How to become a pilot in India?

Who is a Pilot?

A pilot is an individual who is trained to control and maneuver an aircraft. The purpose of the flight may be for private, commercial, or military purposes such as civilians or goods' transportation. They may also be employed as test pilots, who evaluate the quality of new and experimental aircraft prototypes. Other names for this profession include Aviator, Commuter Pilot, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, and Airline Captain. A range of aircraft can be flown by pilots such as helicopters, biplanes, commercial airliners, rescue planes, cargo planes, jets, and bombers.

The duties of a pilot are not limited to flying the aircraft. It includes studying the weather conditions, ensuring the aircraft is fit for flight, checking fuel levels and safety of the cargo, confirming flight plans, and navigational routes. A pilot is also responsible for carefully examining the navigational and communication systems working on the aircraft. Once the aircraft is off the ground, the pilot has to make contact with the air traffic control (ATC) to be equipped to deal with any unexpected changes in weather and other conditions. Being a pilot means having a regular medical checkup. If any problem is identified during these checkups or otherwise, it may cancel the pilot license.

How to become a Pilot in India?

Being a pilot is regarded as prestigious. One will not only receive respect from others but also a healthy pay-check for oneself. Some of the general skills required for a pilot are good IQ, problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and physical fitness, especially good eyesight. There are two pathways to become a pilot-commercial and military. Although the overall requirements may be similar, the steps to be followed, the expenses, and the two pathways' responsibilities can differ.

How to become a Commercial Pilot in India?

A commercial pilot holds a commercial pilot license (CPL) and flies a specific type of aircraft, possibly for an airline. In India, the CPL is obtained from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). They fly passenger flights for commercial airlines such as Air India, Air Asia, Indigo, Spice Jet, and the like. The primary duty of a commercial pilot is to transport goods or people from one location to another in the fastest, most efficient, and safest possible way. They will fly an average of 75 hours per month and be assigned other non-flying duties. However, these pilots will be given an 8-hour break between their shifts.

To become a commercial pilot, one will need to invest 30 to 70 lakhs. The amount to be invested will vary based on whether one wishes to enroll in a cadet program to work with an airline and Type Rating to be trained in a specific aircraft.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to become a commercial pilot are as follows-

Process of obtaining CPL

Select Institute→ Admission Process (entrance exam, personal interview, pilot aptitude test, physical and medical tests)→ 3-year B.Sc. in Aviation→ Entrance exam+Oral Test→ Student Pilot License (SPL) → Private Pilot License (PPL)→ 250 hours of flying→ 70% DGCA exam→ CPL

How to become a Pilot in IAF?

A pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) works with the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. They receive training from the Government of India and are paid a stipend during their training period. To become a pilot in the Indian Air Force, one can choose from four routes. Further, 'Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)' are required, such as Effective Intelligence, Reasoning Ability, Social Adaptability, Courage, and Stamina.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force are as follows-

Only for males (Permanent Commission)

1. National Defense Academy (NDA) Entry:

12th→ NDA entrance exam→ SSB→ CPSS/PABT→ 3-years training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla + Air Force Training Team (AFTT)

2. Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE) Entry:

12th (min 50% in physics and maths)→ graduation (any discipline)→ CDSE→ SSB→ CPSS/PABT→ Air Force Academy, Hyderabad

For males and females (Short Service Commission for 14 years)

1. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Entry:

12th (min 60% in physics and maths)→ graduation (any discipline)→ AFCAT→ SSB→ CPSS/PABT→74 weeks training course at AFAC Dundigal

2. National Cadet Corps Air-Wing Special Entry:

12th (min 50% in physics and maths)→ graduation (any discipline)→ NCC Air-Wing C certificate (with grade A or B)→ SSB→ CPSS/PABT→74 weeks training course at AFAC Dundigal

Future Prospects

On becoming a commercial pilot, one can expect up to 40 hours work a week. However, work timings could be at night, on weekends or even holidays. Overall, the number of flying hours for each pilot is limited to 100 hours per month of 1000 hours per year. The average salary for a commercial pilot in India can be Rs. 2.3 crores per annum. Candidates who are freshers can earn Rs 1.5 Lakh per month, and on gaining more experience, they can get Rs. 5 to 6 Lakh per month on International routes. Further, one will be able to travel the world and meet new people from different cultures.

If one works in the military, the average number of flying hours per year may range from 150 to 300 hours. A pilot of the Indian Air Force can earn in between Rs. 5 Lacs to 8 lacs per year.

From the 10th grade onwards, start exploring the field of flying and learn about the process by reading blogs, books, watching documentaries, and listening to inspirational people who have achieved success in this area.

If you continue to have any doubts about this field, send your query to support@margforyou.com

Sruthi Suresh

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