The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Government has doubled the duration of the validity of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) and Airline Transport Pilot Licenses (ATPLs) after amending Aircraft Rules, 1937.
To date, these documents used to be valid for a period of five years, and were to be renewed after completion of the given time frame.
The Modi Government did it after amending the Aircraft Rules 1937, an official statement said.
"This change is expected to reduce administrative burden on pilots and aviation authorities like DGCA, promoting a more streamlined and efficient licensing process," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Monday.
It also said the rules have been amended to address concerns related to the display of lights in the vicinity of an aerodrome.
It is made explicit that the government possesses the authority to take action against individuals displaying lights that disrupt the safe operation of aircraft or pose hazards to the operating crew.
"Should such lights remain unattended for 24 hours, the government is empowered to enter the location and extinguish them," the ministry said, adding that the matter should be reported to the police for legal action under the relevant law.
Among other changes, the requirements related to continued competence for Air Traffic Controller (ATC) license holders have been liberalized. This change offers increased flexibility to accommodate situations with limited movements or watch hours.
India's aviation sector is one of the fastest growing in the world, and airlines in the country are expanding their aircraft fleet.