Current Events Current Affairs Analysis
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a Comprehensive Special Audit to assess the entire aviation ecosystem and strengthen safety standards in India’s fast-growingcivil aviation sector.
AboutDirectorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA):
What it is?
oIndia’s apexcivil aviation regulatory body, responsible for overseeing air safety, licensing, and compliance with international standards.
Established in:Originally set up in1978as an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It became a statutory body under theAircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Ministry:Operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Objective:To promote safe, efficient, and secure air transportation through robust regulation and proactive safety oversight.
Key Functions of DGCA:
oAircraft & Pilot Licensing:Registers civil aircraft and licenses pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, and crew.
oAirport Certification:Certifies airports for operational safety and efficiency.
oAirworthiness Standards:Formulates airworthiness standards and grants Certificates of Airworthiness.
oAccident Investigation:Investigates aviation incidents and promotes accident prevention measures.
oSafety Oversight:Monitors compliance of all licensed aviation entities underAircraft Rules, 1937.
oTraining Approval:Approves flying, simulator, and maintenance training organizations.
oAir Transport Services Regulation:GrantsAir Operator’s Certificatesand regulates Indian and foreign airline operations within Indian airspace.
oCoordination withICAO:Engages in ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and represents India in global aviation forums.
oIndigenous Development:Promotes domestic manufacturing of aircraft and components.
oAdvisory Role:Advises the Government on technical, regulatory, and international matters concerning civil aviation.