Aircraft Registration and Leasing Regulations under DGCA in India

Aviation Compliance: Navigating the DGCA Registration Process

Aircraft acquisition, leasing, and operations in India are regulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Aircraft Act, 1934, and the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

1. Import Approvals

Before importing an aircraft, operators must obtain permission from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The applicant must show financial viability, a maintenance plan, and a valid operating permit.

2. Registration on the Indian Register

Every imported aircraft must be registered in the Indian Civil Aircraft Register. The DGCA issues a Certificate of Registration (CoR) and assigns a registration marking with the prefix "VT" (Vocal Tango).

3. Aircraft Leasing (Dry and Wet Leases)

Airlines use different leasing structures to manage their fleets:

• Dry Lease: The aircraft is leased without a crew or ground staff. The lessee handles all operational aspects.
• Wet Lease: The aircraft is leased along with the crew, maintenance staff, and insurance. This is typically used for short-term operational needs and requires prior DGCA approval.

Dinesh Prasad Tiwari & Associates advises aviation companies, charter operators, and leasing firms on regulatory filings and aircraft transactions.