Become a Commercial Pilot

Becoming a pilot is always considered as a high-profile job in India and so as the training institutes are also keen to mould the best candidates with rigorous training programs.

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The civil aviation in India is growing at a rapid pace and is one among the top 10 aviation industry with market size of around $16 million. India is now on a mission to become the third-largest aviation market among the world. If you are looking for a career in the aviation industry, a private/commercial pilot job would be a fair idea.

Becoming a pilot is always considered as a high-profile job in India and so as the training institutes are also keen to mould the best candidates with rigorous training programs. India hosts a number of premier flight training institutions which are at par in giving training to the candidates according to the changing demands of the aviation industry.

Pilot Training

To become a pilot, the candidate must achieve the necessary skills on self-confidence, judgement, leadership and hand-eye coordination from training. Candidates who are able to learn successfully to manipulate an aircraft’s flight controls enough to safely handle it.

Physical fitness is also a major factor from training to becoming a pilot. Even after getting the licence, one is required to maintain the level of physical fitness and medical standards. Discipline is another major quality one must possess to become a pilot. To stay medically and physically fit, one must control their lifestyle, diet etc. as these can be achieved only if disciplined.

A pilot is accountable for the people on board including the crew and the aircraft. And the job requires knowledge of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, handling and controlling of sophisticated electronic & mechanical controls, leading the crew and passengers under unexpected climatic conditions or emergency. A commercial pilot training cost in India ranges from 25 – 40 lakhs.

Role of DGCA

The Director General of Civil Aviation is the authority responsible for the civil aviation sector in the country. The body deals with civil aircraft, certification, licencing of air carriers and personals, formulation and regulation of laws and amendments, etc. All the pilot training institutes in India are fully regulated by the DGCA (The Aircraft Rules, 1937), as per Civil Aviation Rules (CAR).

View all 32 Government of india approved pilot training institutes

Private Pilot License (PPL)

The Pilot Licence course is of 18-month duration and students who have passed 10 th from any recognised board or university or equivalent exam are eligible for getting admission. The commercial pilot eligibility will be further evaluated through relevant entrance exam and subsequent round of interviews. They should be self-confident, responsible, committed, disciplined, punctual and have good patience.

A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) grants the candidate to act as a pilot-in-charge of a private or non-commercial aircraft. The PPL can be utilized to fly for entertainment or side interest.

This licence is suited for flying devotees or individuals who operates an individual aircraft. To get the licence, the candidate must pass all the examination mentioned by DGCA and have an experience of flying an aircraft for 40 hours.

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

A commercial pilot Licence gives the candidate to act as the pilot of an aircraft and get paid for his/her work. After obtaining CPL, the candidate can find a job in Government or private, domestic or international airlines. A commercial pilot is the most rewarding job in the aviation industry. Promotions will be awarded based on the experience and performance of the individual. To obtain the licence, the candidate must clear all the exams mentioned by DGCA and should have 200 hours of flying an aircraft.

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Choosing a Flying training (CPL Training) institute

In India, there are around 32 flying training institutions which are approved by the Directorial General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body of the civil aviation sector. There are certain factors which should be considered while choosing a flying training institute for you. This will allow you to get into the best institute, according to your career need and future plans.

Commercial pilot training courses are generally expensive and hence utmost importance should be given when choosing the institute and their fee structure. Choosing an institute which provides training on traditional aircrafts over sophisticated ones will give you more concrete knowledge on the working of an aircraft and its related systems. As the air traffic in India and around the world are increasing day-by-day, pilots perform vital service in air transportation. To perform it error free, pilot candidates must undergo extensive training and acquire enough experience. And candidates who have got enough training with a traditional aircraft will be able to handle an aircraft well on an emergency or an adverse situation arrives.

On hiring new candidates, airline companies not just look at your academic skills or the flying hours you have completed while training, but the necessary skills you require to fly a commercial aircraft safely as well. Leadership skills, quick thinking and decision making are the most important skill a candidate should acquire at the time of training.

It is advisable to consider the basic things like food, travel and accommodation while joining the academy of your choice. Physical fitness is also important in qualifying for the admission to flying training. Food should be given the utmost care and proper hygiene is required to prevent getting caught by any diseases.

Future of Pilot Licence holders

So far, there is a shortage of more than 1,000 pilots in various airlines and airports. As the industry is growing, the carriers are in talks with manufacturing companies to buy in more aircraft. This will also create massive job opportunities for commercial pilots. And since the air traffic around the world is increasing day-by-day, this will also create more job opportunities abroad as well. So, if you have the passion and right skills to become a commercial pilot, then you are on the right path to acquire the essential skills to kickstart your career and the live the life of your dreams.

Despite from getting a pilot job, you can also join any Flying Training Organisation (FTO) and become a trainer there. It is also a well paying and reputed job in India and abroad.

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View all 32 Government of india approved institutes

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). A CPL is required if you intend to obtain work as a pilot.

It depends on you. A private pilot licence typically takes 40-50 hours of flight time. A commercial pilot licence will take 200-250 hours of flight time. There is no set number of lessons or hours of flight training. Your instructor must make sure you have learned to perform certain maneuvers before allowing you to solo. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings. You must use good judgment when flying and be able to keep control of the aircraft. Also, you'll have to get a medical certificate and a student pilot's certificate to fly solo. At the same time, to obtain the commercial pilot licence, the candidate must clear all the exams mentioned by DGCA and should have 200 hours of flying an aircraft.

You need to be of good health to obtain a pilot medical. The requirements for each medical are different, with the commercial pilot licence (CPL) being more strict. If you have any known medical conditions, or any reason to suspect you may have issues obtaining a medical, you should consult a DGCA approved Medical Examiner prior to commencing your training.

This question about cost is a tricky one, because there are a lot of variables to flight training, including the type of school, the type of aircraft and avionics used, how long it takes you to complete training, whether you’ll need to pay for housing or training materials, and various extras that may or may not be included in the projected cost.

Minimum qualification required to commence Pilot training program is 10+2 with Maths and Physics. Medical clearance to be obtained from DGCA appointed medical examiner. Minimum Age to commence Pilot Training is 18 years.

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Career as a Pilot in India

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