Guide to Becoming a Pilot in India-Eligibility Exams Fees & Training

Pursuing a bright career and becoming a pilot in India/other parts of the world can be highly rewarding both financially due to the high salaries and in many other areas, including job security owing to the growth of the sector, travel opportunities which can be a new experience, career satisfaction, a good work-life balance, and flexibility in working hours among others, making this profession as a whole attractive and fulfilling. One has to take a serious commitment, a strong desire and some amount of patience too while making a career in flying as an airline pilot in India. The process of being a pilot includes several challenges and advantages such as good fluency in English, high level of mentality & analytical mindset, qualifying for the job, passing the test, and having to go through a high intense training. You can find some interesting point in this article, such as minimal qualifying requirements, entrance tests, and training programs for becoming a pilot in India.

5 Step Guide to Becoming a Pilot in India

1. Know the Eligibility Criteria

In order to become a pilot in India, applicants need to fulfill specific requirements, such as-

• Educational Requirements: The applicants must be having the 10+ 2 board from the recognized institutions with mathematics and physics compulsory subjects, minimum marks should be obtained as 50% from the board.
• Age Requirement: Ground rule is the potential candidates must be between ages of 17 and 18 excluding the possibility of opting for a different type of license.
• Medical Fitness: In order to ensure compliance with the DGCA’s criteria, candidates must complete a Class 2 Medical Examination carried out by aviation medical specialists recognized by the regulatory organization.

2. Pass the Entrance Examinations

Principally, those who aspires to go for flying training programs in India, have to write entrance tests and in doing so, they either have to be writing the tests in aviation training institutes or flying clubs. Generally there is Pilot aptitude test followed by written exams and interview. Aptitude test is taken to assess the cognitive abilities, spatial awareness, and decision-making skills of the aspirant while written exam includes subjects like Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and Technical General. Typical entrance tests include the following exams-

• Entrance Exam for Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
• Exam for the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing Entrance
• For Indian Air Force Pilot Training, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is required.
• Entrance exams administered by exclusive public and private aviation academies and clubs such as-
  • The Bombay Flying Club
  • Dunes Aviation Academy
  • Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy
  • Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
  • Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt Ltd, Pune
  • Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club

3. Enroll in Pilot Training Programs

Candidates can join in pilot training programs provided by aviation training institutes, flying clubs, or academies after passing the entrance tests. Typically, the training program covers the following topics-

• Theoretical topics including aviation laws, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, and flight planning are covered in ground training.
• During flight training, candidates learn how to pilot an aircraft and execute maneuvers under the guidance of professional flight instructors.
• Flight simulators are used in simulator training to replicate real-world flying situations and improve pilot abilities in a safe setting.

4. Acquire Pilot Licenses

After completing pilot training successfully, candidates must get DGCA-issued pilot licenses. Among the different kinds of pilot licenses are-

(i) Student Pilot License (SPL)

The SPL enables applicants to train in aviation under the guidance of certified flying instructors. Though SPL does not require flight experience, it is a precondition for additional pilot training. When the SPL is issued, candidates must be at least 16 years old and meet the 10th standard as a minimum qualification.

(ii) Private Pilot License (PPL)

The PPL allows its bearer to operate an aircraft for leisure and non-commercial reasons. It includes 40 hours of flight flying experience. In India, PPL typical training program lasts 3 to 4 months. After completion, anyone can operate an aircraft for non-commercial purposes, either carrying people or cargo.

(iii) Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

CPL holders are permitted to fly airplanes for hire, including flights carrying passengers or goods. The training program gives 200 hours of flying instruction and typically lasts 8 to 10 months. In accordance with DGCA regulations, this course covers a variety of areas/subjects including dual/solo flying, general flying, circuit and landing sorties, instrument and cross-country flying, skill tests, route inspections, and night flying rating.

(iv) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

ATPL is the highest stand alone professional pilot certification, which is the only one necessary for those pilots who aim to become command pilot of a commercial aircraft. The most extensive flight training experience is taught in this course. At the same time, the flight training takes the first place. To just end up being pooled, that means to be a member, and not a candidate, 1500 flight hours are needed and to pass the theoretical test. Large aircraft with more than nine passenger seats or more than 5,700 kg are flown by ATPL holders.

(v) Multi-Engine Rating (MER)

A MER course is available to pilots who want to operate even larger, and more sophisticated aircraft. This course requires a minimum of 100 hours of flight time and passing both theoretical and practical tests.

Pilots with these licenses can accomplish many tasks and fly in different weather, from trips for one purpose to operations for others. Besides these, the pilots also have other ratings like Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-engine Rating (ME), and Flight Instructor Rating (AFI), the purpose of which is to let them fly specific aircraft or in specific weather conditions. The type of licenses and ratings a person have, determine the enablement and placement in aviation as the various career pathways and aviation goals in India.

5. Acquire Experience and Drive Your Career

The license simply gives permission to land a pilot on their first job, but flight hours and experience are essential for a pilot to get promoted and advance in their career. Most of the pilots started their careers as either co-pilots or flight instructors. But with dedication and training, they can advance to become airline pilots, corporate pilots or flight instructors.

Cost or Fees for Obtaining Aircraft Flying License in India

As to the quality of license that one applies for and the school of training, obtaining a pilot’s license in Indian can be costly. The following figures are the approximate cost and fees that may be incurred when data samples are prepared and displayed based my search through different online resources.

• Private Pilot License (PPL) -In India, the cost of a Private Pilot License (PPL) can fluctuate between 5 – 15 lakhs based upon institute’s reputation and the amenities that are being offered. The normal ground lessons of usual PPL includes paid amount between 80,000 and 150,000 Indian Rupees.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – The cost of CPL (which is most commonly used by pilots for commercial purposes) would be approximately Rs. 2,50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000. It differs based on  training institution. Instead, the data informs us that the domestic currency cost of going through licensing in India can be INR 40-50 lakhs depending on other capital expenditures like purchasing type-rating for a particular aircraft type/model.
• Aircraft Pilot License (APL) – The cost of an Aircraft Pilot Licensing (APL) for the private aviation (when matched with different training facility) will vary between Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 250,000.
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) – The amount you are ready to spend on the highest level of pilot training in India – the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) – will be different depending on whether you study in one or another training facility; this can be Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs. 10 Lakhs.
• Helicopter Pilot License (HPL) – Helicopter Pilot License (HPL) which is the legal requirement for helicopter pilots, can be obtained at a cost of around Rs. 2 Lakhs and Rs. Rs. 5 Lakh (even to 10 Lakhs) depending on the training facility will be required.

To be exact, depending on the type of license (for instance, single, multi-engine, instrument etc. ), the training facility (aerial flying or flight simulator), the further ratings required and other costs concerned, the expense to get the pilot’s license in India may be also very different. Achieving the aviation career goals by the aspirational pilots is only a dream without examining your spending levels and make plans for them. You can follow the people knowledgeable about this sector, or can seek advice from your training institute where you are preparing for entrance exams or other ways to this end.

In summary
Indian aviation career avails excitement and great opportunity that calls for sticking it out, being persevering, and affection in flying. By observing the eligibility conditions and qualified for training, mandatory tests passing and exams of the last years, aspirants can embark on a truly exciting job within the aviation. The Indian sky can be considered as the borderline for those who want to become pilots and desire to give their full potential to achieve their goals. The endurance in conquering one’s own fear and the ability to never give up are the qualities that can be possessed for this goal.

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