Issuance & Renewal of Class I Medical Assessments

Training Objectives

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:
  • Identify the pre-requisites for applying for a Medical Assessment under a FATA License.
  • Understand the issuance and renewal process of Class I Medical Assessments for foreign pilots.
  • Recognize the different sections and authorities involved in the process.
  • Apply the relevant validation and business rules effectively.

Introduction

The Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) manages the issuance and renewal of Class I Medical Assessments for foreign pilots who hold a Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization (FATA) License. This training module and guide explain:
  • The end-to-end process of issuance and renewal.
  • The pre-requisites and process flow for applicants.
  • The roles and responsibilities of both the applicant and approving authorities.
Important Note:
  • A FATA License issued by the Directorate of Training and Licensing (DTL) is valid for 90 days.
  • Within this period, the pilot must complete the Class I Medical Assessment and all required formalities.
  • On successful completion, the license validity is extended for an additional 9 months.

Pre-requisites for Foreign Pilot Applicants

Before starting the application, foreign pilots must ensure the following:
  1. DGCA Portal Registration : Must be registered on the DGCA eGCA portal with a valid eGCA ID.
  2. Foreign Pilot Registration : Must be officially registered as a foreign pilot.
  3. Valid FATA License : Must hold a FATA License issued by DTL, valid for 90 days.

Process Flow: Issuance & Renewal of Class I Medical Assessment

The step-by-step process is as follows:

Step 1: Selection of Medical Renewal

The operator (on behalf of the pilot) or the pilot selects Class I Medical Renewal under FATA Initial.

Step 2: Document Upload

  • Upload all required documents.
  • Applicable only if the renewal is being conducted at an IAF (Indian Air Force) center.

Step 3: Document Verification

  • The request is received by the DMS Team.
  • Documents are verified.
  • Applicable only for renewals at an IAF center.

Step 4: DMS Approval & Notification

  • Once documents are approved, the pilot is informed via email/SMS.
  • Applicable only in case of IAF renewal.

Step 5: Center Selection & Payment

  • The operator/pilot selects the medical center.
  • Payment is made.
  • Applicable only in case of an IAF center.

Step 6: Security Clearance & Résumé Upload

  • Security clearance is obtained from Vayu Bhawan.
  • Pilot résumé, signed by DMS(CA) and Vayu Bhawan, is uploaded by the DMS Team.
  • Applicable in case of IAF renewal.

Step 7: Medical Application Submission

  • The operator/pilot fills in the Medical Application Form.
  • The medical assessment is scheduled.

Step 8: Medical Examination

  • The applicant visits the approved Medical Examiner.
  • The examiner conducts the medical examination.
  • A Medical Certificate (CA-35) is issued and made available on the eGCA portal.

Step 9: Review by Medical Directorate

  • The DMS(CA) receives the medical application.
  • The medical team reviews and marks the applicant as:
    • Fit
    • Temporary Unfit
    • Permanent Unfit

Step 10: Issuance of Assessment / Unfitness Letter

  • If Fit: Assessment issued via eGCA portal and email.
  • If Unfit: Unfitness letter issued via eGCA portal and email.

Step 11: Availability of Documents

  • The Medical Assessment / Unfitness Letter is generated.
  • A PDF copy is available for download in the applicant’s eGCA login.

Form Details: Issuance & Renewal of Class I Medical Assessment

Applicants must use the following forms during issuance and renewal:
  • Upload Documents under FATA
  • Medical Center Selection
  • View CA-35 Certificate
  • View Medical Assessment

Foreign Pilot: Login Screen

Steps to log in:
  1. Enter your eGCA ID.
  2. Enter your password.
  3. Type the security code shown on the screen.
  4. Click Log In to proceed.
📌 Support Options at Login:
  • Forgot eGCA ID? – Retrieve your ID.
  • Forgot Password? – Reset your password. 

FATA: Upload Documents

After logging in successfully, the applicant must upload required documents:
  • Copy of Passport
  • Two Passport-size Photographs
  • Copy of Visa
  • Copy of FATA License
  • Copy of Appendix AC to IAP 3903 (signed by External Affairs)
  • Copy of Previous Medical Certificate
  • Brief Medical History (if any)
  • Pilot Résumé
  • FATA Validity Proof 
Allowed File Formats: JPG, PNG, JPEG, BMP, PDF
  • Max Size: 40 MB
  • Max Files: 20
📌 Important: The applicant must hold a valid FATA License issued by DTL with 90-day validity before proceeding.

