As per the rules of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aircraft registered in India must carry special documents to ensure that they are flying legally and safely. These documents confirm the aircraft's airworthiness, registration, operational standards, and compliance with national and international aviation laws.
Following documents required on board the aircraft by an Indian registered aircraft.
1. Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA)
The Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) is issued by the DGCA when the aircraft is inspected and deemed safe for flight. It certifies that the aircraft complies with all safety regulations and is fit for operation. The CofA must be valid and must be kept on board at all times as proof of the aircraft's airworthiness.
2. Certificate of Registration (CofR)
The Certificate of Registration (CofR) provides the official registration details of the aircraft, confirming that it is legally registered in India. The document contains essential information such as the registration number and owner's details. It must be on board the aircraft during every flight as proof of the aircraft's legal status.
3. Certificate of Airworthiness Review (ARC)
The Certificate of Airworthiness Review (ARC) is supply after a periodic review of the aircraft's airworthiness. It is valid for a certain period and ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the required maintenance and safety standards. This document must be carried on board the aircraft to show that the aircraft has passed recent inspections.
4. Air Operator Certificate/Permit (AOC/AOP)
For commercial aircraft, the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or Air Operator Permit (AOP) is required. It is issued by the DGCA and allows the operator to conduct commercial air transport operations. This document must be carried on board the aircraft during commercial flights to prove the operator's statutory authority.
5. Noise Certificate (NC)
The noise certificate verifies that the aircraft meets the noise standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the DGCA. It is important for environmental compliance and must be carried on board the aircraft as proof that the aircraft is not violating noise emission limits.
6. Flight Manual (FM)
The flight manual provides detailed operational information about the aircraft, including performance data, operating limitations, and procedures. It serves as a reference for the flight crew during normal and emergency operations. The manual must be kept on the aircraft and accessible during all flights.
7. Operations Manual (OP)
The operations manual outlines the policies and procedures for operating the aircraft safely and efficiently. It includes guidelines for various scenarios, including safety procedures, emergency protocols, and crew coordination. This manual is critical to the overall management of the flight and must be carried on the aircraft.
8. Cabin Crew Manual (CCM)
The cabin crew manual contains specific instructions and procedures for the duties of the cabin crew, including safety protocols, emergency evacuation procedures, and passenger service guidelines. It is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and must be kept on the aircraft for all flights involving the cabin crew.
9. Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) specifies the minimum working equipment required for safe operation. It lists items that allow the aircraft to fly safely even if inoperative. The MEL must be carried on board the aircraft to ensure that the aircraft can legally operate if some equipment is not functioning.
10. Weight and Balance Record
The weight and balance record provides details about the loading and balance of the aircraft, ensuring that it operates within safe weight limits. This record helps maintain the stability of the aircraft during flight and must be carried on board the aircraft to verify proper distribution of weight.
11. Journey Log Book or Equivalent Documents Approved by DGCA
The travel logbook records essential information about each flight, including flight time, crew details, fuel consumption and maintenance. This document must be up to date and must be carried on board the aircraft to provide an accurate operational history of the aircraft.
12. Appropriate licence for cabin crew members
Each cabin crew member must carry their valid licence, which confirms their qualifications and fitness to perform their duties. This ensures that all personnel on board the aircraft are legally authorised and trained to operate the aircraft safely.
13. Aeromobile Radio Operation Licence
The Aeromobile Radio Operation Licence is issued for the use of radio communication equipment on board the aircraft. It ensures that the aircraft radio operators are legally authorised to use the equipment in compliance with national and international communication regulations.
14. Cockpit Checklist and Emergency Checklist
Cockpit checklist and emergency checklist provide step-by-step procedures for normal and emergency operations. These checklists help the crew manage various flight scenarios and should be available on the aircraft unless they are part of the flight manual.
15. Certificate of Release for Service/ Certificate of Flight Release to Service/ Maintenance Release to Service
The Certificate of Release for Service is issued after maintenance or repair work, confirming that the aircraft is safe and ready for operations. This document must be carried on board the aircraft to verify that the aircraft has been properly serviced and is fit for flight.
Carrying these documents on board ensures that an aircraft registered in India complies with DGCA regulations and international standards. They cover various aspects of airworthiness, safety, operational readiness and legal compliance, assuring that the aircraft is fit for flight. By maintaining these documents, aircraft operators demonstrate their commitment to safe and lawful aviation practices.
