Becoming a pilot is a dream many students nurture, especially after completing their 12th grade. The thrill of flying, the prestige of the profession, and the numerous opportunities in both commercial and defence aviation make it one of the most sought-after career paths in India. If you’re someone who has just finished school and is wondering about the steps to become a pilot in India, this blog is your complete guide.

In this post, we will break down the entire process of how to become a pilot after 12th, from understanding the basic requirements to how much it costs to become a pilot, so you can embark on your journey with confidence. And if you’re looking for a trusted aviation training partner, stay tuned till the end for some expert recommendations. 

Pilot Career Options in India: Types of Pilots You Can Become

Becoming a pilot doesn’t limit you to just one career path. There are various specialisations within aviation that you can explore based on your interests, skill level, and goals. Here’s a look at some of the primary types of pilots:

1. Commercial Airline Pilot

This is the most popular route for aspiring pilots. Commercial airline pilots operate flights for major carriers transporting passengers on domestic and international routes. To pursue this path, you’ll need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and, eventually, a Type Rating for specific aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

1. Corporate Pilot

Corporate pilots operate flights for private corporations and business executives typically flying small jets or turboprop aircraft. This role requires a CPL and often specific Type Ratings for business jets.

1. Flight Instructor

Flight instructors are certified pilots who train other aspiring pilots. A Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) is required to teach in this role and many pilots choose to become instructors before moving on to other roles in aviation.

1. Military Pilot

Military pilots serve in the Indian Armed Forces (Air Force, Navy, or Army) and operate aircraft like fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes. To become a military pilot, one must qualify for exams such as the NDA or CDSE and undergo rigorous training at defence academies. 

1. Private Pilot

Private pilots fly primarily for personal enjoyment or recreational purposes and are not compensated for their services. They operate under a Private Pilot License (PPL) which is typically less demanding in terms of hours and regulations compared to a CPL.

How to Become a Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide 

1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you rush to enrol in a flight school, let’s start with the eligibility for pilot training in India. The criteria might vary slightly depending on the academy you opt for, however, the general requirements are as follows:

• Age: You must be at least 17 years old or above to start your pilot training.
• Educational Qualifications: After completing your 12th standard, it’s mandatory to have a background in Science (Physics, English, and Mathematics) with a minimum of 50% marks. If you didn’t take these subjects in school, don’t worry. You can still appear for exams via open schooling (NIOS) to meet this requirement.
• Medical Fitness: You’ll need to undergo a Class 2 medical examination by a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)authorised medical examiner. Later, you’ll need a Class 1 medical certificate to obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This test ensures that your vision, hearing, and general health are up to the mark for the profession.

1. Choose Between Two Main Routes: Civil or Defense Aviation

• Commercial Pilot: If you want to work with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, or Emirates, this is the path for you. You will need to earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Defence Pilot: If your dream is to fly fighter jets, transport planes, or helicopters in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, or Army, you’ll need to clear entrance exams like NDA (National Defence Academy) or CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination). 

In this blog, we’ll focus more on the commercial pilot route, as it’s the more popular option for students after the 12th.

1. Enrol in a DGCA-Approved Flight Training Academy

There are several reputed schools across India and it’s crucial to pick the right one for your training. Some key factors to consider when choosing a flight school:

• Location: A good academy should offer weather conditions conducive to flying. Regions with fewer weather disruptions mean more consistent flight hours.
• Infrastructure: Make sure the academy has a modern fleet of training aircraft and a well-maintained runway. This ensures you get real-world exposure to the challenges of flying.

• Reputation: Seek out alumni reviews, check the academy’s placement record, and inquire about their overall reputation in the industry.

1. Pilot training in India: Ground School + Flying Training 

Ground school is where you learn the theory behind flying. Ground training typically lasts 8-10 months. Subjects covered include:

• Air Navigation: Learn how to chart a flight path and understand the fundamentals of navigating in the skies.
• Meteorology: Get familiar with weather patterns and how they affect flying conditions.
• Air Regulations: Study the laws and guidelines that govern aviation both in India and internationally.
• Technical General: Understand the inner workings of an aircraft, its engine, and its operational systems.
• Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR): You are taught the understanding of radio communication procedures, terminology, and your ability to maintain control and calm during emergencies during this part. 

Flight training is where you will gain the practical skills needed to fly an aircraft. You must log a minimum of 200 flying hours (including solo and instructor-supervised flights) to qualify for the CPL. During your training, you’ll learn:

• Solo Flights: Flying alone will give you the confidence to handle an aircraft by yourself.
• Cross-Country Flights: This part of the training will teach you how to navigate over longer distances.
• Night Flying: Learn to fly in low visibility and gain experience in using your instruments.

1. Clear the DGCA Exams

To officially obtain your CPL, you need to pass a series of exams conducted by the DGCA. These exams test your knowledge of the subjects you studied in the ground school, as well as your flying ability. RFTA provides in-depth preparation sessions for the DGCA exams, ensuring you’re fully equipped to pass with flying colours.

1. Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Once you’ve successfully completed your flight training and cleared the DGCA exams, you will be issued your Commercial Pilot License. With a CPL in hand, you are eligible to apply for pilot jobs with airlines or pursue further advanced training like a Type Rating course, which certifies you to fly specific aircraft models.

1. Pursue Advanced Certifications and Type Ratings

To enhance your career prospects, you may want to pursue additional certifications like:

• Instrument Rating (IR): Allows you to fly in all weather conditions.
• Multi-Engine Rating (MER): Enables you to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
• Type Rating: Required to fly specific aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

To Sum Up

The journey to becoming a pilot is challenging, but with the right training and guidance, it can be incredibly rewarding. At Redbird Flight Training Academy, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality aviation training in India. As one of the best flying schools in India, we ensure that our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their aviation careers. We invite you to explore our various pilot training programs, including the highly sought-after Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Type Rating courses. 

FAQs 

Q1. How much money is required to become a pilot?

The cost of pilot training in India generally ranges between Rs.25–50 Lakhs, depending on the flight school and additional certifications required.

Q2. How to become an Emirates pilot?

To become a pilot with Emirates, you generally need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with significant flight experience, often as a first officer with another airline. Emirates has specific requirements for experience and ratings so it’s advisable to check their official pilot recruitment page for the latest qualifications.

Q3. What are the best courses to become a pilot in India?

The most recognized courses in India are the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Private Pilot License (PPL) programs, often followed by advanced ratings or airline-specific training programs.

Q4. How many years does it take to become a pilot after 12th?

On average, it takes 1-2 years to complete training and earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after finishing 12th grade. This duration depends on factors such as weather, scheduling, and the pace of individual progress.

Q5. What is the pilot salary in India?

Pilot salaries in India vary widely based on experience, type of aircraft, and employer. An entry-level commercial pilot earns around Rs.1.5 to Rs.2 Lakhs per month, while experienced captains can earn significantly more.

Q6. How to become a pilot after engineering?

Engineers can pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) by enrolling in a flight school, fulfilling the required flight hours, and passing DGCA exams, regardless of their previous engineering background.