Marg Career Library - Commercial Pilot

Overview:

A commercial pilot is a trained professional who flies planes or helicopters for business purposes. They are licensed individuals, holding a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India. A commercial pilot is mostly responsible for transporting passengers or cargo from one place to the other; however they may also engage in monitoring air traffic, participating in emergency operations, conducting aircraft testing, and other similar tasks.

Career Path:

Candidates who aspire to become a commercial pilot are expected to have a background in Science, with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as compulsory subjects.

Stream of Study at 12th:

The Science stream, with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths being compulsory subjects. Those who have not opted for the Science stream in 12th can enroll in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and complete the required courses.
10th students can directly enroll for Student Pilot License (SPL) or Private Pilot License (PPL) courses. Most of the colleges require candidates to clear the admission process which may include an entrance exam, personal interview, pilot aptitude test, and physical and medical tests.

Degree/Graduation Courses:

B.Sc. in Aviation
B.Sc. Physics
B.Tech Electronics Engineering
B.Tech or B.E. Aeronautical Engineering
B.Tech or B.E. Aerospace Engineering
B.Tech or B.E. Electronics and Communication Engineering
Students can enrol into a Commercial Pilot Training course immediately after their 12th or even after their graduation

Website: https://dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/

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Top Colleges:

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Kerala
Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai
Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd., Ahmedabad
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC), Indore
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Gondia, Maharashtra
Orient Flying School, Chennai
Telangana State Aviation Academy, Hyderabad
School of Aviation Science and Technology, Delhi Flying Club Ltd., New Delhi
Government Aviation Training Institute, Bhubaneswar

Job Opportunities:

Air India
Air Asia
Indigo
Spice Jet
Vistara
Skyworld Charter Services
Jet Airways
Alliance Air
Air Costa
Air India Charters Ltd.

Job Responsibilities:

Study weather conditions
Inspect aircraft before flights
Ensure the aircraft is fit for flight
Calculate the speed required for the flight based on expected flight conditions
Check fuel levels
Ensure safety of the cargo
Create and confirm flight plans
Maneuver the aircraft over previously planned routes
Use the aircraft tools to navigate the aircraft safely
Monitor aircraft parameters, such as fuel and altitude, during flight
Transport goods or people from one place to another
Study navigational and communication systems
Communicate with air traffic control tower (ATC)
Deal with unexpected changes in weather and other conditions
Undergo regular medical check-up

Work Life:

Commercial pilots are expected to work for about 40 hours per week
They may be asked to work even during nights, weekends, and holidays
They travel to many places and can visit them during landings
The job can be stressful but there is no take-home work load
Commercial pilots may not be able to spend much time with their family due to their hectic flight schedules

Key Skills:

Adaptability/Flexibility
Hard work
Discipline
Responsibility
Leadership
Team spirit
Management skills
Communication skills
Coordination skills
Good IQ
Problem solving skills
Physically Fitness
Decision Making Skills
Hand-eye coordination
Observation skills
Quick reaction time
Good Eyesight

Designation:

Entry level

Trainee Pilot, Junior First Officer

Mid level

First Officer, Co-pilot

High level

Captain, Senior Captain

Merits & Demerits:

Merits

1. It can be an exciting and fascinating profession to those who enjoy an adrenaline rush
2. Commercial pilots will be able to travel the world, experience different cultures and visit new places
3. These professionals are usually well-paid and well-respected in the society
4. As one’s experience increases, the pay and additional benefits from the job also increases

Demerits

1. Timings can be uncomfortable for those who do not like working at nights, and during holidays or weekends
2. The job itself can be hectic and tiring due to the immense responsibility a commercial pilot has to shoulder
3. One’s personal life may be affected due to the work timings
4. Any mistakes in the profession could lead to cancellation of one’s license

Overview
Career Path
Top Colleges
Job Opportunities
Job Responsibilities
Work Life
Key Skills
Designation
Merits & Demerits

Commercial Pilot

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