How to become a Pilot

How to Become a Pilot in India

Basic qualification for pilot training is successful completion of 10+2/equivalent with 50% marks in Physics and Maths. The applicant should have completed 17 years of age.

The first step in Pilot training is acquiring of Student Pilot Licence (SPL).
Thereafter he can start flight training to get Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This includes 60 hours of flying comprising 20 hours of dual flying, 20 hours of solo flying and 5 hours cross country flying. Theoretical examination's have to be passed in subjects like Air Regulation, Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft and Engines.

After PPL another 190 hours of flying training is required for Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL) i.e., a consolidated 250 hours of flying training. A flight radio operators licence and radio telephone licence have to be obtained. During CPL, the candidate should have exposure to a range of aircraft and fulfill other conditions like specified hours of solo flying, cross country flying and height flying. Theeoretical papers have to be cleared and medical tests passed. It usually takes 2 to 3 years before required flying hous and classroom learning are completed.

Entry to the PPL course is through an entrance test conducted at certain centres. The test is based on subjects like English, General Knowledge, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Applications are called in April and sent to The Director General of Civil Aviation (Training Section) Technical Centre, Opp. Safdarjang Airport, New Delhi-110 003.

The cost of getting training in India vs. US is same. It takes 16-17 lakhs to get CPL training; but advantage is that in USA it takes only 6 to 8 months compare to 1 1/2 to 2 years in India.