View Application Status: Track Status

Applicants can track progress through the Track Status option on the eGCA portal. Steps:
  1. Log in to the eGCA Portal.
  2. Navigate to Medical → Track Status.
  3. Search using Service ID, Service Name, or Application Date.
Status Indicators:
  • Pending – Application under process.
  • Approved – Documents successfully verified.

Center Selection Screen

Once documents are verified, the applicant can select the medical examination center:
  • Navigate to Issuance of Class I Medical in the left-hand menu.
  • Select the Medical Center (e.g., Air Force Center or Hospital).
  • Click Next to confirm.
📌 Important: For Air Force centers, security clearance from Vayu Bhawan is mandatory.

Payment: SMS and Email Notifications

Applicants receive timely updates via SMS and Email, ensuring transparency. Examples of Notifications:
  1. On center selection: Confirmation with Request ID and date.
  2. On document rejection: Notification with remarks by DGCA.
  3. On approval of security clearance: Notification to proceed further.

Validation and Business Rules

The following rules must be followed:
  • Applicant must hold a valid FATA License (90 days).
  • Security clearance from Vayu Bhawan is mandatory for Air Force centers.
  • FATA applicants can apply only for:
    • Class I Initial Assessment
    • Class I Renewal

eGCA Helpline

For assistance:
  • Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-3422
  • Email: egcasupport@dgca.nic.in
  • Support Request: Available in eGCA portal.
Applicants can also track status of raised requests and categorize issues (e.g., registration errors, clearance delays, application issues).

Troubleshoot Options

Common issues and solutions:
  • Network Errors → Refresh or reload.
  • Incorrect Search Entries → Remove spaces from IDs.
  • Re-examination Required → If DMS(CA) requests further tests (Medical, Eye, ENT, or Aviation Medicine), the case will be sent back for re-exam. Only the specific section requested will be editable.

Conclusion

The process of issuance and renewal of Class I Medical Assessments for foreign pilots under a FATA License is comprehensive, transparent, and technology-driven. With clear pre-requisites, well-defined steps, and robust support mechanisms, the DGCA ensures pilots can complete their assessments efficiently. From portal registration to document verification, security clearance, medical examination, and final assessment issuance, every stage is designed to uphold aviation safety. Features like online tracking, digital certificates, and real-time SMS/email updates further streamline the journey. Ultimately, this system safeguards not only the medical fitness of foreign pilots but also the safety and reliability of aviation operations in India.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a FATA License valid before medical assessment?

A FATA License issued by the Directorate of Training and Licensing (DTL) is initially valid for 90 days. During this period, the pilot is required to complete the Class I Medical Assessment along with all associated formalities. Once the medical assessment is successfully cleared, the license validity is extended further for nine months, ensuring the pilot remains eligible to operate within Indian airspace.

Can foreign pilots apply for all types of medical assessments through the DGCA portal?

No, foreign pilots are permitted to apply only for specific categories of medical assessments. The DGCA eGCA portal allows foreign pilots to apply solely for the Class I Initial Assessment or the Class I Renewal. Other types of medical assessments are not applicable under the FATA framework.

What documents are mandatory for uploading during the medical assessment process?

Foreign pilots must upload a set of mandatory documents while applying for issuance or renewal of their Class I Medical Assessment. These include a valid passport, visa, copy of the FATA License, two passport-size photographs, the previous medical certificate, a résumé, a brief medical history (if applicable), and the Appendix AC to IAP 3903 duly signed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Proof of FATA validity is also required to proceed with the application.

Is security clearance required for all medical centers?

Security clearance is not required for all centers. It is mandatory only for applicants opting for an Indian Air Force (IAF) medical center. In such cases, the clearance must be obtained from Vayu Bhawan before the pilot can undergo medical examination at a defense establishment. Civilian medical centers do not require this clearance, making the process simpler for those applicants.

How can applicants track the status of their medical assessment application?

Applicants can conveniently track the progress of their medical assessment through the DGCA eGCA portal. By logging in and navigating to the “Medical → Track Status” section, they can search using their Service ID, Service Name, or Application Date. The system will display the current status as either pending (still under process) or approved (successfully verified and cleared), keeping the applicant informed at every stage.