How to Become a Pilot in India?

The aviation industry is one of the most competitive industries globally, and becoming a pilot in India is no different. While it might seem like an easy task, there are many ways to throw up a roadblock for aspiring pilots. Regardless of Science or non-science stream, you can fulfill your dream of becoming a pilot. Here are a few of the many things you have to do before flying.

The training to become a pilot in India is a time-consuming process. There are so many steps that must be gone through, from beginning the training, studying for examinations, and finally, obtaining a license. The first step is choosing a training program that suits you best. This part does not only mean looking up different training institutions to obtain qualifications for pilots, it also means trying out different courses. The course should suit your goals and objectives as a pilot.

Eligibility and Criteria:

• Age: The candidate should be between 17 and 65 years old.
• Qualification: The candidate should have a minimum of 50% in class 12 or equivalent with Maths & Physics subjects.
• No Science: Even if you don't take science in 11^th or 12^th grade, you can apply through NIOS.
• Nationality: The candidate should be an Indian citizen by birth.
• Medical Fitness: The candidate's overall health should be good, and they should not have a history of illness that may affect their performance while on flight duty.
• Vision: The candidate's vision should have no defects. 6/6 in both eyes with or without glasses is the perfect vision. The candidate must also have a perfect Height & Weight proportion.
• Valid Passport: Cadet programs need a passport. However, students from Indian flying schools do not.

Qualifications for Becoming a Pilot

If you meet the minimum qualification for a pilot, you can opt for career opportunities as Airline Transport Pilot, Private Pilot, Sports Pilot, or Flight Instructor.

Concerning Private Institutions:

• The basic prerequisites for employment are the SSC or HSC
• Student Pilot License – 16 years
• Private Pilot License – 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License – 18 years
• Excellent command of the English language
• Medical and mental fitness certification (Class 2 & Class 1)
• At some private flying schools, there is a pre-flight test

How to become a commercial pilot in India?

A Student Pilot License (SPL) is required to begin a commercial pilot career in India. The requirements for this license are significantly less than those required for a private pilot license. This is because basic aeronautical knowledge is taught in flying schools and flight schools in India.

These are the steps to becoming an Indian Commercial Pilot:

Step 1: Personal Interview and DGCA Medical Examination:

There is a personal interview by aviation authorities in India, and they check the background of candidates to determine their qualifications and aptitude for flying. After this, there is a medical exam conducted by DGCA to ensure that candidates are fit to fly.

As per DGCA guidelines, Class 1 and Class 2 medical exam clearance are required to begin your journey. Candidates with class 2 medical certificates can apply for class 1 medical if the certification is within 2 years old.

Class 1 medical certificate is valid for

1 year for multi-crew commercial personnel less than 60 years of age.

6 months for single-crew commercial personnel above 40 years of age.

Step 2: Initial Ground Training Course:

Ground training is mandatory for new pilots in India. It provides basic knowledge about different systems on an aircraft, including communication equipment and handling of emergencies during flight. Ground training is focused on collaborative decision making (CDM), understanding ground operations at airports, aircraft marshalling, loading supervision, ramp hand signals, aircraft weight and balance, and various other topics including taking care of airport emergencies.

Step 3: Written Examination:

DGCA conducts written examinations for a pilot license in India. There are 5 subjects (Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, and Technical Specific) that you have to clear to become a commercial pilot in India, and one exam known as RTR(A) would be conducted by WPC so you have to clear 6 subjects in total.

1. Air Navigation:
2. Air Regulations:
3. Aviation Meteorology:
4. Technical General:
5. Technical Specific:
6. RTR(A):

Step 4: Flying Training

If you have cleared all your DGCA examinations and Medical Examinations then you have to undergo 200 hours of flying training on actual aircraft as per DGCA requirements in the flying club approved by DGCA in India as well as abroad.

Flying training course is bifurcated into different topics covered within 8-10 months of intense training. It covers general flying, dual/solo flying, circuit & landing sorties. It also covers training on instruments, skill tests, cross-country flights, route checks and demands night flying rating as per DGCA requirements.

Conclusion:

If you are passionate about aviation, India is the best place for you. After the 12th, Pilot Training courses provide a strong foundation for future careers in aviation in India. In India, many flying schools offer career-oriented training to young aspirants. This page is all about How to Become a Pilot in India. This is just the beginning to add wings to your career as the sky is waiting for you!