Commerce Student Can Become Pilot

There is a myth amongst people that only a science background student can become a pilot but this is not the complete truth. After pursuing 12th standard with any stream weather it is arts or commerce, students can still become a pilot and build a successful career in aviation. With the right training, eligibility & passion commerce student can become pilot & learn to fly the aircraft and get a CPL. After completing 12th in Commerce stream you just need to study Physics and Math separately through NIOS or another recognized board. Once you meet the basic requirements, you can join a DGCA-approved flying school or apply through scholarship based exams like Pilot CET & AME CET to start your pilot training journey.

Flying Route Overview- CPL

If you are a commerce student and want to earn money by flying aircraft then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the best choice for you. After getting a CPL you can work as a professional pilot for airlines, cargo or private flights etc. Below is given a quick overview of the CPL route for commerce students:

Category Details
Route Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Goal Earn money as a professional pilot.
How to Join Entrance exams like Pilot CET or AME CET (with scholarships).
Eligibility 12th with Physics and Math (can add via NIOS). Minimum 17 years old.
Medical Must clear DGCA Class 1 Medical.
Duration 18-24 months with 200 flight hours.
Career Airline, charter or cargo pilot etc.

Eligibility Requirements

Regardless of any stream students have to fulfill multiple eligibility requirements before joining the CPL course which are given below:

Criteria Details
Educational Qualification Class 12th with PCM / 3 Years engineering polytechnic Diploma
Non-PCM Background Commerce students can complete Physics and Math by NIOS or a recognized board.
Minimum Marks Minimum 50% aggregate in PCM
Entrance Exams Pilot CET, AME CET
Age Requirement Minimum 17 years at the time of admission (must be 18 years to get CPL)
Medical Fitness Must pass DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 medical examinations conducted by authorized medical examiners
Eligibility for Physically Challenged Flying requires full physical and mental fitness as per DGCA standards (no major physical disabilities allowed)
Direct Admission Based on merit or institute level entrance/interview (varies by school)

Course Duration & Fees

If you are a commerce student planning to become a pilot it is very important to know the time taken and cost of the course. Usually CPL course takes around 18-24 months to complete with around INR 45-55 lakhs but scholarships and student loans are available to help manage the cost. This makes it easier for commerce students to pursue their dream of flying professionally.

Category Details
Duration 18-24 months
Fees INR 45-55 lakhs approx.
Financial Help Scholarships and student loans available for students

Step-by-Step Guide for Commerce Students to Become a Pilot

  1. Clear Physics & Math - So the CPL requires PCM knowledge, commerce students need to study Physics and Mathematics through NIOS or any recognized board to meet the eligibility criteria.
  2. Appear for Entrance Exams - Exams like Pilot CET or AME CET help you secure admission in DGCA-approved flying schools and also offer scholarships.
  3. Medical Check - Pass the DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical Examinations to prove you are physically and mentally fit for commercial flying.
  4. Join Flying School - Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school. This is where you get both theory and practical flying training.
  5. Training & Flying Hours - You have to complete 800 hours ground classes of minimum of 200 hours of flying training.
  6. Get CPL & Start Career - Once you get your Commercial Pilot License you can start applying to airlines, cargo companies or charter services to begin your professional flying career globally.

CPL Syllabus Modules + Flying Training

CPL syllabus includes 800 hours of ground classes in which student learn about the 6 DGCA modules of pilot training and minimum 200 hours of flying training which helps gaining necessary skill require to fly an aircraft.

Modules

DGCA modules for pilot training provides the essential knowledge that can help pilots to fly safely, skillfully and professionally. Below is given a table of CPL modules:

Air Navigation
Air Regulations
Aviation Meteorology
Technical General
Technical Specific
Radio Telephony (RTR)

Flying Hours Breakdown

This practical flying hours or training helps future pilot to gain confidence and also enhance the ability to fly an aircraft safely. Heres the minimum flying hours required for CPL training as per DGCA:

Flying Component Minimum Hours
Solo Flying 100 Hours
Dual Flying (With Instructor) 40-50 Hours
Cross-Country Flying 20 Hours
Night Flying 5 Hours
Instrument Flying 10 Hours
General/Check/Practice Balance Hours
Total 200 Hours

Skills Required for CPL Course

Success as a commercial pilot requires more than just technical knowledge. Students must develop both personal and professional skills:

Technical Skills

  • Aircraft Systems Knowledge: Understanding how aircraft engines, avionics, hydraulics and control systems work.
  • Navigation Skills: Reading aeronautical charts, plotting courses and understanding air traffic rules.
  • Flight Planning: Calculating fuel requirements, altitudes, speeds and alternate routes.
  • Meteorology: Knowing how weather affects flight and how to plan accordingly.
  • Radio Telephony (RTR): Effective communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Soft Skills & Interpersonal Qualities

  • Decision-Making: Critical thinking in high-pressure scenarios.
  • Situational Awareness: Understanding whats happening around the aircraft in real-time.
  • Discipline & Focus: Ability to follow procedures strictly and maintain attention.
  • Teamwork: Pilots often work with co-pilots and cabin crew and must maintain coordination.
  • Adaptability: Being prepared for rapidly changing situations in the sky.

Career Opportunities After CPL

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.
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

CPL Salary Per Month

CPL opens doors to an exciting and rewarding profession. Below is given the starting salary potential for CPL holders and what you can expect in this highflying career:

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

CPL offers exciting international career opportunities and pays well too. Salaries differs for each CPL holder and depends on the different factors like airline, aircraft, experience and even the country of employment. Entry level CPL holders usually start their careers as a flight instructors or in charter flying to build essential flying hours before transitioning to airline roles. Getting a type rating for commercial jets is necessary and greatly increases the employability and salary prospects which makes CPL a rewarding aviation career in India & abroad.

Expert Tips for Commerce Students

  1. Focus on ground modules like Air Regulations, Navigation and Meteorology etc.
  2. Practice regularly to build confidence in theory and flying.
  3. Avoid common mistakes like skipping study or ignoring medical fitness.
  4. Maintain discipline and consistency in daily training.
  5. Log all flying hours accurately for DGCA requirements.
  6. Take mock tests and simulations seriously to improve skills.
  7. Ask questions and seek guidance from instructors and senior pilots.
  8. Develop strong communication and decision making skills.
  9. Stay physically and mentally fit with regular exercise and rest.
  10. Keep motivated and patient pilot training is challenging but rewarding.

Getting a CPL not just require a good knowledge in PCM subjects but Passion, dedication and proper training is what really matter. CPL career welcomes anyone who is determined to become a pilot regardless of their 12th stream.If you are a commerce student dreaming of a flying career you can start your journey today by appearing for Pilot CET, AME CET (scholarship based exam) With the right preparation you can complete your training, earn your CPL, and take off into a professional aviation career worldwide.

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