Electronic Personnel License

24.02.2025

Electronic Personnel License

Why in the 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).

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.

Functions:

• 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.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada

                                                              Source: The Economic Times

Consider the following statements regarding Electronic Personnel License:

1. It will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots.

2. It is implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C