How many of you have ever looked up at the sky when a plane flew overhead and wished for a feel behind it to be the pilot? Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a dream career for many aviation enthusiasts. This is not an easy profession; rather, if achieved, there are wonderful rewards too, such as feeling the thrills of flying, getting to visit new places, and receiving regular income. This dream will come into reality after pursuing commercial pilot courses in India.
This all-inclusive blog post will take you through the steps and requirements involved in becoming a commercial pilot in India. From educational qualifications to flight training and licensing, we’re here to provide you with everything you need to know about what it takes to embark on this exciting journey and to provide top courses for commercial pilot in India and their journey.
Topics covered
Overview of Commercial Pilot Course in India
A commercial pilot in India requires both academic qualifications, flight training, and licensing. Here’s how the process goes about step by step.
- Eligibility
- Medical Fitness
- Flight Training
- Licensing
- Career Opportunities
- Key Considerations
Academic Requirements
- 10+2: Minimum of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
- Medical Fitness: You are required to undergo a checkup by a licensed and designated aviation medical examiner who will ensure that you meet the physical and mental demands of flight.
Flight Training
- Private Pilot License (PPL): This is the preliminary training in flying. It consists of classes on the ground and actual practice flights to learn basic pilot skills.
- Commercial Pilot License: You can get a Commercial Pilot License if you have secured a Private Pilot License. This would entail more advanced training in instrument flying, multi-engine aircraft, and night flying.
- Type Rating: To pilot commercial aircraft such as Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, a type rating is usually required; specific training will be given for the aircraft in question.
Licensing
- DGCA Approval: The Indian licensing authority is DGCA. The issuance of pilot licenses falls upon the DGCA.
- Theoretical Exams and Practical Tests: You will be required to sit down to the written exams of aviation theory and practical flight tests to receive your CPL and type ratings.
Flight Experience
- Multi-Engine Hours: For a license to fly a commercial aircraft, you must have experienced multi-engine flight time.
- Total Flight Hours: You will also be needed to attain the required total flight hours which comprises solo time as well as dual instruction.
Airline Selection
- Applications: After getting your CPL plus type rating, you can apply to any airline for their pilot openings.
- Selection Process: Most of the airlines have a very selective process. This includes interviews, aptitude tests, and medical checkups.
Commercial Pilot Course After 12th: A Small Description
After the 12th, becoming a commercial pilot in India involves the following series of procedures followed:
- Qualifications: One must clear the 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
- Medical Fitness: One needs to undergo a medical checkup by an aviation medical examiner that ensures you are fit in both body and mind to fly.
- Flight Training: Join a premier flight training organization and meet the following requirements
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Type Rating in an aircraft of your choice- say, Boeing 737 or Airbus A320
- Licensing: Obtain your CPL along with type ratings from the DGCA after a series of written tests and flying practical tests
- Flight Experience: Achieve minimum flying hours, which includes multi-engine hours and solo hours.
- Airline Recruitment: Where the application for flying pilot posts, and subsequent selection processes, possibly including interviews, aptitude tests, and medical check-ups.
Top Colleges For Training of Commercial Pilot
The table contains information regarding the top colleges for pursuing commercial pilot courses in India.
INSTITUTES | LOCATION |
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA) | Multiple locations |
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy | Delhi |
Fly By Aviation | Kolkata |
Pioneer Flying Academy | Madhya Pradesh |
Aero Wings Aviation | Delhi |
Asian Academy of Aeronautics | Dehradun |
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) | Bangalore |
Government Flying Training School (GFTS) | various location |
Jet Airways Training Academy | Mumbai |
Detailed Explanation of the Salary of Commercial Pilot in India
The salary of a commercial pilot in India would vary appreciably, depending upon factors such as experience, type of airline, aircraft flown, and market conditions. Aspiring pilots must consider these factors while planning their careers so that they can enjoy the long-term rewards of flying experience and specialization.
Job Title | Salary Range (INR per month) |
Entry-Level Commercial Pilot | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000+ |
Mid-Level Commercial Pilot | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000+ |
Senior Commercial Pilot | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000+ |
Airline Captain | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000+ |
Overview of Course Fees
The commercial pilot course in India demands a lot of money. Students who wish to pursue this must, therefore, study the several training institutions very seriously as to what they charge them for services, which is often not clearly indicated, and weigh a full-time career prospect in this industry. In India, the CPL could vary in cost depending on numerous factors like the training institute, location, and nature of the course. This is between ₹5 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs or above.
Course Fee Break-up
- Ground School Fees: This would cover theoretical training, which would comprise topics such as Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and Technical General. The expense for this would be in the range of ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs.
- Flight Training Expenses: The major expenditure would be on flight training. Flight training includes dual instruction as well as solo hours. This would be in the range of ₹15 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs. There will be a rental charge on the aircraft, which may be paid on an hourly basis.
- Training Fee in Simulator: A major part of most training institutes has the training in the simulator. The simulator trains the pilots on different types of weather conditions. That will be charged at around ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs.
- Examination Fee: The candidate has to incur fees for different tests of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). That comes at a cost of around ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. Medical Examination Fees A Class II medical examination by a DGCA-approved medical examiner usually ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
Total Estimate of Costs for Commercial Pilot Courses
In India, the entire cost of completing a CPL course would normally range between ₹20 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs depending on all those factors mentioned above and personal conditions.
