India’s aviation businesses all need a DGCA approval of some kind, and DGCA publishes most of those approvals. A two-minute check can save you from a fake charter, an unapproved course or an unqualified maintenance shop.
What to check, by type of company
- Charter operator: a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit. Search the charter directory and see the aircraft on the permit.
- Airline: an Air Operator Certificate. See airlines.
- Flight school: DGCA approval as an FTO and its ranking. See flight schools.
- Maintenance organisation: CAR 145 approval. See CAR 145 organisations.
- AME college: CAR 147 approval. See AME schools.
Read the dates
Every entry has a validity date, and every list has its own “as on” date. Our directory shows both and flags validity dates that have passed. A passed date is not always a problem, since renewals take time to appear, but it is a reason to ask for the current approval in writing.
Red flags
- A company that will not give its registered legal name.
- A charter offer on an aircraft not on the operator’s permit.
- A “flight school” or “AME college” not on DGCA’s lists.
- Pressure to pay in full immediately, or to an individual’s account.
Every DGCA source file is linked at the bottom of the directory. For charter, BookAir explains how operators are vetted and safety questions to ask.
Common questions
How do I check if a company is DGCA approved?
Find it in the DGCA list for its type of approval, or search AIR BITOLA’s directory, which combines those lists and shows each source date.
What should I do if the approval date has passed?
Ask the company for its current approval in writing and confirm with DGCA before paying.
Does a directory listing mean the company is recommended?
No. It shows what DGCA published on the stated date. It is not an endorsement.
Sources
- DGCA list of Non-Scheduled Operators
- DGCA list of Scheduled Operators
- DGCA CAR 145 approved organisations
- DGCA CAR 147 approved organisations
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.