Do you dream of flying too? Does the holler of plane engines mesmerize your ears? Then Yes, the career of a Pilot definitely suites your armor. A lavishing career with free travel across the globe and a high salary too!
But, before you get lost in your sky-dreams. You must know the accurate eligibility criteria and requirements to become a Pilot. Also, you must be aware of the life grudging expenses that’ll you need to put inn to your aviation career.
So, read below to know more- know accurate!
How to Become a Pilot in India?
Broadly, there are two paths for you to step into the aviation world as a Pilot. They are as below:
Route 1: Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot);
Route 2: Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)
Let’s take a closer look at both to understand how to become a Pilot in India.
Route 1: Civil Aviation/ Commercial Pilot
The minimum age to apply for Pilot License, are as follows:
- Student Pilot License –16 years
- Private Pilot License –17 years
- Commercial Pilot License is –18 years
A)Obtain a Student Pilot License
To obtain a student pilot license, you would have to appear for an entrance examination.
- It consists of an Oral test and will be taken by the Chief Instructor at the School
- Or, it can also be taken by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) representative.
This license allows you to get flying training. It also provides permits to take off flights on gliders or small planes. These are generally provided by approved flying clubs of the country.
By the time you complete your course- You should have completed a minimum of 250 flying hours, following which you can apply for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
B)Become a Private Pilot in India
Minimum educational qualification: Candidate should have completed 10th board exam (or equivalent) from a recognised board.
Medical certificate: Candidate must have Class 2 Medical certificate. Should be medically fit as per the DGCA guidelines.
Flying experience: The candidate should have at least 40 hours of flying time (as a pilot) under his/her belt. Flying training can be obtained from a reputed and recognised flying school.
The particulars regarding flying training have been provided below –
C) Acquire Commercial Pilot License in India
A Commercial Pilot is a pilot who flies a specific aircraft type for an airline and holds a commercial pilot certificate issued by an authority.
- In India, the authority is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Being a commercial pilot comes with a lot of responsibility. Taking aircrafts from point A to point B in the fastest and the safest way possible.
So, if you wish to enter this career path, or know someone who does, you are at the right place.
Subject Requirements to Become a Commercial Pilot
Educational requirements- To pursue Aviation as a career, you need to opt for science stream.
- Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry being compulsory subjects.
- If you do not have Physics and Math’s in your higher secondary, then after completing or alongside that you have the option of doing these two subjects from National Institute of open Schooling.
And, later begin your Pilot training course that permits you to take off flights approved by various flying clubs.
Entrance Examinations to Become a Commercial Pilot
The admission to a pilot training course happens through a set entrance procedures. And, includes a written test, medical examination, and an interview.
Please note: A minimum of 50% is required in class 12th to join a flying school.
How Do You Become a Commercial Airline Pilot in India?
Following are the steps you need to take in order to become a commercial pilot:
Step 1. Enroll in a Flying School and Pursue B.Sc. in Aviation
This admission procedure generally consists of the following:
Written Examination– The test consists of general English, Math’s, Physics and Reasoning (10+2 standard).
Pilot Aptitude Test- The test will assess your aptitude on Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft and Engine Knowledge
Personal Interview and DGCA Medical examination- The candidates succeeding in written examination and aptitude test will be required to take a medical assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.
- The candidate must be medically fit as per DGCA Class 2 medical assessment rules.
- For getting eligible for CPL, the candidates must complete 200 hours of flying.
- Passing theory paper is also mandatory to apply for CPL.
- Therefore, students need to clear the examination conduction by various aviation academics to get trained for acquiring CPL.
Some of the leading institutes for pursuing an Aviation course:
● Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareilly
● Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Kerala
● National Flying Training Institute, Gondia
● Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai
● Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd., Ahmedabad
Note: Every institute has their respective specifications. They concerning physical fitness, and eyesight specifically.
Commercial Helicopter Pilots
- The ones who need to fly a helicopter need to have Commercial Helicopter Pilot License or CPL (H).
- The license can be acquired after completing the formal training for prescribed hours and clearing exams on aviation subjects.
The career prospects for Helicopter flyers are more. Also, they have better chances to be recruited by large enterprises. They can also be taken up by helicopter companies, Public Sector Organisations, Security or Protective Agencies.
But, here’s the golden secret that no one mentions to you!
Before you fly an Indigo airplane, you need to get an Airline Transport Pilot License.
• Commercial ones can not fly AIRLINE planes without a TYPE RATING which is equally necessary.
So, the requirement goes in this order:
| 1) Commercial Pilot License It as per above mentioned steps. Once you clear all your DGCA exams and Interview. You will receive your Commercial Pilot License. After, you can move on thinking about getting into Airlines. But, be ready to bear the same (less or more nearly) cost twice again! | 2) TYPE RATING on a particular aircraft It is the type rating that depends on the airline and aircraft factors based on which type of rating will be given. One must bear the expenses for the type rating. | 3) Airline Transport Pilot License Get an ATPL (Air Transport Pilot License) for which one needs to have a fly time of 1500 hours. Most Airlines, after you acquire your proper Type rating, provide you with training on their aircraft itself. But again, they will charge you heavily for the same. |
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A Commercial Pilot: Salary Packages
Given below are the salary details of Commercial flyers in India.
- A fresher has chances to earn around Rs.10 to 15 lakh per annum depending upon the airlines.
- Senior commercial pilots working with reputed airlines earn Rs.65 lakh to Rs.1 crore per annum.
Take the alternative, cheaper step. Join Indian AirForce!
People who are passionate to serve the nation can opt for the courses that provide defence license.
Most valuable part of getting into a course which will give out the defence license is it is free.
- Also, successful completion of the training, one will be paid well.
- If the candidate is considered to be efficient, they may be paid during the training period as well.
In this part, we talked about the first Category.
Let’s look at the second route/method here.
How to become a Pilot in India? (II)
Lastly, I would like to add that, no one field is better than the other. Just follow your dream.
Both the fields would require you to possess good decision-making skills, perseverance and the ability to understand and cope with abnormal situations.
So, if you are determined, and possess these qualities, then I would encourage you to think of making a career in this field and fly in 3-Dimensional space.
Best of luck for your career!
Thank You.
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