Breach of any other rule under sections 4, 7, 8, 8A, 8B | Imprisonment up to 2 years OR Fine up to ₹1 Crore, or both |
The Central Government may, in making rules under sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 8A or 8B, provide for imposition of a penalty not exceeding ₹1 Crore for contravention of any rule for which no other punishment is provided elsewhere in the Act.
The Central Government may also appoint designated officers (not below the rank of Deputy Secretary) to adjudge penalties.
If any person contravenes any provision of the Act or rules thereunder, the
Willful failure to comply with any direction issued under Section 5A:
Imprisonment up to 2 years OR Fine up to ₹1 Crore, or both
(1) Willful failure to comply with any direction in a notification issued under Section 9A:
Imprisonment up to 2 years OR Fine up to ₹1 Crore, or both
(2) Failure to demolish building/structure or cut trees within specified period → authorised officer may demolish the structure or cut the tree on behalf of the government.
No suit shall be brought in any Civil Court in respect of trespass or nuisance merely because an aircraft has flown over any property at a reasonable height (having regard to wind, weather and all circumstances), or by reason of the ordinary incidents of such flight.
No suit, prosecution, or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.
Part 2: The Aircraft Rules, 1937 Operational Rules
These are rules made by the Government of India under the Aircraft Act, 1934 to regulate civil aviation activity in India. These are found in Vol II, Air Regulations (Aircraft Manual India).
These rules are called the Aircraft Rules, 1937. They extend to the whole of India and apply (unless contrary intention appears) to:
- (a) Aircraft registered in India and persons thereon, wherever they may be (except cases under sub-rule 4)
- (b) All aircraft for the time being in or over India
For aircraft registered in a country other than India, the regulations of that country relating to registration, licence of personnel, airworthiness, and log books apply in place of Parts IV, V, VI and IX of these Rules — BUT only if that country's regulations are based on standards at least equal to the minimum standards of the Chicago Convention (7 Dec 1944).
For aircraft registered in a contracting State (other than India), operated under a lease, charter, or interchange agreement by an operator whose principal place of business is in another contracting State — the regulations of that other State apply, provided an Article 83 agreement has been reached and officially notified to India / ICAO.
- Sub-rule 3: Indian Rules apply to foreign-registered aircraft operated by India-based operators (Art. 83 agreement in place).
- Sub-rule 4: Indian Rules do NOT apply to Indian-registered aircraft leased/chartered to foreign operators (Art. 83 agreement in place). Such aircraft are treated as not registered in India.
An aircraft shall be deemed to possess the nationality of the State on the register of which it is entered.
No person shall use, operate, or assist in using or operating an aircraft except in accordance with these rules.
Subject to Rule 33, no person shall fly or assist in flying any aircraft unless:
- (a) It has been registered
- (b) It bears its nationality and registration marks and the name and residence of the owner affixed or painted thereon (per Rule 37, or per regulations of the State of registration for foreign aircraft)
This prohibition does NOT apply to aircraft flown with special written permission of the Central Government, subject to conditions and limitations specified therein.
Except under, and in accordance with, a permit issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
- (1) No aircraft registered in India shall leave India for a flight to a place outside India
- (2) No aircraft shall fly to any territory declared prohibited by the Central Government via Official Gazette notification
Note: For this rule — foreign aircraft under sub-rule 3 of Rule 1 are treated as Indian-registered aircraft; Indian aircraft under sub-rule 4 of Rule 1 are treated as not registered in India.
Every aircraft shall carry and be operated by the personnel prescribed in Part V. Such personnel shall be licensed in the manner prescribed in Part V and in Schedule II.
For non-Indian registered aircraft, personnel shall be licensed per the regulations of the State of registration.
No person shall fly as pilot of an aircraft which is not included or entered in the aircraft rating of the licence except as provided in Rules 6B and 6C.
The holder of a pilot's licence may fly within the Indian territory as pilot of an aircraft of a type not included in the aircraft rating of his licence, for the purpose of qualifying for the inclusion of such type.
These are flights for type rating endorsement. They can be conducted within Indian territory only (Rule 6B). Per Q1 in the question bank — Answer is B: Within Local Flying Area of the aerodrome.
The
- (1) No person shall fly an aircraft unless valid documents as required by the law of the country of registration are carried on board
- (2) Aircraft registered in India shall carry on board valid documents as required by these rules
- (1) No person-in-charge of any aircraft shall allow it to enter India from outside India unless all persons on board are in possession of valid passports as required under the Indian Passport Act, 1920
- (2) If an aircraft is brought into India in contravention of (1), an empowered authority may direct the owner or person-in-charge to take persons without passports back on board and remove them from India immediately
Every aircraft registered in India shall carry Cockpit Check Lists and Emergency Check Lists as specified by the Director-General for that particular type of aircraft. Such lists shall be carried in the cockpit readily accessible to the pilot in flight.
No person shall carry or cause or permit to be carried in any aircraft to, from, within or over India, any arms, ammunition, munitions of war, implements of war, explosives and military stores, except with the written permission of the Central Government and subject to the terms and conditions of such permission.
For securing safety of aircraft operations, every person boarding an aircraft at an aerodrome and his hand-baggage shall be liable to be searched at the aerodrome by an officer authorised by the Central Government, before such person proceeds to the aircraft for embarkation.
No person shall operate radio transmitting apparatus in any aircraft registered in India unless he holds a licence of the type required by Part V in respect of aircraft required to carry radio-telegraph or radio-telephone apparatus, issued in accordance with those provisions.
No person shall carry mails or allow mails to be carried in any aircraft except with the consent in writing of the Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs.
No pilot or person-in-charge of any aircraft carrying passengers for hire or reward shall use any place for a series of landings and departures. No pilot/person-in-charge of any aircraft employed on a scheduled air transport service shall use any place as a regular place of landing or departure other than an aerodrome licensed or approved for that purpose per Part XI.
