DGCA Unveils New Airworthiness Regulations to Ease Compliance for Light Aircraft

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new regulations aimed at simplifying airworthiness requirements for light aircraft and non-scheduled plane operators. 

These updates, effective from January 1, 2025, are designed to reduce the compliance burden associated with maintaining aircraft. The changes include the introduction of three new sets of regulations—CAR-ML, CAR-CAO, and CAR-CAMO—tailored specifically for light aircraft and private plane operators.

Current Regulatory Framework

• CAR-M: Governs airworthiness for all aircraft types, including scheduled and non-scheduled operations, flying training, general aviation, and private operations.
• CAR-145: Details maintenance regulations for commercial operations and complex motor aircraft.

New Regulatory Framework

• CAR-ML: Simplified requirements for light aircraft.
• CAR-CAO: Regulations for non-scheduled operators.
• CAR-CAMO: Focuses on maintenance management.

Alignment with International Standards

• The new regulations are aligned with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
• Amendments have been made to CAR-M and CAR-145 to accommodate the new framework.

Impact on Aviation Industry

• The revised regulations aim to reduce compliance burdens for operators using non-complex aircraft, making it easier for them to meet maintenance and operational standards compared to those dealing with complex aircraft in scheduled commercial operations.

Government Initiatives

• Efforts are ongoing to improve air connectivity and promote seaplane operations under the regional air connectivity scheme.