How to Become a Pilot after 12th?
Are you wondering how to become a pilot after 12th? The thought of soaring through the skies, commanding a powerful aircraft, and exploring new horizons is an exciting prospect for many. However, with the increasing demand for commercial pilots, it’s essential to know the correct pathway to achieve your goal.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the process, let’s first check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria to become a pilot.
• Age: 16 years old (minimum)
• Education: 12th pass or equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 50% (depending on the institution or organization)
• Vision: 6/60 uncorrected or better in each eye
• Height: 162.56 cm (64 inches) or more for military pilots, and 155 cm (61 inches) or more for civilian pilots
Step 2: Choose the Right Aviation Course
There are two primary options to pursue your pilot training:
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): A shorter course that focuses on getting you a commercial pilot’s license, typically lasting around 12-18 months.
- Pilot Training Program: A longer course that covers ground school, flight training, and a commercial pilot’s license, typically lasting around 2-3 years.
CPL Route:
- Indian Commercial Pilot License (ICPL): A 6-month course that focuses on getting you a CPL. You’ll need to be at least 17 years old and have a 10th pass with 50% aggregate marks.
- Private Pilot License (PPL): A 3-month course that focuses on getting you a PPL. You’ll need to be at least 17 years old and have a 10th pass with 40% aggregate marks.
Pilot Training Program:
- BA. Aviation: A 3-year undergraduate degree program that covers ground school and flight training.
- Private Pilot License (PPL): A 6-month course that focuses on getting you a PPL. You’ll need to be at least 17 years old and have a 10th pass with 40% aggregate marks.
Step 3: Enroll in an Aviation Institute
Look for an aviation institute or a flying school that is DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approved. Some notable aviation institutes in India include:
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGAU)
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM)
- National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
- Flying Academy (FA)
Step 4: Ground School
Ground school covers theoretical subjects such as:
- Aircraft systems and instruments
- Aviation meteorology
- Air law and regulations
- Navigation
- Aerodynamics
Step 5: Flight Training
Flight training is the most critical part of becoming a pilot. You’ll learn:
- Aerobatics
- Navigation
- Formation flying
- Single-pilot instrument flying
Step 6: CPL and ATPL
To become a commercial pilot, you’ll need to get a CPL and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License).
- CPL: A license that allows you to fly commercial aircraft.
- ATPL: A license that requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience.
Step 7: Type Rating
A type rating is a specialized training course for a specific aircraft type. For example, an A320 type rating is required to fly the Airbus A320.
Step 8: Interview and Medical Check
Interview: A final interview with the airline to assess your flying skills and personal qualities.
Medical Check: A medical check by a DGCA- approved medical examiner to ensure you’re fit to fly.
Additional Tips:
- Get a good understanding of weather and meteorology as it’s crucial for a pilot.
- Build your physical fitness through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Learn to manage stress and maintain a positive attitude.
- Stay focused and dedicated to your training.
Conclusion:
Becoming a pilot after 12th is a challenging but rewarding career path. By following the steps outlined above and staying committed to your goal, you can achieve your dream of flying high in the skies. Remember to always prioritize your safety, adhere to regulations, and never compromise on quality training.