Prohibited Areas — Aircraft Rules, Schedule I Rule 12
- (1) No person shall fly or assist in flying an aircraft over any of the areas specified in Schedule I except in accordance with conditions specified in that schedule.
- (2) A pilot who finds himself above a prohibited area shall — as soon as aware — give the distress signal and land as soon as possible outside the prohibited area at one of the nearest aerodromes in India.
- Provided: shall NOT fly further into the prohibited area nor commence descent while still above it (unless compelled by weather or unavoidable cause).
- (3) When signals warning aircraft about a restricted/prohibited/danger area are given, the pilot shall immediately change course and fly away from the prohibited area.
- (4) When signals from an aerodrome control tower are given, the pilot shall immediately give the distress signal and land in accordance with sub-rule (2).
Schedule I — Areas Over Which Flight Is ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED
| # | Location | Extent of Prohibition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Within a radius of 1 mile from the Towers of Silence, Malabar Hills, Bombay | Absolute — all altitudes |
| 2 | Area near Baroda (Vadodara) aerodrome | Vertically from ground level to unlimited upper level |
| 3 | Area around Rashtrapati Bhavan | Vertically from ground level to unlimited upper level |
| 4 | Within a radius of 10 km from Mathura Refineries | Vertically from ground level to unlimited upper level |
| 5 | Area near Bhubaneshwar | Vertically from ground level up to 50,000 ft |
| 6 | Within a radius of 10 km from Kalpakkam Nuclear facility | Vertically from ground level up to 10,000 ft |
Mathura Refinery is a PROHIBITED AREA (not restricted, not danger). It is within 10 km of the aerodrome reference point. Answer to Q4 = C: Prohibited Area.
Aircraft Rules 1937 — Operations, Safety & Conduct Rules 13–29D
No person shall take, cause or permit to be taken, at a Government aerodrome or from an aircraft in flight, any photograph except in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of a permission in writing granted by:
- The Director-General
- A Joint Director General
- A Deputy Director-General
- The Director of Regulations and Information of the Civil Aviation Department
Photography at an aerodrome requires prior written permission from DGCA (or equivalent DG-level officer). Answer = B: DGCA.
No aircraft registered in Category B (Rule 30) shall be used as an aerial work aircraft or as a public transport aircraft.
The Central Government may permit and impose restrictions on aerial work or public transport by aircraft other than those registered in Category A; such restrictions are effective when notified in writing to the owner/operator or via Official Gazette.
No aircraft shall be flown unless the following conditions are complied with:
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| (i) | The aircraft possesses a valid Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) or Special C of A issued by the Director-General |
| (ii) | The aircraft is certified as airworthy and maintained per Part VI (or per State of registration regulations for foreign aircraft) |
| (iii) | All terms and conditions on which the C of A was granted are duly complied with |
| (iv) | The aircraft carries on board its C of A (or special C of A) and any other certificate prescribed by Part VI |
Aircraft not in compliance with the above may be flown under a Special Flight Permit issued by the DG under Rule 55A, subject to conditions specified therein.
- No remotely piloted aircraft of all-up weight more than 250 grams shall be flown unless it has been allotted a Unique Identification Number (UIN) by the Director-General.
- An RPAS with all-up weight exceeding a limit specified by the DG from time to time shall not be flown by the operator except as per the conditions of a permit issued by the DG.
Every person shall comply with the Rules of the Air issued by the Director-General in accordance with Annex 2 to the Convention as may be applicable to that person.
Any licence, certificate, authorisation and approval, log book or document granted or required to be maintained under these rules shall, on demand for inspection, be produced by the licensee or the owner/hirer/person-in-charge. The demand may be made by:
- Any magistrate
- Any police officer above the rank of sub-inspector
- Any Customs officer
- Any commissioned officer of the Naval, Military or Air Force
- Any gazetted officer of the Civil Aviation Department
- Any other person authorised by the Central Government by special or general order in writing
Any document not required by these rules to be carried in the aircraft shall be produced within 7 days of the demand being made.
Where any person is convicted of a contravention of, or failure to comply with, these rules or any direction issued under Rule 133A in respect of any aircraft, the
- Cancel or suspend any certificate of registration granted under these rules relating to that aircraft
- Cancel or suspend any certificate relating to airworthiness of an aircraft or Type Certificate of an aircraft component, if a reasonable doubt exists as to the safety of the aircraft or the airworthiness of the aircraft
The
- (a) In the event of non-compliance with any condition imposed on said licence/certificate/authorisation/approval
- (b) If any safety concern that emerged during an inspection has remained unresolved beyond the period specified by the DG
| Aircraft Type | Rules Not Applicable |
|---|---|
| Gliders | Rule 7 shall not apply |
| Kites | Rules 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 17, 19 and all rules in Part III (except Rule 26) |
| RPAS | Rules 5, 6, 15 in Part II; all rules in Part III (except Rules 21, 21A, 26); ALL rules in Part IV, Part V, Part VI and Part VII |
No person shall fly any aircraft in such circumstances as — by reason of low altitude or proximity to persons or dwellings or for other reason — to cause unnecessary danger to any person or property.
Refer Rule 21A for General Safety, Rule 21B for Aircraft in Distress.
A pilot flying low due to thundershowers for safety reasons — this is an unavoidable cause. Rule 161(2) provides a defence where contravention is due to accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause. Answer = B: Cannot be sued.
