For some, it is an intense desire to have a gratifying career, whereas for others it is a childhood dream to be amidst the clouds. You can achieve this dream by becoming a commercial pilot as it is one of the most thrilling and rewarding careers. The career offers unmatched job satisfaction, financial rewards, and the chance to travel the world. This comprehensive and step-by-step guide to how to become a commercial pilot in India after 12th grade will help you in getting started.
Who is a Commercial Pilot?
A commercial pilot is a professionally trained aviator certified to operate aircraft for hire or compensation. A career as a commercial pilot in India is not just limited to flying passengers on commercial airlines. They may also operate charter flights, cargo planes, or work as flight instructors.
Steps to Become a Commercial Pilot in India
Choosing to be a commercial pilot in India is among the most fun and well-paid professions which you can get into even without a college degree. Achieve your dream and become a commercial pilot ready for hire within General Aviation or Indian Airlines in just 10 steps.
- Meet the Eligibility for Commercial Pilot in India
The very first stage would be checking whether you meet the following criteria. These are the general requirements that need to be met before applying for a CPL course in India. It might slightly vary as per different pilot training institutes in India.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 17 years old to begin pilot training and 18 to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Educational Qualification
You need to have completed your 10+2 education with Physics, Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects. If you don’t have these subjects in your education, you can take an open school exam from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) in these subjects to meet the criteria.
Physical Requirements
| Physical Requirement | Male | Female |
| BMI or Body Mass Index | 18.5 to 25 | 18.5 to 25 |
| Hearing | Good hearing and no hearing loss above 20 decibels in each ear | Good hearing and no hearing loss above 20 decibels in each ear |
| Colour Vision | Normal | Normal |
| Visual Acuity (with prescription glasses, if any) | 6/6 vision per eye without any correction | 6/6 vision per eye without any correction |
| General Fitness | Good physical fitness and health, with no major medical condition which can impair the capability to fly safely | Good physical fitness and health, with no major medical condition which can impair the capability to fly safely |
Medical Fitness
Pilots need to be in excellent health to ensure the safety of passengers. To ensure pilots are fit to fly, annual medical assessments are mandatory, starting with the Class 2 medical exam. This exam involves several tests (of vision, hearing, and overall physical fitness) detailed on the DGCA website. All DGCA-approved doctors conduct these evaluations. To locate a nearby doctor, simply visit the official DGCA website.
- Enrol in a Flying School
Choosing the right flying school is crucial as it sets the foundation for your career. Several DGCA-approved flying schools offer a commercial pilot course in India.
At a flying school, you will first earn your Student Pilot License (SPL), which allows you to fly under the supervision of an instructor. From there, you will move on to more intensive flight training to build your hours and work toward earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) and then your CPL.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Flight School
- Reputation of the School
- Student-to-Instructor Ratio
- Number of Airplanes
- Location
- Facilities
- Faculty
- Your Budget
- Career Opportunities
Training Duration
Typically, the duration of pilot training in India can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months, depending on weather conditions, aircraft availability, and your personal schedule. However, some students may complete it faster by being consistent with their training.
- Generate Computer Number
Securing a computer number is a crucial part of your pilot training journey. Think of it as a unique identifier that the DGCA uses to recognize you. Since the process can be quite complex and overwhelming, many academies, including ours, offer assistance in obtaining it to ensure a smooth start to your training.
- Complete Ground School Training
Being a pilot isn’t just about flying. Ground school training provides you with the theoretical knowledge needed to handle any situation you may face while flying. Passing the exams associated with these subjects is mandatory to receive your CPL. During your ground school training, you will study subjects like:
- Air Navigation
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Regulation
- Technical General + Specific
- Radio Telephony (RTR)
- Accumulate Flying Hours
To earn your CPL, you need to log a minimum of 200 flying hours. During this phase, you’ll also work on honing your skills, learning the ins and outs of managing an aircraft under different conditions, and practising essential manoeuvres. These hours are broken down into various types of flying, including:
- Solo flights
- Cross-country flights
- Night flying
- Instrument flying (where you rely on aircraft instruments due to poor visibility)
- Class 1 Medical Fitness
Class 1 medical exams are more rigorous, requiring regular health assessments and tests to ensure that a pilot’s physical and mental well-being meets the required standards. You can find a complete list of medical tests and approved doctors on the official DGCA website.
- Passing the DGCA Exams
The DGCA is the governing body for civil aviation in India, and you must pass their written exams to qualify as a commercial pilot. Along with passing these exams, you must also clear the DGCA’s Class 1 Medical Examination as mentioned earlier. Once all exams and medicals are cleared, and you have accumulated the required flying hours, you are eligible to apply for your CPL.
- Obtain Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Once you’ve completed your training, logged 200 flight hours, and passed your DGCA exams, you can apply for your Indian DGCA pilot license. Your CPL is your key to a career in aviation. With this license, you can start applying for jobs with airlines, charter companies, or cargo operators.
But wait, there’s more! Many airlines in India require pilots to have a Type Rating, a certification to fly specific types of aircraft (like an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737). This additional training is often done after you receive your CPL.
- Type Rating and Airline Training
Type Rating is a specialised certification that allows you to fly specific aircraft models. It is usually done after obtaining your CPL and is a requirement for getting hired by airlines. While it may seem like an added step, Type Rating is a valuable investment in your career, opening doors to flying advanced aircraft.
- Begin Your Career as a Commercial Pilot
Congratulations! After earning your CPL and Type Rating, you’re ready to begin your career as a commercial pilot. You can apply to airlines, private charter companies, or cargo operators. Many pilots also choose to advance their careers by becoming flight instructors or moving into senior positions within airlines, such as captain or even airline management.
To Wrap Up
Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It requires meeting the pilot license requirements in India, dedication, discipline, and the right training. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to earning your wings and starting your career in the aviation industry.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a commercial pilot, Redbird Flying Training Academy is here to help. As one of the best flying schools in India, we offer comprehensive programs that guide you through every stage of your training from obtaining your SPL to completing your Type Rating. Our state-of-the-art facilities, experienced instructors, and proven track record make us the go-to choice for aspiring pilots. Enrol today and start your journey to the skies!
FAQs
Q1. What is the salary of a commercial pilot in India per month?
You can start out as a Junior First Officer right out after the academy and earn a paycheck somewhere between Rs.1.5 to Rs.2 Lakhs per month.
Q2. What is the retirement age of commercial pilots in India?
The career of a pilot is a long one with the chance at promotions and stable income until the age of 65.
Q3. Are commercial pilot jobs in demand?
India’s aviation industry is booming, with the demand for skilled pilots rising every year due to increasing air traffic and expanding airline fleets.
Q4. How to get a commercial pilot license in India?
To get a commercial pilot in India, start by checking whether you meet the eligibility criteria and then apply for a CPL course where you get trained. Upon finishing your ground and flying training, clear the medical 1 and DGCA exams to apply for the CPL.
Q5. How much does it cost to become a pilot?
The average commercial pilot training cost in India typically falls between Rs. 35 to 40 Lakhs, covering both ground school and flight training expenses.