Getting back into DGCA after 5 years away!
 

Hey guys,
My situation is probably not that common and so am seeking advice from you all.
I got my FAA CPL IR Single Engine back in 2012 and at the time had my Indian RT and had also cleared my DGCA Air Regulation and Met papers. I had only Nav left after having failed multiple times on 67 and 69. Unfortunately, before i could give any more attempts my financial situation changed as I had an education loan to pay back and my father being in the unpredictable hotel industry got laid off for a few months.
Luckily, he had previously worked in the Caribbean and helped to get a job and have been working as a bartender ever since. I managed to pay back my loan and give them their house back(which they mortgaged for my flying) and also kept myself recent by flying a few hours every now and then.

Now, the industry in Indian has changed for the better and all my friends that were until now sitting at home managed to find jobs and are flying.

My question now is how do I go about trying to get my DGCA licence and coming back to apply for jobs, keeping in mind the 5 year rule for flying ? I'm looking for the most inexpensive way and/or the fastest way with the updated DGCA rules (which to be honest, I am a little out of date with).

I enjoyed being a bartender and saved a little bit of money but my passion was always flying and want to get back in it.

Any suggestion/advice much much appreciated.
Thanks and best regards.

I know very little about the DGCA

But I must commend you on your hard work , good luck to you hope you can get up in the air again !

Earlier the papers were valid for two years. I don't know what is the present status. You will have to refer to DGCA CAR on their website. I really suggest you do some reading in the CAR Flight crew licensing section. I think you should call some Indian flying clubs (I'm not sure which ones are good) and speak to a couple of CFI's or pay them a visit. They would be much better informed to help you. Also I must add that I had a doubt once and I called the DGCA office. I was left completely shocked as the guy at the other end went out of the way to help me. So don't be shy to call them. For R/T renewal see WPC website too. Wireless planning and co-ordination. Guys here were not helpful to me. But maybe you will get lucky. Try giving them a call too.
You have a long road ahead. And the person who will help you the most will most likely be yourself.
Beware of cheats. There are too many around. So cross check with more than a few people before reaching for your wallet.

@ pfvspnf - Thanks very much for those kind words.

@ BECMG

Thank you for your reply, will try to research on all that you've mentioned and yes, looks like a long road ahead. Hopefully, I can get thru all of it.
Cheers

@rahulpereira What did you end up doing? Did you find a way around the 5 years 200 hours rule? TIA

@Sparsh
As of now, I have applied for a Re-initial Class 1 medical exam and awaiting an appointment date. Preparing for the Jan attempt for the DGCA papers. Will also try and get my verification of 10th and 12th documents ready.
I have heard rumours about the 5 year 200 hr rule. I don't know how true it is and will probably get clearer in the next few months. I've heard that this rule might be changed and the hours will not expire. Apparently, India is the only country where this rule is applicable and the change might be with regards to the ICAO.
So fingers crossed and studying for the papers in the meantime.

Thank you for the reply Rahul, if the rule is axed that would possibly be the best thing ever! Have you gotten in touch with anyone at DGCA personally and confirmed the rumours? The DGCA CPL conversion chart on their website states specific requirements in the last 5 years and yes India is the only country that enforces such draconian laws �� will pm you now.