No person shall, on board an aircraft:
- (a) Assault, intimidate or threaten (physically or verbally) a crew member in a way that may interfere with the performance of duties or lessen ability to perform those duties
- (b) Refuse to follow a lawful instruction given by the Pilot-in-Command (or on behalf of PIC by a crew member) for the safety of the aircraft or passengers or for maintaining good order and discipline on board
No person shall, on board an aircraft:
- (a) Assault, intimidate or threaten (physically or verbally) any person
- (b) Intentionally cause damage to or destroy any property
- (c) Consume alcoholic beverages or drugs which is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft or any person or jeopardize the good order and discipline on board
No person acting as or carried in aircraft for the purpose of acting as pilot, commander, navigator, engineer, cabin crew or other operating member of the crew thereof shall have taken or used any alcoholic drink, sedative, narcotic or stimulant drug or preparation within 12 hours of the commencement of the flight or take or use any such preparation in the course of the flight.
No such person shall, while so acting or carried, be in a state of intoxication or have detectable blood alcohol whatsoever in his breath, urine or blood, or be in a state where his capacity is impaired due to any alcoholic, sedative, narcotic or stimulant drug.
No other person while in a state of intoxication shall enter or be in aircraft.
No operator operating a domestic air transport service in India shall serve any alcoholic drink on board, and no passenger on such service shall consume any alcoholic drink while on board.
- Licence holders shall NOT exercise licence privileges while under the influence of any psychoactive substance that renders them unable to safely exercise those privileges.
- Licence holders shall not engage in problematic use of substances.
The member of operating crew shall not have taken alcoholic drinks within 12 hours before commencement of flight. Answer = B.
No person shall knowingly carry or permit to be carried a person suffering from any mental disorder or epilepsy in any aircraft.
Carriage is permitted if the person is certified by a registered medical practitioner to be fit to travel by air without being a risk to other passengers or the aircraft, AND:
- (a) Has not taken any alcoholic drink or preparation within 12 hours of commencement of flight
- (b) Is kept under proper sedative, if in a state of excitement, during the flight and stops en route
- (c) Is accompanied by an attendant. However, if the person has been in a state of excitement requiring sedation within the two weeks preceding the date of commencement of flight, he shall be accompanied by a registered medical practitioner and adequate escort, who shall collectively ensure no alcohol is taken and person is kept suitably sedated during the flight and all stops
No prisoner shall be taken aboard or carried on an aircraft except under a permit in writing issued by the Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Director of Regulations and Information, or any other officer of the Civil Aviation Department authorised by the Central Government.
Definition — "Prisoner": A person who is confined in any prison AND includes a person who is arrested under any law for the time being in force.
Prisoners on board an aircraft can be carried with the permission of DGCA. Answer = A: DGCA.
No animal, bird or reptile shall be taken aboard or carried on any aircraft to, from and within India, except under a general or special permit in writing issued by the Director-General, subject to such conditions as may be specified therein.
- (1) The owner/operator and the PIC of every Indian-registered aircraft shall exhibit in prominent places notices stating where and to what extent smoking is prohibited or permitted.
- (2) A notice permitting smoking may be exhibited only if smoking is permitted by the certificate of airworthiness or by direction of the Central Government, and only in accordance with conditions in such C of A or direction.
Smoking on a private aircraft is permitted only if the certificate of airworthiness of the aircraft permits. Answer = B.
| Item | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Fuelling location | Outdoors and not less than 15 m from any building |
| No Smoking notice | Must be prominently displayed |
| Naked flame / spark-producing appliance | Not permitted within 30 m of aircraft or fuelling equipment |
| Aircraft engines | Must be shut down; ignition switches in "OFF" position |
| Electrical/radar/radio systems | Not to be operated; switches in "OFF" position (Exceptions: power/light for fuelling, minimum cabin lighting, steady parking lights) |
| Non-authorised persons | Not permitted within 15 m of aircraft |
| Jet aircraft refuelling cessation | When rear jet outlets come within 43 m of fuelling equipment or aircraft |
| Bonding & earthing | Fuelling equipment and aircraft shall be bonded to each other and earthed |
| Flame-proof equipment distance | If not flame-proof: ≥15 m for gasoline/wide-cut fuels, ≥6 m for straight kerosene |
| Freight/baggage handling | Shall NOT proceed simultaneously with fuelling unless adequate precautions against fire risk have been taken |
| Aircraft maintenance during fuelling | No maintenance that may provide a source of ignition |
| Fire extinguishers | Of adequate capacity and suitable type, approved by DG — available for immediate use near aircraft |
| Fuel spill | Stop fuelling, stop ground power engine, clean spilled fuel — fuel must NOT be washed into sewers or drains |
- (i) An attendant shall remain on duty in the cabin at all times; shall ensure no smoking and shall assist in removal of passengers in case of fire
- (ii) Passenger loading ramp shall be correctly positioned at cabin exit door; adequate provision for equilibrium of aircraft if all passengers attempt to leave by one exit
- (iii) For marine aircraft: adequate means of water transport stationed at cabin exit door
- Q3: Refuelling must stop when jet aircraft comes within 43 m → Answer = C
- Q11: No naked light within 30 m during refuelling → Answer = B: 30
- Q32: No unauthorised person within 15 m of aircraft during refuelling → Answer = A: 15
- (1) No aircraft containing dangerous petroleum in bulk in any of its tanks may be housed in a hangar unless the hangar is constructed of uninflammable material and is effectively and safely ventilated to the open air.
- (2) Every such hangar shall be in the charge of a competent person responsible for taking all proper precautions against fire and for preventing unauthorised access.
No person shall drop or project or cause or permit to be dropped or projected from an aircraft in motion anything except ballast in the form of fine sand or water.
