Flapone Aviation, one of India’s emerging aviation training institutes, has put forth its views on the DGCA’s recent mandate about medical examinations for commercial pilots in the country.
According to the new DGCA directive issued on July 2, 2025, all commercial pilots in India are required to undergo their medical examinations at Indian Air Force Boarding Centres. Any tests not available at these centres should be conducted at NABH, NABL, or ISO-accredited labs and submitted with QR code-based verification at the IAF Centres.
Commercial pilots believe that this could disrupt the aviation industry, cause flight delays, and lead to a further reduction in the pool of qualified pilots.
Before this mandate, DGCA-certified doctors conducted medical examinations or retired IAF doctors at civilian medical centres. The transition to IAF Boarding Centres significantly reduces the accessibility of test centres, posing a challenge for pilots based outside Delhi, Bengaluru and Jorhat, the only three IAF Centres currently approved.
In the words of Pankaj Agarwal, the CEO of Flapone Aviation, “Commercial Pilots in India are voicing their concerns regarding the inconsistency between the DGCA’s mandate and the medical fitness protocols prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)”.
Sam Thomas, President, Airline Pilots’ Association of India, says that “There should be strong medical oversight, but applying fighter pilot health standards to commercial pilots aged 55-65 is not reasonable. “The ICAO-aligned, age-sensitive guidelines should be adopted for promoting flight safety without shelving experienced pilots.”
If you are already a Commercial Pilot or a Private Pilot, the new mandate can pose hurdles in your operational realm. Pilots should schedule an appointment at the limited IAF Centres and they are also grounded throughout the assessment process, which would otherwise be flying days. Failing the medical test will result in instant grounding of the pilot, irrespective of their past flying record or international medical certifications.
This new mandate could lead to disruptions in the aviation industry. With high air travel demand and a shortage of trained pilots, the grounding of pilots could lead to the cancellation of a large number of flights.
Internationally, the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe) manage pilot medicals through civilian boards, with adjustments made based on age, health history, and the license held by the pilot. Pilots can also appeal for medical reassessment, which is not the case with the DGCA framework.
India has signed the ICAO conventions and should be aligned with global norms. When a commercial pilot flying internationally meets international standards, it is not rational to ground them based on a domestic criterion.
According to aviation experts, the DGCA’s move was incited by reports of falsified records. Flapone Aviation supports stricter verification and digital documentation processes. However, the solution must be balanced and inclusive, not punitive for experienced pilots.
In addition to raising awareness, Flapone Aviation states that it is the demand of the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) for a Joint Aeromedical Review Committee comprising DGCA officials, IAF doctors and representatives from the civil aviation industry.
If the words of commercial pilots are to be believed, if this order is not revised, numerous operational risks could follow:
- Reduced Pilot Availability: With just three centres handling all CPL medical examinations and each assessment taking several days, the number of flight-ready pilots will dramatically decrease in airlines.
- Unjust Disqualification: There can be discrimination against Commercial pilots aged over 50, with clean flight histories and global fitness certifications, who may be grounded solely for not meeting medical benchmarks set for fighter pilots.
- Operational Disruptions: There will be increased scheduling conflicts in the airlines, delayed flights and revenue losses because of crew unavailability.
There should be a transparent appeal process for pilots deemed unfit by IAF standards, who are fit according to global civil aviation norms. Short of a recourse mechanism, the policy may lead to legal disputes and erode trust in the aviation regulatory ecosystem.
About Flapone Aviation
Flapone Aviation is a leading aviation and drone training institute, offering pilot training in India. With an obligation to safety, operational excellence and global standards, Flapone also collaborates with airlines and private aviation firms to provide practical flight training to aspiring aviators. Whether it’s about preparing for new mandates or getting a flight license up your sleeve, Flapone Aviation is a name you can trust.
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