India’s aviation regulatory framework differentiates between scheduled airlines (which operate fixed routes on published timetables) and non-scheduled operators (which operate on demand, for charter or private clients). The Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) is the licence required for the latter category.
What Is an NSOP?
A Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) is a permit issued by the DGCA that authorises an aviation company or individual to operate non-scheduled air transport services in India. This includes:
- Domestic charter services (carrying passengers for hire within India)
- International charter services (for Indian-registered operators flying internationally)
- Aerial work operations (photography, survey, crop dusting)
- Air ambulance operations
Note: Foreign-registered aircraft operating charter services into India do not require an NSOP — they require per-flight landing permits. The NSOP applies to Indian-registered operators.
Who Needs an NSOP?
Any entity in India that wishes to operate non-scheduled air transport commercially requires an NSOP before commencing operations. This includes:
- Charter aircraft companies offering aircraft and crew for hire
- Corporate aviation departments that charge internal departments
- Air ambulance operators
- Business jet management companies who commercially operate client aircraft
Categories of NSOP
DGCA issues NSOPs in different categories based on the type of operations:
| Category | Operation Type |
|---|---|
| Category A | Piston-engine aircraft operations |
| Category B | Turboprop aircraft operations |
| Category C | Fixed-wing jet aircraft operations |
| Category D | Helicopter operations |
An operator conducting jet aircraft charters requires a Category C NSOP.
NSOP Application Requirements
The NSOP application is submitted to the DGCA Air Transport Division. Requirements include:
- Company registration and articles of association
- Aircraft details (registration, C of A, lease or ownership documents)
- Proof of financial viability (audited accounts, bank guarantee)
- Approved Operations Manual (OM) per DGCA requirements
- Approved Maintenance Programme
- Qualified nominated persons (Accountable Manager, Safety Manager, etc.)
- Insurance documentation
- Premises and operations base documentation
The NSOP Approval Process
- Application submission — complete package to DGCA Air Transport Division
- Document review — DGCA reviews all submitted documents
- Inspection — DGCA conducts a pre-certification inspection of the operator’s facilities, aircraft, and systems
- Provisional approval — operator may be granted provisional NSOP to begin operations in limited scope
- Full NSOP issuance — after satisfactory initial operations under provisional status
- Validity — NSOPs are renewed periodically; operators must maintain continuous compliance
Ongoing Compliance for NSOP Holders
Holding an NSOP is not a one-time achievement — it requires continuous regulatory compliance:
- Regular DGCA inspections of operations, maintenance, and training
- Annual renewal submissions
- Reporting of incidents and accidents to DGCA
- Maintaining approved Accountable Manager and post-holders
- Operations within the scope of the approved Operations Manual
Aileron Air’s Regulatory and Compliance Assistance service provides ongoing compliance support for NSOP holders, including preparing for DGCA audits and maintaining documentation currency.
NSOP vs. Landing Permit: Key Difference
| NSOP | Landing Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Indian-registered charter operators | Foreign-registered aircraft (any purpose) |
| Issued by | DGCA | DGCA / MoCA |
| Validity | Ongoing (with renewals) | Per-flight or per-period |
| Scope | Ongoing commercial non-scheduled ops in India | Specific flights only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a foreign company obtain an NSOP in India?
A: Foreign companies can establish an Indian subsidiary and apply for an NSOP through that entity, subject to foreign investment regulations in Indian civil aviation. Direct foreign operator NSOPs are not issued.
Q: How long does the NSOP approval process take?
A: The NSOP process typically takes 3-6 months from application to full approval, depending on the completeness of the application and DGCA’s current workload.
Q: Does Aileron Air assist with NSOP applications?
A: Yes. Aileron Air’s compliance team assists charter operators with preparing NSOP applications, Operations Manual development, and the DGCA inspection process. Contact us for a consultation.
Navigating DGCA regulatory requirements? Aileron Air’s Regulatory and Compliance Assistance team is here to help. Enquire now.