- (a) In an emergency: dropping of liquid fuel
- (b) In an emergency: dropping of cargo over areas where hazard to persons/property is not created
- (c) Dropping of message bags, smoke-producing apparatus, or materials for navigation/communication — subject to precautions to avoid injuring persons
- (d) Dropping of printed matter or flower petals if:
- Prior written permission of District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police is obtained
- Aircraft is suitable for dropping these articles
- Minimum safe heights specified in rules are observed
- Necessary precautions taken to avoid injury/damage
- (e) Dropping of ropes used for towing aircraft
(2) Parachute Descents: No person shall, except in an emergency, descend by parachute from an aircraft, and no article shall be dropped from an aircraft in flight (whether attached to a parachute or not), unless the descent/drop is made in accordance with the general or special order of the Central Government in writing.
Dropping of paper leaflets requires the permission of the Local District Magistrate. Answer = B.
No person shall at any time be carried on the wings, undercarriage, or any part of aircraft not designed for accommodation of personnel or passengers, or on anything attached externally to the aircraft.
- (a)(i) Temporary access for executing repairs or adjusting machinery/equipment, or for safety of aircraft/persons/goods carried
- (a)(ii) Access to a part where goods/stores are being carried and to which proper means of access is provided
- (b) A person may be carried anywhere on/in the aircraft with the permission in writing of the Central Government and subject to conditions specified
No person under the age of 16 years shall have sole control of an aircraft in motion. No person shall cause or permit any other person to have sole control unless he knows or has reasonable cause to believe such other person has attained the age of 16 years.
| Age Reached | Restriction | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| 65 years | Cannot act as PIC or Co-pilot of any aircraft engaged in commercial air transport operations | None |
| 60 years | Cannot act as PIC or Co-pilot in commercial air transport unless in a multi-crew environment and the other pilot is less than 60 years | Does NOT apply to aircraft certified for single pilot operations not exceeding 5700 kg MCTOW engaged in commercial air transport within India territory in multi-crew environment |
No person shall interfere with the pilot or with a member of the operating crew, or tamper with the aircraft or its equipment, or conduct himself in a disorderly manner in an aircraft, or commit any act likely to imperil the safety of an aircraft or its passengers or crew.
No person shall operate a civil aircraft at a true flight Mach number greater than ONE (Mach 1) over the territory of India or over the high seas in a manner which may cause or is likely to cause sonic boom over the territory of India.
- (1) No person shall operate, nor shall the operator or PIC allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on board an aircraft in flight.
- (2) Exceptions — Sub-rule (1) does NOT apply to:
- Portable voice recorders
- Hearing aids
- Heart pacemakers
- Electric shavers
- Other PEDs which, in the opinion of the operator, do not cause interference with navigation or communication systems — and for which the operator has obtained the approval of the Director-General
- (3) Notwithstanding sub-rule (1), the PIC may permit access to internet services by passengers in flight through Wi-Fi on board, when laptop, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, e-reader or point of sale device is used in flight mode or airplane mode. Provided that the DG has certified the aircraft for internet service through Wi-Fi on board.
For purposes of Rule 29B, an aircraft shall be deemed to be in flight when all its external doors are closed following embarkation until the moment when any such door is opened for disembarkation.
The PIC may permit use of cellular telephone by passengers after the aircraft has landed and cleared active runway, except when the landing takes place in low visibility conditions as may be determined by the DG from time to time.
PIC may permit internet via Wi-Fi provided the Director-General has certified the aircraft for internet service in flight through Wi-Fi on board. Answer = C.
- The DG may lay down standards and procedures not inconsistent with the Aircraft Act, 1934 to carry out the Convention and any Annex thereto.
- The DG shall formulate the State Safety Programme (SSP) and oversee its implementation.
Every organisation engaged in the operation of aircraft and aerodromes, provision of air traffic services, training of personnel, maintenance, design and manufacture of aeronautical products shall:
- (a) Establish and maintain Safety Management Systems (SMS)
- (b) Prepare a Safety Management Systems Manual in the form and manner specified by the DG and submit the same to the DG for approval
Aircraft Registration & Change of Ownership Rules 30, 33
An aircraft may be registered in India in either of the following categories:
| Category | Ownership Requirement |
|---|---|
| Category A | Aircraft wholly owned by: (i) Citizens of India; or (ii) A company/corporation registered and having principal place of business within India; or (iii) The Central/State Government, or any company/corporation owned or controlled by either Government; or (iv) A company/corporation registered outside India, provided such company has leased the aircraft to a person mentioned in (i), (ii), or (iii) |
| Category B | Aircraft wholly owned by: (i) Persons resident in or carrying on business in India who are not citizens of India; or (ii) A company/corporation registered outside India and carrying on business in India |
Only Category A aircraft may be used as aerial work aircraft or public transport aircraft. Category B aircraft cannot be used for these purposes (Rule 14).
A certificate of registration is valid from the date of registration till it is cancelled by DGCA. Answer = C.
In the event of any change in ownership or if a registered aircraft ceases to meet the conditions of Rule 30:
- (a) The registered owner shall forthwith notify the DG of such change
- (b) The new owner shall forthwith inform the DG in writing of his ownership and may apply for a new certificate of registration
- (c) The existing registration and certificate shall remain valid until cancelled by the DG
Licensing Authority, Operating Crew & Cabin Crew Rules 38, 38A, 38B
The authority by which licences and ratings may be granted, renewed or varied shall be the Central Government, which may withhold the grant or renewal of a licence or rating if for any reason it considers it desirable to do so.
