India's aviation regulator proposes expanding MRO approval rules to include electric aircraft engines

Key facts

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a notice dated October 26, 2026, invited comments by November 1 on proposed changes to its Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR)-145 governing approval of aircraft maintenance organisations.
• Under the proposal, MRO firms servicing electric engines that power aircraft propellers or rotors would be covered under a new engine maintenance approval category designated B4, outside existing classifications for turbine engines, piston engines and auxiliary power units.
• The draft specifies that electric engines used to generate aircraft thrust or lift should come under B4 rather than the component category covering electrical power and lights.
• A new component approval category designated C23 'Others' is proposed for equipment that does not fit existing classifications, including components used in innovative aircraft designs and systems.
• The draft also adds guidance on sharing relevant safety-related occurrence reports with the design approval holder of an aircraft or component to help issue appropriate service instructions and recommendations.