How to become a Pilot ?

How to become a pilot ?

 

Who is a Pilot?

A pilot is a person who is qualified and authorized to operate an aircraft. They are responsible for the safe and efficient navigation of the aircraft, including takeoff, flight, and landing. Pilots are also responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew on board. 

 

How to become a Pilot ?

To become a pilot, you'll need to acquire the necessary licenses and ratings through training at a flight school, which includes ground school and flight training. The process generally involves obtaining a Student Pilot License, then a Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and potentially an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) for airline careers. You'll also need to pass medical exams and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) exams. 

 

Course Highlights

 

Job Profile	Pilot
Course	Student Pilot License (SPL) Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Course Duration	1-5 Years
Eligibility criteria	10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
Institute Approval	DGCA-approved flying school or Aviation academy.
Admission Process	Entrance Exams and Medical Test
Nationality	Indian
Average Salary	15 to 25 LPA
Age Criteria	17 years  for SPL 18 years  for CPL
Top Flying / Aviation School	Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA),  National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), The Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, and Chimes Aviation Academy etc.
Top Recruitment Companies	IndiGo, Spice Jet, Akasa Air, Air India, Vistara, Cargo Airlines etc.

 

 

Students Pilot License (SPL)

A Student Pilot License (SPL), referred as a Student Pilot Certificate, is the first step for individuals wanting to become a pilot. It allows aspiring pilots to begin practical flight training under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. The SPL is primarily for training purposes, enabling students to gain practical flying experience and learn basic aviation knowledge. While an SPL is a prerequisite for solo flights, it doesn't allow students to fly alone until they receive a solo endorsement from their instructor. It's a necessary step for obtaining other pilot licenses, such as a PPL or Commercial Pilot License (CPL). 

 

 

Requirements for Obtaining an SPL:

 

·         Age:  Minimum age is 17 years old, but this can vary slightly by jurisdiction. 

·         Medical Certificate:  A valid medical certificate, often a Class 2 medical certificate from the DGCA in India, is required. 

·         Educational Qualification:  In India, a minimum of a 10th-grade education is generally required. 

·         English Language Proficiency:  Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language is usually necessary. 

·         Ground School:  Passing ground school exams and assessments is a standard requirement. 

·         Instructor Endorsement:  A flight instructor must endorse the student's ability to fly solo before they can do so. 

·         Registration:  Registration on the DGCA's official portal (eGCA) is also a part of the process. 

·         Duration:A student pilot license (SPL) in India is typically valid for 2 years. Once issued, it allows a student to begin flight training, but it's crucial to progress to solo flights or transition to a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) within that timeframe to avoid expiration.

 

 

 

 

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

 

CPL stands for Commercial Pilot License. It's a license that allows a pilot to fly aircraft for commercial purposes, meaning they can be paid to fly. To obtain a CPL, aspiring pilots typically need to complete a training course, pass both theoretical and practical exams, and meet specific medical fitness requirements.

 

CPL Details    

 

·         What it CPL ?

A CPL is a professional qualification that allows a pilot to fly for hire or reward, such as in airlines, cargo operations, or charter services. 

·         Why it is important ?

  It's a crucial step for those wanting to make a career out of flying. 

·         How to get it ?

Training: Typically, this involves a combination of ground school (theoretical knowledge) and flight training. 

Exams: Aspiring pilots need to pass exams on subjects like air navigation, meteorology, aviation law, and aircraft systems. 

Flight Hours: A minimum number of flight hours is required, and this varies by country (e.g., 200 hours in some cases). 

Medical Fitness: A valid medical certificate is essential to exercise the privileges of the license. 

·         What is Regulatory Body ?

 In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues the CPL. 

·         What are Career options after CPL ?

 A CPL opens doors to various career opportunities, including working as a first officer (co-pilot) with airlines, flying for cargo companies, or even becoming a flight instructor. 

·         What is the average salary  after CPL ?

The average starting salary for a commercial pilot with a CPL is around ₹10-12 lakhs per annum, but experienced pilots can earn upwards of ₹15-20 lakhs annually.

·         What are Job Profiles offered after CPL ?

CPL holders can work as airline pilots, charter pilots, cargo pilots, flight instructors, agricultural pilot, corporate pilot and many more.

 

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Expenses to become a Pilot

 

Becoming a pilot in India can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from ₹35 lakhs to ₹75 lakhs or even more, depending on the type of license, school, and training program chosen. This includes various components like flight training, ground school, medical exams, and type ratings for specific aircraft. 

 

Details n Breakdown of Expenses

 

1. Flight Training:

·         Private Pilot License (PPL): ₹10-15 lakhs. 

·         Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹25-40 lakhs. 

·         Type Rating (for specific aircraft): ₹20-30 lakhs. 

This is a significant portion of the cost, as it includes aircraft rental, instructor fees, and the hours required to build flight experience. 

 

2. Ground School:

·         Ground School Fees: ₹2.5 lakhs (including coaching and exams). 

·         Ground school covers the theoretical knowledge required for aviation, including regulations, meteorology, navigation, and aircraft mechanics. 

 

3. Medical Examination:

·         Class I and Class II Medicals:   INR 4,000-5,000. 

·         Pilots need to undergo medical evaluations to ensure they meet the physical and mental standards for flying. 

 

4. Auxiliary Documents and Fees: 

·         RT (Radio Telephony) exam, medical fees, and license fees:   ₹75,000. 

 

5. Living Expenses:

·         Accommodation and other living costs:   Varies greatly, but can be around ₹2 lakhs. 

 

Benefits of being a Pilot

Being a pilot offers a blend of high earning potential, travel opportunities, and personal fulfillment, though it also comes with challenges. The job offers adventure, job stability, and opportunities for skill development, while also requiring significant training costs and long hours. Salaries for pilots, especially with experience and on larger aircraft, can be very competitive, with potential for annual bonuses and appraisals. Airline pilots may receive benefits like free or discounted travel, food, lodging, and other allowances, further enhancing their compensation.

Pilots have the chance to travel extensively, both within India and internationally, experiencing diverse cultures and locations. The sense of adventure, responsibility, and contribution to society can be a significant source of job satisfaction. Pilots are often viewed with admiration and respect within society, enjoying a certain level of prestige.