Cost Variation Institute-wise
The fee of various institutes varies as follows:
- Government Flying Training Schools: Moderately economical, as the total amount falls between ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.
- Private Flying Schools: It might be relatively costlier, as the full-time training amount ranges between ₹20 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs.
Value for Money
Though the prices may sound quite steep, one must consider the following, Quality of the training and the infrastructure. Availability of experienced instructors. Size of fleets with different types of aircraft offered for training.
Eligibility Criteria To Achieve a Commercial Pilot License in India
Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a tough job. Criteria for becoming a commercial pilot are:
Academic Qualification
- Highest Education: The candidate should be successful at the 10 +2 level with physics and mathematics as compulsory subjects
- Alternate Qualification: Candidates may also apply if they have an approved Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or with their diploma qualification in physics and mathematics
Age Criterion
Any candidate applying for acquiring a CPL should be at least 17 years of age. Most of the institutions offering flight training fix the upper limit of bout 25 years while other institutions may permit a candidate up to 30 years.
Medical Fitness
They should undergo a Class II Medical Certificate issued only by a medical examiner who is DGCA-approved. This is where general health, vision, hearing, and other medical conditions that may have an effect on the flight capability of the pilot are checked.
Language Proficiency
English is accepted as the international language of aviation; hence, their proficiency in the same is unavoidable, in that the candidate must be able to understand and communicate effectively in English.
Entrance Examinations
Some flight schools administer entrance tests or interviews to evaluate the potential of the applicants to become a good flyers. The evaluation could be on general knowledge, mathematics, and tests on reasoning.
Background Check
The applicant may be checked upon as well regarding his background or screening since airlines and regulatory bodies have strict requirements for those pilots to be on a clean sheet legally.
Course Duration in India
Overall it takes Approximately 18 months to 2 years to become a commercial pilot in India.
DIVISION | DURATION | TOPICS |
Ground school | 6-8 months | Air Regulations, Meteorology, and Navigation. |
Flight training | 6-12 months | dual instruction, solo flights, and cross-country flying. |
Factors Influencing the Duration
Weather, student performance, and aircraft as well as instructor availability can affect the total duration.
Course Options
- Integrated CPL Course: Ground and flight training combined, typically shorter.
- Modular CPL Course: Splits the elements, which might be a bit more time-consuming.
Here are the details of the syllabus of a CPL course in India as follows:
Syllabus for Commercial Pilot
The Indian syllabus of the commercial pilot license is very comprehensive and involves all the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical flying skills that are essential for aspirant pilots to fly their aircraft with success.
Ground School Subjects
The ground school has all the theoretical knowledge necessary for flying. Key subjects are as follows:
- Air Regulations: Understanding the legal requirements and regulations that govern aviation in India and internationally.
- Meteorology: Study of weather phenomena and their impact on flight operations.
- Navigation: Techniques involved in determining aircraft position and route planning using charts, GPS, etc., along with other navigation aids.
Technical General
- Aircraft Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of individual aircraft components, functions, and maintenance requirements.
- Human Factors: Human performance in terms of physical and psychological factors affecting pilots.
- Flight Planning and Monitoring: Knowledge related to the planning and execution of flight plans, including fueling and weight and balance.
- Environmental Science: Effects of or arising from aviation on the environment, noise, and emissions.
Flight Training Subtopics
The theoretical part of practical flight training is discussed under the following headings:
- Dual Flight Training: Training Flights on Routine and Marginal Procedures, Emergency Procedures, and Special Techniques.
- Solo Flights: Flying on one’s own is basically done in order to build confidence and proficiency
- Cross-Country Flying:
- Flights with distances eexceeding50nm involve navigation, communicating with air traffic control, and practical application of flight planning.
- Night Flying: Training after sunset operations, which involves mainly navigation and instrument usage.
- Emergency Procedures: Training for emergencies in flight, system failure, and other critical situations and requirements.
Examinations
The CPL is issued upon the aspirants’ completion of the theoretical and practical examinations conducted by the DGCA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a commercial pilot in India is a fantastic and exciting venture with numerous opportunities for growth and adventure. Since there is a vast array of courses with the esteemed institute and some places like Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics or Fly By Aviation, aspiring pilots can find a program that they need.
Although choosing the right course would depend on such factors as course duration, fees, and quality of training, getting a CPL nowadays goes hand in hand with a promising and fulfilling career whether it is in a full-service or a low-cost carrier. Soaring high in the professional sky will not be impossible for future pilots, provided they invest quality time in proper training.
FAQs
Becoming a commercial pilot in India costs more or less within the usual range of ₹35 lakh to ₹50 lakh. This range, as observed, would thus cover tuition fees, flight training costs, and living costs. The actual cost may vary from one institute to another and may depend upon aircraft type and location.
Indian commercial pilot salary ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per month. The salaries are strictly experience-, airline-, aircraft- and location-dependent. For regular commercial pilots, the salary varies because of increases in experience and seniority.
In India, a commercial pilot license requires an individual to have a 10+2 education in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, medical examination, a commercial pilot license course, and acquisition of CPL and type ratings from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
In India, the retirement age of pilots is different from one another as it is decided by specific airlines and the individual. Most airlines have a mandatory retirement age for pilots which generally occurs between 55 to 65 years. This is done to ensure that the pilots do not decline due to old age and cannot safely accomplish their responsibilities.
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