Beyond Dawlish

How to Become a Pilot in India

Are you fascinated by the idea of soaring through the skies and pursuing a high-flying career? If so, learning how to become a pilot in India could be your ticket to an exciting and rewarding profession. Whether you want to become a commercial pilot, private pilot, or even join the armed forces as an Air Force pilot, this guide will walk you through the essential steps, qualifications, and costs involved.

Why Become a Pilot?

Becoming a pilot is not just about a lucrative career; it's about embracing a passion for aviation and adventure. As a pilot, you enjoy the privilege of traveling to new places, meeting diverse people, and experiencing the thrill of flying. Plus, pilots are highly respected and well-compensated, making it an attractive career choice for many.

Types of Pilots in India

Before understanding how to become a pilot, it's essential to know the different types of pilots you can become:

1. Commercial Pilot (CPL): Allows you to fly commercial aircraft for airlines, charter companies, and cargo services.
2. Private Pilot (PPL): Ideal for recreational flying and non-commercial purposes.
3. Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL): The highest level of certification allowing you to command commercial airliners.
4. Military Pilot: Pilots who serve in the Indian Air Force, Navy, or Army Aviation Corps.
5. Helicopter Pilot: Specialized training for flying helicopters for commercial or personal purposes.

Educational Requirements

To start your journey to become a pilot in India, you need to meet certain educational criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Pass 10 2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English as mandatory subjects.
• Minimum Marks: At least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics (45% for reserved categories).
• Age Limit: Minimum age is 17 years to begin training for a Student Pilot License (SPL).

Medical Fitness

All aspiring pilots must pass a medical examination conducted by a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved medical examiner. Two classes of medical certification are required:

• Class 2 Medical: Initial medical test for obtaining a Private Pilot License.
• Class 1 Medical: Required for Commercial Pilot License.

How to Become a Pilot in India: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Choose Your Path

• Decide whether you want to become a commercial pilot, private pilot, or join the armed forces.
• Research DGCA-approved flying schools in India.

2. Clear the Entrance Exam

• For commercial pilot training, clear exams like the IGRUA Entrance Exam or entrance tests conducted by private flying schools.
• For the Indian Air Force, clear NDA (National Defence Academy) or CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams.

3. Join a Flying School

• Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school. Popular flying schools in India include:
  • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
  • Bombay Flying Club
  • Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology
  • National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)

4. Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL)

• This is the basic license required to start flight training. You need to pass a written exam and a medical test.

5. Complete Flight Training

• Private Pilot License (PPL): Requires at least 40 hours of flying.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Requires 200 hours of flying, which includes solo, dual, and cross-country flying.

6. Clear the DGCA Exams

• Written exams include subjects like Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology, and Technical General.
• Pass the Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) exam conducted by WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination).

7. Obtain Your License

• After completing training and passing all exams, apply for the desired license from DGCA.

Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India

The cost of learning how to become a pilot in India varies depending on the type of license you pursue:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): %u20B96 - %u20B910 lakhs
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): %u20B925 - %u20B950 lakhs
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Additional training may cost %u20B95 - %u20B910 lakhs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Becoming a pilot can be expensive, but scholarships and bank loans are available to ease the financial burden. Some well-known scholarships include:

• Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Scholarships
• IGRUA Scholarships for deserving candidates
• Air India and Indigo Cadet Pilot Programs

Career Opportunities and Salary

After completing your training, you can work with airlines, charter companies, private jet operators, cargo services, or even become a flight instructor. The starting salary for commercial pilots ranges from %u20B91.5 - %u20B93 lakhs per month, depending on the airline and experience.

Tips for Aspiring Pilots

• Stay physically fit and maintain your medical certification.
• Continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge.
• Network with aviation professionals and mentors.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to become a pilot in India, it’s time to start planning your journey. From meeting the eligibility criteria to choosing the right flying school, every step requires dedication and effort. Once you have your wings, the sky is truly the limit. Start your training today and embrace the thrill of flying high!