Becoming a pilot in India is not an easy task. One has to go through a certain level of education, training, obtain several licenses, and more. The following is a short easy guideline for the process:
1. Educational Qualifications
Minimum Requirement: Must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. An engineering/science degree may help though not compulsory.
Age Requirement: Minimum age for applying any Student Pilot License (SPL) is 17 years.
2. Medical Fitness
Obtain Class II Medical Certificate: Be sure to visit a medical examiner recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ascertain health standards essential for aviators.
3. Decide on a Flight School
Look for Flight Schools: Search for accredited flying schools in India with the DGCA approval. Check their reputation and the experience of the instructors as well.
Cost of Training: Prepare for entry into the training as it can be very costly. In most cases, it ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh.
4. Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL)
After you enroll in a flying school, you will be required to get a Student Pilot License (SPL) that will be necessary for you to start attending flight classes.
5. Flight Training
Hours Requirement: Attend at least two hundred (200) hours of flight training that should include solo flying, cross-country flying and instrument flying.
Ground Training: In addition to practical training, you will also be grounded to learn about navigation, aviation regulations, weather or meteorology, and even systems in place in the aircrafts.
6. Obtain a Private Pilots License (PPL)
Upon completion of your flight training and acquiring the mandatory flight hours, you are entitled to go for a PPL. This license permits you to operate private jets.
7. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
In the case where one plans to be paid for flights, it means a CPL License has to be acquired. This means sitting for written papers and extra flying training.
Complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying, out of which a minimum number of hours must be spent on cross-country and night flying.
8. Type rating
After acquiring a CPL, you may be obliged to pursue a type rating for a particular aircraft you intend to operate, especially for bigger commercial jets.
9. Achieve proficiency.
You may want to consider taking some time and joining a regional airline or, for that matter, doing charter flights. Fly the required number of hours to prepare oneself for airline jobs.
10. Airlines Recruitment
After gaining the necessary experience and flight hours, qualification to work in commercial air transport becomes possible. So get ready for the interviews and other tests that may await you.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in India is a long journey filled with responsibility and expenses and necessitates detailed training. Always remain hungry and focused on aviation in order to overcome the challenges of such an exciting career.
1. Educational Qualifications
Minimum Requirement: Must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. An engineering/science degree may help though not compulsory.
Age Requirement: Minimum age for applying any Student Pilot License (SPL) is 17 years.
2. Medical Fitness
Obtain Class II Medical Certificate: Be sure to visit a medical examiner recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ascertain health standards essential for aviators.
3. Decide on a Flight School
Look for Flight Schools: Search for accredited flying schools in India with the DGCA approval. Check their reputation and the experience of the instructors as well.
Cost of Training: Prepare for entry into the training as it can be very costly. In most cases, it ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh.
4. Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL)
After you enroll in a flying school, you will be required to get a Student Pilot License (SPL) that will be necessary for you to start attending flight classes.
5. Flight Training
Hours Requirement: Attend at least two hundred (200) hours of flight training that should include solo flying, cross-country flying and instrument flying.
Ground Training: In addition to practical training, you will also be grounded to learn about navigation, aviation regulations, weather or meteorology, and even systems in place in the aircrafts.
6. Obtain a Private Pilots License (PPL)
Upon completion of your flight training and acquiring the mandatory flight hours, you are entitled to go for a PPL. This license permits you to operate private jets.
7. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
In the case where one plans to be paid for flights, it means a CPL License has to be acquired. This means sitting for written papers and extra flying training.
Complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying, out of which a minimum number of hours must be spent on cross-country and night flying.
8. Type rating
After acquiring a CPL, you may be obliged to pursue a type rating for a particular aircraft you intend to operate, especially for bigger commercial jets.
9. Achieve proficiency.
You may want to consider taking some time and joining a regional airline or, for that matter, doing charter flights. Fly the required number of hours to prepare oneself for airline jobs.
10. Airlines Recruitment
After gaining the necessary experience and flight hours, qualification to work in commercial air transport becomes possible. So get ready for the interviews and other tests that may await you.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in India is a long journey filled with responsibility and expenses and necessitates detailed training. Always remain hungry and focused on aviation in order to overcome the challenges of such an exciting career.
