How to Become a Pilot in India?
Becoming a pilot in India is a dream shared by many, but only a few get to make it a reality. The aviation industry in India has been growing rapidly, creating a huge demand for pilots. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a pilot, this article will guide you through the process of how to become a pilot in India.
Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the process of becoming a pilot, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria:
- Age: You should be at least 16 years old to apply for a commercial pilot license.
- Education: You should have a 10+2 pass with physics, mathematics, and English as subjects.
- Height and Weight: You should be at least 157.5 cm tall and weigh proportionally to your height.
- Vision: You should have a minimum visual acuity of 6/60 and a normal color vision.
Step 1: Choose the Right Flight School
There are several flight schools in India that offer training programs for commercial pilots. Here are some of the top flight schools in India:
| Flight School | Location | CPL (Commercial Pilot License) Program |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA) | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh | 4 years |
| Indian Aviation Academy (IAA) | New Delhi | 2 years |
| Flying Training Institute (FTI) | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 1 year |
| The Flying School (TFS) | Hyderabad, Telangana | 1 year |
Step 2: Complete the Ground School Training
Before you start your flying training, you need to complete the ground school training. This training includes:
- Aircraft Systems
- Avionics
- Meteorology
- Air Law
- Human Factors
- Communication
- Navigation
The ground school training is usually conducted by experienced instructors and includes both theoretical and practical sessions.
Step 3: Get Your Medical Certificate
To become a pilot, you need to undergo a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate is valid for 6 months.
Step 4: Start Your Flight Training
Once you have completed the ground school training and obtained your medical certificate, you can start your flight training. The flight training includes:
- Flight Hours: You need to complete a minimum of 200 hours of flight training, including 100 hours of pilot-in-command time and 50 hours of cross-country flying.
- Flight Training Devices (FTDs): You will use FTDs to practice your flying skills and to prepare for the flight test.
- Single-Engine Aircraft: You will fly single-engine aircraft, such as the Cessna 152 or the Piper PA-28.
Step 5: Pass the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Exam
After completing your flight training, you need to pass the CPL exam. The CPL exam includes:
- Written Exam: You will need to pass a written exam on aircraft systems, meteorology, air law, and other subjects.
- Practical Exam: You will need to pass a practical exam, also known as a check ride, where you will be evaluated on your flying skills.
Step 6: Get Your Type Rating
Once you have obtained your CPL, you need to get your type rating. The type rating is a specialized rating that allows you to fly a specific type of aircraft.
Step 7: Build Your Hours
To become a commercial pilot, you need to build your hours. You can build your hours by flying as a flight instructor or by flying as a commercial pilot.
Step 8: Join an Airline
Once you have built your hours, you can join an airline as a commercial pilot. You can also consider flying for charter companies or flying schools.
Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India
The cost of becoming a pilot in India can vary depending on the flight school and the type of training program. Here are some approximate costs:
- CPL Program: Rs. 30-50 lakhs
- Type Rating: Rs. 5-10 lakhs
- Medical Certificate: Rs. 5,000-10,000
- Flight Training: Rs. 5-10 lakhs
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in India is a challenging and competitive process, but with the right training and dedication, you can achieve your dream. Remember to choose the right flight school, complete your ground school training, get your medical certificate, and build your hours to become a successful commercial pilot.
