Who can register an aircraft in India
DGCA’s registration rules, CAR Section 2, Series F, Part I, set out who can own an Indian-registered aircraft. Indian citizens, companies and government bodies qualify, along with certain others such as non-citizen residents and foreign companies doing business in India, under conditions. An aircraft still registered in another country cannot be registered in India until it is removed from that register.
Registration and change of ownership
Under that CAR, registration is applied for on Form CA-28 with proof of ownership, customs clearance for imported aircraft, the previous country’s deregistration certificate and the fee. When an Indian-registered aircraft changes hands, the new owner applies afresh and the seller gives a notarised affidavit confirming the sale and receipt of the full price. The CAR says the aircraft should not fly until the new certificate of registration is issued, unless DGCA permits it in writing. Check the latest revision of the CAR for current forms and timelines.
Age limits on imported aircraft
DGCA limits the age of aircraft that can be imported. Under the rules in force in September 2025, pressurised aircraft could be imported up to 18 years old with conditions and unpressurised aircraft up to 20 years. DGCA released a draft that month proposing to relax these limits (The Week, 5 Sep 2025). Check the current CAR before you agree a price on an older aircraft abroad.
Financing and the Cape Town law
India’s Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act, 2025 gives effect to the Cape Town Convention, with DGCA as the registry authority (AMS Shardul, 2025 roundup). For buyers this matters if the aircraft is financed or leased: lenders’ interests and deregistration powers are now clearer, so check for any registered interests before you pay.
Pre-purchase checks
- An independent pre-purchase inspection by engineers who know the type.
- A full review of maintenance records, logbooks and airworthiness directives compliance.
- Confirmation of the certificate of registration, airworthiness status and any registered interests.
- Legal review of title, liens and the sale agreement.
- A realistic running budget: crew, maintenance, insurance and hangar, not just the price.
If you will operate the aircraft commercially, it will need to sit on a DGCA-permitted operator’s permit. Approved maintenance organisations can help with inspections.
Browse aircraft for sale, each reviewed before publishing, or list your aircraft for free.
Common questions
Which DGCA rule covers aircraft registration?
CAR Section 2, Series F, Part I, Registration and Deregistration of Aircraft. Check the latest revision on the DGCA website.
Is there an age limit for importing a used aircraft into India?
Yes. Under rules in force in September 2025, up to 18 years for pressurised aircraft (with conditions) and 20 years for unpressurised aircraft. DGCA proposed relaxing these in a September 2025 draft, so check the current CAR.
Can an aircraft fly while ownership is being transferred?
Under the registration CAR, not until the new certificate of registration is issued, unless DGCA permits it in writing.
Sources
- DGCA CAR Section 2, Series F, Part I: Registration and Deregistration of Aircraft (copy hosted by IFSCA)
- The Week: DGCA draft on age of imported aircraft (5 Sep 2025)
- AMS Shardul: Annual India aviation roundup 2025
General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.