Commercial pilot license is a professional aviation license which allows pilots to fly an aircraft and earn money by it. We can also define CPL as an advance stage of flying license after PPL. The training of CPL aviation license includes both theoretical & practical flying classes which helps building a strong knowledge and flying skills. CPL works as a milestone for pilots as it provides gateway to work in international aviation market. Without CPL one cannot work as a pilot in any airlines, cargo or charter companies. If you are dreaming of becoming a professional pilot and wants to work in the aviation industry then it helps turn your passion for flying into a very respected and rewarding career with international exposure and limitless opportunities to explore while earning a very good income.
To start the CPL aviation training students first have to meet the required eligibility criteria which is given below:
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			 Eligibility Requirement  | 
			
			 Details  | 
		
| 
			 Minimum Age  | 
			
			 Must be at least 18 years old to apply for CPL.  | 
		
| 
			 Educational  | 
			
			 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics  | 
		
| 
			 Or equivalent engineering polytechnic diploma  | 
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| 
			 Non PCM background students can give PCM exam through NIOS  | 
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| 
			 Medical  | 
			
			 Valid DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate issued by an approved medical examiner to ensure physical and mental fitness.  | 
		
| 
			 Language Proficiency  | 
			
			 Must have proficiency in English for communication and exams.  | 
		
Before starting the CPL aviation training students have to qualify a Class 2 medical fitness test. This test ensures that the student is eligible for starting CPL training or not. Below is given the medical requirements needed:
CPL aviation training is majorly divided into 800 hours of ground +classes & 200 hours of flying training. During which student gain essential knowledge to start their professional flying aviation career. Below is given detailed information ground classes & flying training:
Students first have to attend the ground classes in which they will get theoretical knowledge of all DGCA modules which later help students to fly aircraft. Below is given a table of modules:
| 
			 Module  | 
			
			 Key Focus Areas  | 
		
| 
			 Air Navigation  | 
			
			 Route planning, maps, charts, navigation instruments, position fixing  | 
		
| 
			 Meteorology  | 
			
			 Weather systems, clouds, wind, pressure and impact on flight  | 
		
| 
			 Air Regulations  | 
			
			 Aviation laws, rules of the air, flight safety regulations  | 
		
| 
			 Technical - General  | 
			
			 Basics of aircraft systems, engines, aerodynamics, performance limits  | 
		
| 
			 Technical - Specific  | 
			
			 Detailed study of specific aircraft types, systems and limitations  | 
		
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			 RTR  | 
			
			 ATC communication procedures, requires WPC RTR license  | 
		
Highlights
Flying training is a very crucial part of CPL training as it allows students to implement their theoretical knowledge into practical flying. Practical flying training before starting actual flying helps students gain confidence, skill & number of flying hours required for actual flying. Below is given a breakdown table of flying hours:
| 
			 Category  | 
			
			 Details  | 
		
| 
			 Total Flying Hours  | 
			
			 Minimum 200 hours required for CPL issue (as per DGCA).  | 
		
| 
			 Day Flying  | 
			
			 Basic maneuvers, take-offs, landings and aircraft handling in daylight.  | 
		
| 
			 Night Flying  | 
			
			 Training in low-visibility conditions, runway lighting systems and navigation.  | 
		
| 
			 Cross-country Flying  | 
			
			 Long distance flights between airports to build navigation and planning skills.  | 
		
| 
			 Instrument Flying  | 
			
			 Operating aircraft using only cockpit instruments (for poor visibility).  | 
		
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			 Dual Flights  | 
			
			 Conducted with instructor onboard for guidance and demonstrations.  | 
		
| 
			 Solo Flights  | 
			
			 Student flies independently to prove competence (includes long cross-country).  | 
		
| 
			 Simulator Training  | 
			
			 Practice of emergency procedures, instrument flying and complex scenarios in a safe environment.  | 
		
After completing the pilot license training students have to pass the DGCA examinations and flying test to get their pilot license. This whole process includes written exams, practical flying test with a certified examiner and verification of medical fitness etc. A successful completion will make the student eligible to become a commercial pilot operating within the DGCA regulations.
| 
			 Stage  | 
			
			 Description  | 
		
| 
			 Written Exams  | 
			
			 Conducted by DGCA on ground modules: Air Regulations, Meteorology, Air Navigation, Aircraft Technical (General and Specific) and RTR. Tests theoretical knowledge.  | 
		
| 
			 Flying Test  | 
			
			 Practical assessment by a DGCA-certified examiner covering takeoffs, landings, solo flying, cross-country navigation and basic instrument flying.  | 
		