Every aircraft registered in India shall comply with the following requirements in respect of the personnel it carries and by which it is operated:
(1) Pilot Requirements
| Category of Aircraft | Minimum Pilot Requirement |
|---|---|
| Private Aircraft | A person holding a valid Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) issued per Schedule II. However:
|
| Public Transport or Aerial Work Aircraft (other than microlight, glider, balloon) | A person holding an appropriate professional pilot's licence — i.e., a Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot's Licence (ATPL) issued per Schedule II |
(2) Flight Instructor or Assistant Flight Instructor
- (a) Every aircraft used for dual instruction shall carry a person holding a CPL or ATPL (or microlight/glider/balloon licence) with an appropriate Flight Instructor's or Assistant Flight Instructor's rating per Schedule II, or an authorisation in writing by the DG
- (b) No person other than one having an FI or AFI rating shall impart instruction in piloting an aircraft, unless specifically authorised in writing by the DG
(3) Flight Navigator
Every public transport aircraft engaged on a flight without landing over a great circle distance of more than 600 NM and not equipped with the navigational equipment capable of providing instant and continuous ground position shall carry a Flight Navigator licensed per Schedule II, if the total distance between any two consecutive radio navigational fixing aids located within 30 NM of the route and capable of being used by the aircraft is more than 600 NM.
(4) Flight Engineer
Where a Flight Engineer is required to be carried on board as a flight crew member (per sub-rule 7), he shall hold the appropriate licence per Schedule II.
(6) Flight Radio Telephone Operator
Aircraft equipped with radio apparatus per Rule 63 and communicating by radio telephony shall carry a person holding a Flight Radio Telephone Operator's Licence or Flight Radio Telephone Operator's Licence (Restricted) per Schedule II.
(7) Minimum Crew for Any Flight
The number and description of flight crew members operating any flight of an aircraft registered in India shall be as per the certificate of airworthiness.
Minimum crew required on a private aircraft = as specified in the Certificate of Airworthiness. Answer = C.
No aircraft registered in India shall be operated for public transport of passengers unless the following minimum number of cabin crew are on board:
| Aircraft Type | Seating Capacity | Minimum Cabin Crew |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplane | 10 – 50 passengers | 1 cabin crew |
| Helicopter | 20 – 50 passengers | 1 cabin crew |
| Aeroplane or Helicopter | More than 50 passengers | 2 cabin crew PLUS 1 additional cabin crew for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 passenger seats above a seating capacity of 99 passengers |
- Q23: No. of cabin crew is based on No. of seats. Answer = C.
- Q27: Aircraft with seating capacity of 150 — requires: 2 + 1 (for 50 above 99) = 3 cabin crew minimum? Wait: let's calculate: seats = 150. Base = 2 cabin crew. Above 99 = 150 – 99 = 51 seats. 51/50 = 1.02 → 2 units. So: 2 + 2 = 4 cabin crew. Wait — re-reading: "Two cabin crew plus one cabin crew for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 passenger seats above a seating capacity of 99". 150 – 99 = 51 seats above 99. 51 ÷ 50 = 1.02 → rounds up to 2 units of 50. So total = 2 + 2 = 4. Answer Q27 = C: 4.
Disqualification, Medical Standards & Licence Management Rules 39A–42, 44, 45
Where the licensing authority is satisfied, after giving the person an opportunity of being heard, that any person:
| Ground for Disqualification |
|---|
| (a) Is habitually intemperate in the use of alcohol, or is an addict of narcotics, drugs and the like |
| (b) Is using, has used or is about to use an aircraft in the commission of a cognizable offence or in contravention of these rules |
| (c) Has, by his previous conduct as crew member, shown that he is irresponsible in the discharge of his duties or is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft or any person or thing carried therein, or of other aircraft or persons or things on the ground |
| (d) Is a habitual criminal or has been convicted by a Court in India for an offence involving moral turpitude or an offence amounting to heinous crime |
| (e) Has obtained the licence, rating, aircraft type rating, or extension thereof, or renewal of any of them, by suppression of material information or on the basis of wrong information |
| (f) Has unauthorisedly varied or tampered with the particulars entered in a licence or rating |
The licensing authority may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, make an order disqualifying that person for a specified period from holding or obtaining a licence.
The
No licence or rating referred to in Rule 38 shall be issued or renewed unless the applicant:
- Undergoes a medical examination with an approved medical authority
- Satisfies the medical standards as notified by the Director-General
The holder of a licence shall NOT exercise the privileges of his licence without being declared fit after a fresh medical examination if:
- (a) A sickness or injury involving incapacity for a period of 15 days or more for the work for which he is licensed
- (b) An injury sustained in any accident occurring during the exercise of his licence's privileges or otherwise, which is likely to cause incapacity or impair his efficiency
The licence holder or his employer shall immediately notify all relevant details of the sickness/injury to the Director-General.
On the issue of a licence to an applicant, he shall forthwith sign his name on the licence as the holder thereof with his ordinary signature.
Applicants for licences and ratings shall produce proof of having acquired the flying experience and having passed satisfactorily the tests and examinations specified in Schedule II.
A qualified pilot from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Army or Indian Coast Guard who produces satisfactory evidence of possessing the necessary flying experience, competency, and physical fitness standards may be exempted by the DG from all or any flying tests and medical or technical examinations required for the issue of licences.
- The DG may conduct examinations specified in Schedule II, fix examination centres, appoint invigilators, and lay down the procedure for conducting examinations.
- The DG may appoint Examiners for carrying out flying tests and technical examinations required under Schedule II.
- The DG may appoint a Board to conduct oral examinations when necessary.
(1) Licences and ratings mentioned in Rule 38 may be issued or renewed for any period not exceeding the period specified in Rule 39C and Schedule II.
If on the date of application for renewal, the licence or rating has expired for the following periods, the applicant may be required to qualify in:
| Expiry Period | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Exceeding 2 years but not exceeding 3 years | Test of skill and Air Regulations |
| Exceeding 3 years | All examinations and tests required for the fresh issue of the licence or rating |
An aircraft not registered in India shall carry the personnel prescribed by the laws of the State in which it is registered and such personnel shall be licensed in accordance with the laws of that State.
