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Mastering the RTR: A Guide for Pilots and International Conversions

In the aviation world, effective communication is the backbone of safe and efficient operations. Whether you’re navigating congested airspace or coordinating with ground control, clear and precise communication can make all the difference. This is where the Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical), or RTR (A), comes into play—a crucial license for aspiring pilots in India.

The RTR (A) certification, issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is a mandatory requirement for any pilot who wishes to operate radios onboard an aircraft. This license not only verifies your ability to handle radio communication equipment but also ensures you’re well-versed in aviation phraseology, standard communication protocols, and handling emergencies.

RTR Conversion for Pilots: Commonwealth vs. Non-Commonwealth

Pilots with an RTR license from other countries must convert it to meet Indian regulations. The process varies based on the license’s origin:

 

  • Commonwealth Countries: The conversion is simpler due to similar regulatory frameworks. Typically, you’ll only need to pass an oral exam conducted by India’s WPC Wing to demonstrate familiarity with local airspace procedures.

     

  • Non-Commonwealth Countries: The process is more rigorous, often requiring you to pass both written and oral RTR (A) exams. Additional training may be needed to align with Indian aviation standards.

     

Understanding Indian airspace protocols and communication practices is crucial for a smooth conversion, ensuring compliance and effective communication in Indian skies. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the essentials of RTR—what it is, why it’s important, and how you can ace the examination to add this indispensable qualification to your aviation career.

RTR(A)

  • Part I and Part II
    1. Part I = Question Paper of 100 marks eg. VT-ABC
    2. Part II = 100 marks where 60 marks WPC; 40 marks DGCA
    3. Need 50% to pass

  • Validity – Lifetime (10,000 INR)

  • FRTOL issuance based on RTR(A) license

  • Cost 
    1. 30,000-50,000= RTR Coaching
    2. 500= Exam Fees
    3. 10,000= License Fees
      TOTAL 40,500-60,500 INR

RTR(C)

  • Foreign FRTOL eg. ROC-A

  • Indian RTR exam Part I only 

  • Validity – Based on the validity of Foreign FRTOL (eg 5 yrs/ 20 yrs)

  • Cost –
    1.  300+300 CAD=600 CAD= 37000 INR ( Travel & Accomodation extra)
    2. 50,000 INR coaching
    3. License fees as applicable 
      1. TOTAL = 87,000 INR

RTR(P)

Foreign CPL + Foreign FRTOL + Foreign RTR

  • NO INDIAN EXAM NEEDED
  • Validity – Based on foreign RTR & FRTOL(eg. 5 yrs/20 yrs/ lifetime)
  • Cost –

      a. 300+500=800 CAD= 49000 INR (Travel & Accomodation extra)

      b.6000 INR Canadian Medical

      c.300$ Shipping of Canadian license

      d.Indian license fees as applicable 

      e.TOTAL 80,000 INR

 

  • Please NOTE that Canadian license needs to be sent to a local canada address. It is preferred to have a canadian address for candidate (relatives etc).