Electronic Personnel License

Why in  news?

• India has achieved the important feat of becoming the second country in the world to introduce Electronic Personnel License (EPL).
  • Earlier, only America had started this system.

Key Points:

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu launched this digital license.
• This initiative has been started after getting approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which ensures its global recognition.

Electronic Personnel License:

• Under this system, pilots will now get electronic license in place of traditional physical license, which can be easily accessed digitally.
• It can be accessed through eGCA mobile application.
• It will help in increasing safety, transparency and efficiency in the process of licensing of pilots.
• Employment opportunities of Indian pilots will improve globally.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

• It is a specialized United Nations (UN) agency.
• It works to set rules and standards for global civil aviation.
• Its main objective is to make global air traffic safe, well-organized, efficient and environment-friendly.
• Established: 7 December 1944 under the Chicago Convention.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
• Member countries: 193 (all member countries of the United Nations)
• India is a member country of ICAO and follows its policies and standards.