When a licence has been granted by the duly competent authority in any foreign State and is in force, the Central Government may, subject to such conditions and limitations and for such periods as it shall think fit, render such licence valid by an authorisation for flying aircraft registered in India. A validated licence is subject to Rule 19, and validation ceases if the licence is revoked or suspended.
Certificate of Airworthiness, Modifications & Log Books Rules 50, 52, 65, 67A, 67B
- The owner or operator of an aircraft may apply to the DG for issue or renewal of a C of A, or special C of A, or for validation of a C of A issued elsewhere.
- The DG may validate a C of A in respect of any aircraft that may be imported.
- Subject to these rules, a C of A shall remain in force for such period as may be specified in the certificate and may from time to time be renewed by the DG.
- (1) A person shall not carry out any modification or repair affecting safety of any aircraft with a valid C of A unless he has been required to do so under these rules or has obtained the prior approval of the DG.
- (2)(a) Modifications issued by the manufacturer which have been issued a Type Certificate by the DG or elsewhere may be deemed as approved modifications, unless otherwise specified by the DG.
- (2)(b) Repair schemes issued by the manufacturer of an aircraft with a Type Certificate and other repairs in accordance with standard aeronautical engineering practice may be deemed as approved repairs, unless otherwise specified by the DG.
- (1) No aeronautical beacon or aeronautical ground light shall be established or maintained within India, nor shall the character of the light be altered, except with the approval in writing of the Central Government.
- (2) No person shall wilfully or negligently endanger or interfere with any aeronautical beacon or aeronautical ground light established or maintained by or with the approval of the Central Government, or any light exhibited therefrom.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Every licensed flight crew member shall maintain a personal log book in the form prescribed by the DG. All flight times shall be logged therein. |
| Entries | All entries in log books shall be made in ink |
| Preservation | Log books shall be preserved for not less than 5 years after the date of the last entry |
| Monthly certification | Each crew member shall certify the accuracy of entries in his log book with respect to flight time at least at the end of each calendar month |
| Quarterly certification | At the end of every quarter (end of March, June, September, December), log books shall be certified for correctness by: Operations Manager/Deputy OM/Chief Pilot (professional pilots), Chief Flying Instructor (FTO members), DG-designated Officers (all others) |
| Dual instruction entries | Flight time under dual instruction shall be entered as "dual". The FI shall make entries in the trainee's log book showing the nature of instruction given |
Logging Rules for Different Crew Members
| Licence Type | How to Log PIC Time |
|---|---|
| Student Pilot | As PIC only when he is the sole occupant of the aircraft |
| Private Pilot (PPL) | As PIC only during which he acts as PIC |
| CPL / ATPL Holder | As PIC — during which he acts as PIC; as Co-pilot — during which he acts as Co-pilot |
| Flight Instructor | As PIC — during which he acts as Instructor; log entries shall indicate in remarks column that flight time was flown as Instructor |
| Examiner | As PIC — during which he acts as Examiner, if entitled and authorised to fly in command of that type |
| Supervised PIC duties | May be logged as PIC if person is entitled and authorised to fly in command of that type by virtue of ratings and privileges. Otherwise logged as Co-pilot with appropriate indication in remarks column |
| Instrument time | Logged only when aircraft is flown solely by reference to instruments, under actual or simulated instrument conditions. Over-the-top flying shall NOT be logged as instrument flying time |
| Instrument ground time | Logged in full while flying solely by reference to instruments in any recognised synthetic device simulating instrument flight conditions |
- Q28: Log book certified for correctness by competent authority at end of every quarter. Answer = B.
- Q33: Pilot's log book preserved for 5 years from date of last entry. Answer = B.
No person shall destroy, mutilate, alter or render illegible any entry made, or wilfully make or procure or assist in the making of any false or fraudulent entry in or omission from any log book referred to in Rules 67 and 67A.
Aerodromes, Scheduled Services & Operations Manual Rules 79, 80, 133A, 134, 140–161
A licence for an aerodrome shall not be granted to any person other than:
- (a) A citizen of India
- (b) A Company or body corporate registered and having its principal place of business in India; meeting the equity holding criteria specified by the Central Government; or
- (c) The Central/State Government or any company/corporation owned or controlled by either Government; or
- (d) A society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
- (1) Application made to the DG along with the Aerodrome Manual
- (2) Application shall be in such form and contain such particulars as may be specified by the DG
- (3) DG may require the applicant to furnish additional information
- (4) DG may also require the applicant to produce evidence in support of any information furnished
The DG may, through:
- Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
- Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP)
- Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs)
- Notices to Aircraft Owners and Maintenance Engineers
- Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs)
…issue special directions not inconsistent with the Aircraft Act, 1934, relating to the operation, use, possession, maintenance or navigation of aircraft flying in or over India or registered in India.
Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) shall be issued after placing the draft on the website of the DGCA for 30 days for inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected.
No person shall operate any Scheduled air transport service from, to, in, or across India except with the permission of the Central Government, granted in accordance with the provisions contained in Schedule XI.
The Central Government may permit any air transport undertaking of another country to operate scheduled services from/to/across India in accordance with the terms of any bilateral agreement, or where there is no such agreement, of a temporary authorisation by the Government of India.
All aircraft owners and operators shall comply with the engineering, inspection and manual requirements contained in Part XIII-A and with the safety requirements in respect of air routes, aircraft and aircrew, as may be specified by the DG.
Before operating a scheduled air transport service on a new route or making a substantial alteration in, or effecting the discontinuance of, any existing route, or introducing a new time-table, the Corporation shall:
- Obtain the concurrence of the DG
- Give at least 7 days' previous notice to the DG before the date proposed for the operation of the new route, substantial alteration, new time-table, or discontinuance
- (1) An Operations Manual in the form approved by the DG shall be maintained by the Corporation.
