DGCA Form 19, Form 28 & Key Aviation Documents: A Complete Guide for Indian Aviation Aspirants
If you’re stepping into the world of Indian aviation — whether as a pilot, aircraft owner, AME student, or aviation entrepreneur — you’ll quickly learn something important:
Aviation runs not only on technology and skill, but also on correct paperwork and regulatory discipline.
Talking about the most important documents in the Indian aviation sector, we come across the DGCA Form 28 and the DGCA Form 19, which are used for two major facilities supporting the legal side of flying and maintaining aircraft in India respectively — aircraft registration and licensing of AMEs.
This guide comes up with the simplest and most practical way to explain them.
Why These DGCA Forms Matter
The Indian aviation industry is growing at a tremendous pace — new airlines, more pilots needed, more private aircraft owners, and fast developing MRO facilities. This growth is accompanied by stricter compliance and safety measures.
The DGCA forms:
- Grant legal ownership and registration of the aircraft
- Certify the capability of maintenance engineers
- Be the base for air safety and regulation tracing
- These forms ensure traceability, regulatory compliance, and safety oversight for all aviation stakeholders
- Aid aspiring AMEs and aviation professionals in building genuine careers
In case you are serious about your aviation journey, knowing these forms is a must — it’s a foundation.
DGCA Form CA-28: Aircraft Registration Form
The CA-28 form is what officially brings an aircraft into the Indian registry. Registration is required before operations.
Purpose of Form CA-28
- Register an aircraft in India
- Assign Indian registration marks (like VT-ABC)
- Support airworthiness certification later
- Facilitate legal registration of aircraft and record ownership.
Who Uses It?
- Private aircraft owners
- Airlines & charter operators
- Flying clubs & training academies
- Financiers/Leasing companies importing aircraft
Information Required
| Category | Details |
| Aircraft identity | Manufacturer, model, serial number, year |
| Ownership details | Individual or company ownership, nationality |
| Import/previous registry | Deregistration certificate (if foreign aircraft) |
| Supporting documents | Invoice, customs clearance, ID proofs, lease papers |
Pro-Tips
- Keep all import/lease paperwork aligned — DGCA checks everything
- Ensure aircraft serial & engine numbers match documents
- Store photocopies and digital copies of all papers — aviation audits are strict
This form eventually leads to the Certificate of Registration (CoR) — your aircraft’s legal identity.
DGCA Form 19 Series: AME Licensing & Technical Competency
The CA-19 form series is equally important for India’s technical aviation workforce. These forms manage the training, approval, renewal, and documentation of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under CAR-66 standards.
Think of it as the official record of your technical credibility in aviation.
Important CA-19 Forms & Their Role
| Form No. | Purpose |
| CA-19-01 | Application for initial AME license |
| CA-19-02 | Adding aircraft type/category ratings |
| CA-19-03 | Renewal of AME license |
| CA-19-05 | Issue of duplicate license (loss/damage) |
| CA-19-06 | Medical fitness form for AME |
| CA-19-10 | AME logbook/work record format |
Why They Matter
- Verify your training & aircraft experience
- Keep your license active and valid
- Display your eligibility to certify aircraft work
- Build trust with DGCA, airlines, and MRO companies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect aircraft type log entries
- Missing signatures/stamps in logbook
- Delayed license renewal
- Not maintaining digital backup of documents
Expert Tip
Maintain your work records daily — do not wait until a renewal date approaches. A clean logbook and properly filled forms make approvals smooth and stress-free.
Other Aviation Documents You Should Know Too
Beyond Forms 28 and 19, aviation professionals will eventually handle:
