What is Commercial Pilot Course?

Commercial pilot course is made for students who wants to make career as a commercial pilot. CPL course is a combination of ground classes (800 hours) and flying training (200 hours) with simulator sessions under the guidance of a certified trainers. After successfully completing the exams and the flying training student will get their CPL license, which officially gives them the authority to fly an aircraft or work as a pilot in airlines, charter services, corporate aviation or cargo operations.

CPL course not only develops technical flying skills but also improve the knowledge in navigation, meteorology, air regulations and aircraft systems etc which makes sure that the pilots are well-prepared for real world operations. After completing CPL training students can work in domestic and international airlines and enjoy amazing salary packages.

Course Duration

Aspect

Details

Typical Duration

18 - 24 months

Flying Hours Required

Minimum 200 hours

Training Type

Ground training + Flight training

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue Commercial Pilot Course in India students must meet certain requirements set by DGCA. Below is given a table of CPL course eligibility:

Eligibility Requirement

Details

Minimum Age

Must be at least 18 years old to apply for CPL.

Educational

10+2 with PCM

Or equivalent engineering polytechnic diploma

Non PCM background students can give PCM exam through NIOS

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.

Ground Classes & DGCA Exams

Before starting the flying training every CPL student must attend the ground classes and clear DGCA theoretical exams. CPL classes build a strong base in subjects like navigation, meteorology, regulations and technical knowledge etc, which are very important for safe flying:

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

RTR (Radio Telephony)

ATC communication procedures, requires WPC RTR license

Flying Training

Flying training is a very crucial part of CPL course it allows students to turn 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

Min 200 hours required for CPL issue (as per DGCA).

Day Flying

100-120 hours basic maneuvers, take-offs, landings and aircraft handling in daylight.

Night Flying

5-10 hours training in low-visibility conditions, runway lighting systems and navigation.

Cross-country Flying

50 hours long distance flights between airports to build navigation and planning skills.

Instrument Flying

20 hours operating aircraft using only cockpit instruments (for poor visibility).

Dual Flights

15 hours conducted with instructor onboard for guidance and demonstrations.

Solo Flights

60-70 hours student flies independently to prove competence.

Simulator Training

5 hours practice of emergency procedures, instrument flying and complex scenarios in a safe environment.

CPL Check Ride

Skill Test which also called a Check Ride is the final practical evaluation a CPL student have to qualify to be eligible for CPL license issuance. It ensures the pilot can safely and efficiently operate an aircraft in real-world conditions.

1. Conducted by DGCA-Approved Examiner

  • The test is conducted by a DGCA-certified examiner who evaluates the students flying skills according to official standards.
  • It is usually performed in the same aircraft type used for training, covering all essential maneuvers and procedures.

2. Evaluation Criteria for License Issuance

The examiner evaluates:

  • Aircraft Handling: Smooth and safe control of the aircraft in various conditions.
  • Take-offs & Landings: Day, night and crosswind operations.
  • Navigation Skills: Accurate navigation during cross-country flights.
  • Instrument Flying: Ability to operate using cockpit instruments.
  • Emergency Procedures: Response to engine failures, system malfunctions, or other in-flight emergencies.
  • Decision-Making & Situational Awareness: Ability to make correct decisions under pressure.

Only after successfully completing the skill test, application & document verification, students get their CPL license:

Career Opportunities & Salary

After completing CPL course students usually get most rewarding career opportunities with highest paying salaries, below is given a table explaining Opportunities for CPL holders:

Career Option

Role Description

Starting Salary (India)

Airline Pilot

Fly scheduled commercial passenger flights for airlines.

Rs 1.5-3 lakh per month

Cargo Pilot

Transport cargo and freight on commercial or private aircraft.

Rs 1-2.5 lakh per month

Charter Services Pilot

Fly private or chartered flights for individuals or businesses.

Rs 1-2 lakh per month

Corporate Aviation Pilot

Fly company-owned aircraft for business executives and VIPs.

Rs 1-2.5 lakh per month

CPL Course Fees

Whenever planning to pursue a commercial pilot course, it's important to note that fees are approximate and can different depending on the institute, city and individual training speed. The course duration covers both ground school and flight practice, along with exam preparation. Additionally, scholarships and financial aid options differ across countries and institutions.

Country

Estimated CPL Cost (INR)

Scholarships

India

Rs 30-55 lakh

Merit-based scholarships, education loans

USA

Rs 61-78 lakh

FAA scholarships, private flight school aid

Canada

Rs 44-70 lakh

Scholarships via aviation organizations, flight school aid

Australia

Rs 57-66 lakh

Payment plans, government loans

UK

Rs 70-80 lakh

Scholarships from aviation bodies, flight school aid

Entrance Exam & Scholarships

Aspiring candidates can give entrance exam like Pilot CET or AME CET to get admission in top DGCA approved flying schools and avail scholarships to reduce their financial burden. And can make their career in pilot profession. Below is given step by step guide to from giving the exam to getting the admission:

Step 1: Submission of Application Form

  • Visit the official Pilot CET website at https://pilotcet.com.
  • Fill out the application form correctly with all the required correct details.

Step 2: The Entrance Exam

  • Appear for the scholarship based entrance exams like Pilot CET exam or AME CET, which tests your knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, English & reasoning ability.

Step 3: Counseling and Seat Allotment

  • After the results are announced, qualified students will be invited for counseling sessions.
  • During counseling students can choose their preferred pilot training institute and course (SPL, PPL, CPL or ATPL) based on their AIR rank and seat availability.

Step 4: Admission & Fee Payment

  • Once your seat is allotted, proceed with document verification and pay the required admission fee to confirm your enrollment in commercial pilot license course.

Commercial Pilot Course helps students to turn their dream of flying into a professional career. It builds strong technical and practical skills for airline operations. By completing the course students can earn a CPL and start flying for airlines, private jets or cargo companies. Choose CPL course if you want a challenging, respected and rewarding career in aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Commercial Pilot Course is a training programme designed for students who want to become professional airline or charter pilots. It combines ground classes (about 800 hours) with flying training (minimum 200 hours) including simulator sessions.


read more..

Because it equips you with both technical knowledge (like navigation meteorology aircraft systems) and practical flying skills. After passing you can work for airlines charter services cargo operations or corporate aviation.


read more..

You can start once you meet the eligibility criteria at least 18 years old completed 10+2 with Physics Chemistry & Maths (or equivalent) have a valid DGCA Class 2 medical certificate and are proficient in English.


read more..

Typical duration is about 18-24 months. This includes ground school plus the minimum required flying hours.


read more..

Yes once you hold your Commercial Pilot License and get a job, the salary can be very attractive. In India starting salaries for airline pilots can be between INR1.5-3 lakh per month.


read more..
Ask Your Question
Dear ,
Thank you for your query. We will connect with you soon.

Here are the details submitted by you

  • Email:-
  • Mobile:-
AME CET Helpdesk Number:- 8800 66 3006