- (2) The Operations Manual shall contain:
| Item | Content Required |
|---|---|
| (a) | Instructions outlining responsibilities of operations personnel for the conduct of flight operations |
| (b) | The flight crew for each stage of all routes to be flown, including the designation of the succession of command |
| (c) | In-flight procedure |
| (d) | Emergency flight procedure |
| (e) | The minimum safe flight altitude for each route to be flown |
| (f) | The circumstances in which a radio listening watch is to be maintained |
| (g) | A list of the navigational equipment to be carried |
- (3) A copy of the Operations Manual, or such part as prescribed by the DG, shall be carried in all aircraft engaged in scheduled air transport services.
- Q24: Succession of command is given in the Operations Manual. Answer = A.
- Q35: Operational Manual is prepared by the operator and authorised by the DGCA. Answer = A.
All aircraft of the Corporation engaged in scheduled air transport services shall carry a Route Guide containing:
- (a) Communication facilities, navigation aids, and a list of aerodromes available on the route
- (b) Instrument 'let down' procedure for aerodromes on the route or those likely to be used as alternates
- (c) Meteorological minima for each aerodrome on the route (regular and alternate)
- (d) Specific instructions for computation of quantities of fuel and oil to be carried on each route, having regard to all circumstances including the possibility of failure of one or more engines
- (1) Any person who has contravened or failed to comply with any of these rules or any direction issued under Rule 133A shall, where no punishment is provided for such contravention in the Aircraft Act, 1934, be punishable to the extent laid down in Schedule VI.
- (2) It shall be a defence to any proceedings for contravention if the contravention or failure is proved to have been due to accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause. Also, it is a defence for the owner, hirer, operator, pilot or commander that the alleged contravention took place without his actual fault or privity.
The Indian Aircraft Rules, 1920 Customs Rules
These are custom rules governing aircraft arriving in or departing from India. They are found in the Aircraft Manual (India) Vol I.
The Central Government may:
- (a) By notification in the Official Gazette, declare any aerodrome in India to be a customs aerodrome
- (b) Appoint persons to be Chief Customs Officers and Customs Collectors, and define areas within which each shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred
- (1) No person in-charge of an aircraft entering India shall cause it to be landed in India for the first time in any journey except at a customs aerodrome, unless compelled to land by accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause.
- (2) No person in-charge of an aircraft shall fly it to a place outside India except from a customs aerodrome (unless compelled to land elsewhere).
An international flight from India can take off only from a customs aerodrome. Answer = C.
- (1) No person in any aircraft entering or departing from India shall carry or allow to be carried any goods of which the import or export by sea or by land is prohibited by any law in force.
- (2) No person in any aircraft entering India shall break or alter any seal placed upon any part of the aircraft or upon any goods therein by an officer of customs at the aerodrome at which such aircraft departed for India.
- (1) The person in-charge of any aircraft shall permit any Customs Collector or other authorised officer to board and examine the aircraft and any goods laden thereon, at any time.
- (2) The importer or exporter of any goods shall produce such goods to the Customs Collector at the customs aerodrome and permit him to examine such goods.
Aircraft Manual (India) — Vol I & Vol II
Contains the following Acts and Rules:
- Aircraft Act, 1934 — Control of manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import/export of aircraft
- Aircraft Rules, 1937 — Regulating civil aviation activity in India (Vol II Air Regulations)
- Indian Aircraft Rules, 1920 — Customs rules governing aircraft arriving in/departing from India
- Part I: National Conventions/Rules/Acts
- Part II: International Conventions
Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, 1954 (Amended 1969)
Framed by the Government of India under the power given in the Aircraft Act, 1934. These rules govern public health measures at airports and on aircraft.
Key Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Health officer | A person appointed by the Central Government to the health office of the airport |
| Infected aircraft | An aircraft which has any person or animal who carries an infectious disease |
| Infected area | Any area outside India declared as such in relation to a quarantinable or other infectious disease by the Central Government via notification in the Official Gazette |
| Isolation | The separation of that person/group from other persons (except health staff on duty) so as to prevent the spread of infection |
Periods of Incubation for Quarantinable Diseases
The Commander of an aircraft on its way to India from any place outside India shall send to the officer in-charge of the airport where he proposes to land a health report at least 2 hours in advance stating:
- (a) Whether any person on board is suffering from any illness, and if so, what its signs and symptoms are (giving if possible the name of the illness)
- (b) Whether at any time during the voyage there has occurred on board any case or suspected case of a quarantinable or other infectious disease
- When an infected/suspected aircraft comes from a place outside India, the health officer may take appropriate measures as prescribed by the rules
- May consider medical examination/inspection of any passenger or crew, particularly when coming from a yellow fever infected area
- If aircraft comes from an area where malaria or mosquito-borne disease could develop from imported vectors, the aircraft may be disinfected
For pilgrim aircraft, all persons should produce valid certificates of vaccination against cholera and yellow fever.
No person shall bring into India any dead body or human remains of persons who may have died of yellow fever, plague, anthrax, ganders or such other diseases notified by the Central Government.
- If cremated: ashes shall be placed in an urn or casket having an outer packing of suitable material
- If not cremated: the corpse should be closed in a shell of zinc or other equally suitable metal with all joints soldered to seal hermetically, enclosed in a stoutly built teak or hard wood coffin, enclosed in a zinc or tin-lined wooden packing case filled with sawdust impregnated with carbolic powder
Whoever contravenes any provision of these rules may be punished for a term not exceeding 3 months or with fine up to ₹1,000 or with both.
- Q5: Passenger from yellow fever infected area without certificate — Referral of suspect travellers to designated quarantine facility by Airport Health Organisation. Answer = A.
- Q13: Bringing human remains — subject to public health clearance of dead bodies/human remains. Answer = A.
