Pilot license test to go online

Updated on: Wednesday, November 30, 2011

In an effort to curtail various loopholes and prevent malpractice in obtaining commercial, private and air transport pilot licences, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to conduct the test online exams from December 3.

DGCA had uncovered that malpractice and corruption were rampant in the paper-based test.

In March, the body had revoked a woman pilot's licence alleging that she used forged papers to get her airline transport pilot licence (ATPL), which is mandatory for an aircraft captain.

Following which, more than 24 people were arrested and 14 commercial pilot licences revoked in connection with pilots obtaining licences through forged marksheets and answersheets.

Online examinations are expected to be foolproof because the questions and answers can be accessed by authorized persons only. It will also keep agents away, who charge Rs 80,000 to Rs 3 lakh to help obtain licences.

"For the first time pilot licensing tests are going to be held online across the country. It will be held online hereafter. We faced a few problems when it was held for the first time on a trial basis. The errors have been sorted out," said Bharat Bhushan, DGCA.

Students who have completed 50 hours of flying are eligible for a private pilot licence, while those with 200 hours of flying experience can take the commercial pilot licence exam. Pilots who have clocked 1,500 hours are eligible for ATPL.

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