If you’ve completed your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training abroad and plan to work as a commercial pilot in India, you must go through a CPL conversion process regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

While Clearway Aviation does not directly process CPL conversions, we provide 100% live online training for the mandatory DGCA subjects required to successfully convert your foreign CPL to an Indian CPL.

In this article, we break down the process, eligibility, documentation, and how Clearway Aviation can support your CPL conversion journey.

 

1.What Is CPL Conversion?

CPL conversion is the process of getting your foreign-issued CPL recognized and validated by the DGCA so you can legally fly as a commercial pilot in India.

• Verifying your flying hours and documents
• Passing DGCA theory exams
• Meeting Indian medical and regulatory requirements

 

2. Who Needs CPL Conversion?

You need to convert your CPL if:

• You trained and earned your CPL in a foreign country (USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.)
• You want to fly commercial aircraft under Indian airlines or obtain employment as a pilot in India

 

3. DGCA Requirements for CPL Conversion

Here are the essential conditions you must meet to initiate the conversion process:

1.Valid Foreign CPL

Your license must be issued by a country that follows ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidelines.

2. 200 Flying Hours (Minimum)

Out of which:

• 100 must be as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
• 50 hours must be cross-country
• 10 hours of instrument time
• 5 hours of night flying

3.  Class 1 Medical Certificate (DGCA Approved)

You need to undergo and pass a DGCA Class 1 medical examination in India.

4. DGCA Theory Exams

Even if you trained abroad, you must clear the following DGCA subjects to convert your license:

• Air Navigation
• Aviation Meteorology
• Air Regulations
• RTR (Aero) – conducted by WPC (Wireless Planning Commission), Govt. of India

 

Step-by-Step CPL Conversion Process

Step 1: Apply for Computer Number

You’ll need to apply for a Computer Number through the eGCA portal, which is required for DGCA exam registration.

Step 2: Pass DGCA Written Exams

You must appear for and clear:

• Air Navigation
• Meteorology
•  Air Regulations

Clearway Aviation offers live online DGCA coaching to help you pass these subjects confidently.

Step 3: Clear RTR (Aero) Exam

Conducted by WPC, this exam tests your radio telephony knowledge and is mandatory for all CPL holders.

Step 4: Submit Foreign License Verification

You must get your license verified by the foreign aviation authority that issued it and submit this to DGCA.

Step 5: Submit Documents to DGCA

Documents include:

• Foreign CPL and verification
• Medical certificate
• Flying logbook and flight summary
• DGCA exam results
• Computer number and ID proof

Step 6: DGCA Review and Approval

Once your documentation is verified, and you have passed the required exams, DGCA will issue your Indian CPL.

How Clearway Aviation Helps in CPL Conversion

Clearway Aviation specializes in DGCA ground school preparation for CPL conversion students.

• 100% live online classes (no recordings)
• Subject-wise preparation for:
  • Air Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Air Regulations
• Live doubt-solving with experienced airline instructors
• Structured test series & performance feedback
• Free counseling and guidance sessions

We also assist with:

• Computer Number application support
• Direction on RTR (Aero) preparation
• Guidance for choosing flight schools for type rating or multi-engine endorsements post-conversion

Why Students Choose Clearway Aviation

• Learn from airline-experienced instructors
• Classes conducted live with real-time interaction
• No need to relocate – attend from anywhere in India
• Affordable subject-wise packages
• High success rate in DGCA theory exam results

Converting a foreign CPL to an Indian DGCA license may seem complex, but with the right preparation and guidance, it becomes manageable. The DGCA exams are a critical step — and Clearway Aviation is here to make that part easier with high-quality, online exam preparation designed for returning students.