- Q29: If passenger falls sick on board with suspected infectious disease — PIC's action = To inform health officer of destination aerodrome. Answer = B.
International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005
APHO works under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India to co-ordinate with all service providers and stakeholders to ensure minimum core facilities requirements as per IHR 2005.
Major Functions of APHO at Airports
- Airport Quarantine: Inspection of international travel documents for yellow fever disease; referral of suspect travellers to designated quarantine facility
- Disinfection, disinsection and deratting of aircraft including inspection and supervision of control measures
- Supervision of sanitation, quality of drinking water supply, anti-mosquito and anti-rodent work inside airports
- Public health clearance of dead bodies/human remains
- Administration of yellow fever vaccine and issue of yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Arrangements for quarantine of yellow-fever suspects at designated quarantine facilities
- Attend aircraft medical emergencies
- Food inspection for VVIP; Inspection of food stuff, catering establishments inside airport under FSSAI, 2011
- Assistance in sampling of imported food items and forwarding the lab analysis report
- Inspection and Licensing of eating establishments within local limits of airports as designated officer under FSSAI, 2006
- Activities during Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) like passenger screening, isolation & quarantine, contact listing, aircraft disinsection, transportation
- Effective surveillance activities on international travellers, aircrafts, cargos, conveyances, goods, postal parcels & human remains
- Ensure a safe environment for travellers at points of entry (potable water, eating establishments, flight catering facilities, public washrooms, waste disposal)
Responsibility for implementing IHR 2005 at Indian Airports is that of Director General Health Services. Answer = C.
Other Applicable Rules Brief Summaries
| Rule/Act | Year | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions Caused by Building and Trees Etc.) Rules | 1994 | Procedure for demolition of obstructions around aerodromes |
| Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules | 2003 | Procedures for carriage of dangerous goods on aircraft |
| Aircraft (Security) Rules | 2011 | Deals with airport security |
| Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules | 2017 | Deals with accidents and incidents investigations |
| The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules | 2021 | See below |
These rules apply to:
- (a) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registered in India, wherever they may be
- (b) A person owning, possessing, or engaged in exporting, importing, manufacturing, trading, leasing, operating, transferring or maintaining an Unmanned Aircraft System in India
- (c) All Unmanned Aircraft Systems for the time being in or over India
The provisions contained in the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall NOT apply to the Unmanned Aircraft System and matters connected therewith except for those provisions whose application on UAS is specifically provided in these rules. These rules apply to UAS for civil aviation purposes only.
The provisions contained in the Aircraft Rules, 1937 shall not apply to UAS except for those specifically provided in these rules. Answer = C.
Practice Questions & Answers From the DGCA Question Bank
📌 Quick Reference — Critical Numbers & Limits
| Parameter | Value | Rule Reference |
|---|---|---|
| No-fly radius from aerodrome (animal slaughter/rubbish) | 10 km | Sec 5(qa) |
| Alcohol abstinence before flight (operating crew) | 12 hours | Rule 24 |
| Minimum age for sole control of aircraft | 16 years | Rule 28 |
| Maximum age for PIC/Co-pilot (commercial) | 65 years | Rule 28A |
| Age limit requiring multi-crew & younger co-pilot | 60 years | Rule 28A |
| Maximum Mach for civil aircraft (sonic boom) | Mach 1 | Rule 29A |
| RPAS requiring UIN (all-up weight) | >250 g | Rule 15A |
| Fuelling — minimum distance from building | 15 m | Rule 25A |
| Fuelling — naked flame exclusion zone | 30 m | Rule 25A |
| Fuelling — unauthorised persons exclusion | 15 m | Rule 25A |
| Fuelling — jet aircraft rear outlet distance (stop fuelling) | 43 m | Rule 25A |
| Equipment distance (gasoline/wide-cut fuels) | ≥15 m | Rule 25A |
| Equipment distance (straight kerosene) | ≥6 m | Rule 25A |
| Documents production after demand (not on board) | 7 days | Rule 17 |
| Flight Navigator required: circle distance | >600 NM | Rule 38A(3) |
| Flight Navigator required: fix-to-fix distance (within 30 NM of route) | >600 NM | Rule 38A(3) |
| Log book preservation period | 5 years (from last entry) | Rule 67A(3) |
| Log book quarterly certification period | End of March, June, September, December | Rule 67A(4) |
| Sickness/injury period requiring fresh medical before flying | ≥15 days | Rule 42(2) |
| Advance notice for new route / route change | 7 days | Rule 140A |
| CAR draft on DGCA website for public comment | 30 days | Rule 133A |
| Towers of Silence (Malabar Hills) — prohibited radius | 1 mile | Schedule I |
| Mathura Refineries — prohibited radius | 10 km | Schedule I |
| Kalpakkam Nuclear — prohibited radius | 10 km | Schedule I |
| Bhubaneshwar — prohibited upper limit | 50,000 ft | Schedule I |
| Kalpakkam — prohibited upper limit | 10,000 ft | Schedule I |
| Penalty — dangerous goods false info / arms carriage | 2 yrs + ₹1 Cr | Sec 10(1) |
| Penalty — animal slaughter / rubbish near aerodrome | 3 yrs + ₹1 Cr | Sec 10(1A) |
| Commander's health report before landing (India) | ≥2 hours in advance | Public Health Rules |
| Mental disorder epilepsy — alcohol restriction before flight | 12 hours | Rule 24A |
| Mental disorder — if excited in previous 2 weeks | Requires registered medical practitioner + escort | Rule 24A |
| Single pilot commercial: max weight (age 60-65, multi-crew exemption) | 5700 kg MTOW | Rule 28A |
Aircraft Act 1934 • Aircraft Rules 1937 • Indian Aircraft Rules 1920 • Public Health Rules 1954 • IHR 2005 • UAS Rules 2021