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			 Licence Issuance  | 
			
			 After passing written exams, flying test and holding a valid DGCA medical certificate, DGCA issues the CPL license allowing the holder to fly as professional pilot.  | 
		
Pursuing a CPL course is a huge investment at first but the returns a pilot receives is unmatchable as pilots enjoys one of the highest pay in the world. This profession not only provide good income but also a white collar, prestige rich job too. Below is given an estimate cost to purse CPL in India:
| 
			 Expense Category  | 
			
			 Details  | 
			
			 Estimated Cost (INR)  | 
		
| 
			 Ground + Flying Training  | 
			
			 Classes, simulator, flying hours, aircraft charges  | 
			
			 45,00,000 - 55,00,000  | 
		
| 
			 Medical Tests  | 
			
			 DGCA Class 1 Medical, renewals  | 
			
			 50,000 - 1,00,000  | 
		
| 
			 DGCA Exams  | 
			
			 Written exams and license issue fees  | 
			
			 50,000 - 1,00,000  | 
		
| 
			 Accommodation and Food  | 
			
			 Hostel, mess or rental expenses  | 
			
			 2,00,000 - 5,00,000  | 
		
| 
			 Study Materials  | 
			
			 Books, uniforms, headset, etc.  | 
			
			 50,000 - 1,00,000  | 
		
| 
			 Miscellaneous  | 
			
			 Insurance, travel, visa (if abroad) etc.  | 
			
			 1,00,000 - 2,00,000  | 
		
For CPL holders, the aviation sector in India and globally offers a high return on investment due to the growing demand for commercial pilots. With India being one of the fastest growing aviation markets and global airlines expanding fleets, CPL graduates have ample opportunities in domestic and international airlines, charter companies and training institutions etc as given below.
| 
			 Category  | 
			
			 Details  | 
		
| 
			 Indian Airlines  | 
			
			 IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, AirAsia India, SpiceJet, Alliance Air etc.  | 
		
| 
			 International Airlines  | 
			
			 Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways etc.  | 
		
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			 Private Jet Operators  | 
			
			 Club One Air, JetSetGo, Capt. Gopi Aviation, Taj Air etc.  | 
		
| 
			 Placement Rates  | 
			
			 DGCA-approved flying schools: 75%-90% placement Cadet Pilot Programs: near 100% placement  | 
		
| 
			 Type Rating  | 
			
			 Type Rating on aircraft ( A320, B737) increases chances of airline placement for CPL holders with 200+ flying hours  | 
		
Aviation industry is growing rapidly internationally and demand of pilot is very high due to increased air travel. After getting a CPL license pilots can start their career as commercial pilots and can earn handsome amount of salaries according to their post as well:
| 
			 Job Profile  | 
			
			 Salary in India (INR/Month)  | 
			
			 International Salary (USD/Month)  | 
		
| 
			 Commercial Pilot (Fresh CPL Holder)  | 
			
			 INR 1,50,000 - 3,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 3,000 - 6,000  | 
		
| 
			 First Officer (Co-Pilot)  | 
			
			 INR 3,00,000 - 5,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 6,000 - 9,000  | 
		
| 
			 Captain (After Experience)  | 
			
			 INR 6,00,000 - 10,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 10,000 - 18,000  | 
		
| 
			 Charter Pilot  | 
			
			 INR 2,00,000 - 4,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 4,000 - 7,000  | 
		
| 
			 Cargo Pilot  | 
			
			 INR 3,00,000 - 6,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 6,000 - 10,000  | 
		
| 
			 Flight Instructor  | 
			
			 INR 1,50,000 - 2,50,000  | 
			
			 USD 3,000 - 6,000  | 
		
| 
			 Corporate Jet Pilot  | 
			
			 INR 3,00,000 - 6,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 6,000 - 10,000  | 
		
| 
			 Helicopter Pilot  | 
			
			 INR 2,00,000 - 4,00,000  | 
			
			 USD 4,000 - 8,000  | 
		
To start the CPL training and take admission in a reputed institution students can opt for scholarship based entrance exam, details are given below:
As we have already discussed above that the CPL is a highly rewarding career that combines passion, adventure and responsibility. CPL provides excellent job opportunities with airlines, charter companies and cargo services, along with attractive salaries and travel benefits. Students who dream of exploring the skies and wants to build a successful career in aviation industry pursuing CPL is the key. Stay focused, work hard and let your passion for flying take you to new heights of international aviation industry.