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.
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Typical Duration |
18 - 24 months |
|
Flying Hours Required |
Minimum 200 hours |
|
Training Type |
Ground training + Flight training |
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. |
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 |
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Meteorology |
Weather systems, clouds, wind, pressure, and impact on flight |
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Air Regulations |
Aviation laws, rules of the air, flight safety regulations |
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Technical - General |
Basics of aircraft systems, engines, aerodynamics, performance limits |
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Technical - Specific |
Detailed study of specific aircraft types, systems, and limitations |
|
RTR (Radio Telephony) |
ATC communication procedures, requires WPC RTR license |
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. |
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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. |
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.
The examiner evaluates:
Only after successfully completing the skill test, application & document verification, students get their CPL license:
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 |
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 |
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
Step 2: The Entrance Exam
Step 3: Counseling and Seat Allotment
Step 4: Admission & Fee Payment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Typical duration is about 18-24 months. This includes ground school plus the minimum required flying hours.
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.