Pilot Course: Step-by-Step Training Process

The pilot course is a special flying training program that teaches students how to fly an aircraft safely. Pilot courses usually include both theory & practical training. Student will learn subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, rules and real flying experience etc during this course. The pilot license course also builds new skills like communication, decision-making, and handling emergencies, which is very important to learn before starting the job.

This course for being a pilot is the first step to getting licenses like SPL, PPL, CPL and ATPL. Correct and certified training is very important for safety and global standards because safety of passengers is the responsibility of a pilot. A pilot career is exciting in many terms, like a good salary package, and lets you travel the world, which makes it a dream job for many students living in India and abroad.

Types of Pilot Courses After 12th

After completing 12th standard students can start their future journey with pilot training course to start their aviation career. Pilot training course provides step by step training for licenses like SPL, PPL, CPL & ATPL. Each stage is a combination of theory, simulator sessions and actual flying training. Among these licenses CPL being the main requirement to start commercial airline jobs all over India.

Below is given the  different types of pilot licences based on training level and aircraft type:

• SPL (Student Pilot Licence)
  • Basic license to begin flying for airplanes and helicopters under instructor supervision.
• PPL (Private Pilot Licence)
  • PPL (A) – For flying fixed wing airplanes.
  • PPL (H) – For flying helicopters.
• CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)
  • CPL (A) – For commercial flying of fixed wing airplanes.
  • CPL (H) – For commercial flying of helicopters.
• ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
  • ATPL (A) – For commanding large commercial airplanes.
  • ATPL (H) – For commanding helicopters in airlines.

Airline Course to Becoming a Pilot: Complete Guide

There are several courses to become a pilot and it is a step-by-step process that requires the right licenses and training. It starts with gaining the SPL to reaching the highest level ATPL, each license plays an important role in shaping your aviation career. Completing an pilot aviation course helps you gain the knowledge, skill & confidence needed for each stage.

Below is given a detailed information for each license type:

Beginner Level – SPL (A/H)

SPL is the first license you need to begin pilot training for airplanes and helicopters. SPL allows students to fly an aircraft under the supervision of an instructor and it is very important for the start of your aviation career journey.

• Validity: 6 months from the date of issue.
• Eligibility:
  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Qualification: 10th or 12th pass
  • Medical: Class 2 medical fitness

We can say that the SPL is the base in airplane pilot course. SPL license builds the foundation for PPL, CPL and ATPL. Without having an SPL student cannot progress to higher licenses. It is a golden beginning gateway for becoming a professional pilot all around the world.

Intermediate Level – PPL (A/H)

PPL is the next step after getting the SPL license. PPL allows you to fly an aircraft as a pilot in command for personal or fun purposes but do not forget that you cannot earn money through it. It covers both Airplanes (A) and Helicopters (H). PPL license provides the confidence and skills which later needed for advanced training like CPL & ATPL.

• Validity: 5 years from the date of issue (renewable with medical fitness and proficiency check).
• Eligibility:
  • Minimum age: 17 years
  • Qualification: 10th or 12th pass (Physics & Mathematics required)
  • Medical: Class 2 (or Class 1 recommended for future CPL)
• Duration: Typically 6 to 8 months, depending on weather, aircraft availability and your flying schedule etc.

PPL is good a course for pilot after 10th doing flying for hobby or for building initial flying experience before going for the commercial pilot license. PPL includes minimum 40 hours of flight training, of which 20 hours must be solo. After completing PPL you can move to CPL to start earning as a pilot in India.

Advanced Level – CPL (A/H)

CPL means Commercial Pilot Licence it is the main license you need if you want to work in commercial airlines as a professional pilot. After completing the air pilot course or airline pilot course and the getting CPL you can fly an aircraft as a pilot and earn money. It covers both Airplanes (A) and Helicopters (H). We can say that the CPL is the main step for becoming an airline pilot all around the world.

• Validity: 5 years from the date of issue (renewable with medical fitness and proficiency check).
• Eligibility:
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Qualification: 12th pass with (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
  • Medical: Class 1 medical fitness (mandatory)
• Duration: Usually 12 to 18 months, depending on weather, aircraft availability, and flying schedule.

CPL is required for any paid flying job in airlines, government sector or charter companies etc. You need minimum 200 hours of flying for airplanes and 150 hours of flying for helicopters which includes solo and cross-country flights. After CPL, you can go for Type Rating and later ATPL to become a captain in airlines.

Expert Level – ATPL (A/H)

ATPL which means Airline Transport Pilot Licence. It is the highest level of pilot license in India. ATPL allows you to become a captain of large commercial aircraft and covers both Airplanes (A) and Helicopters (H).

• Validity: 5 years from the date of issue (renewable with medical fitness and proficiency check).
• Eligibility:
  • Minimum age: 21 years
  • Qualification: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
  • Medical: Class 1 medical fitness
• Duration: Around 3 to 6 months after meeting fliying hour requirements.

ATPL is required to command big airline aircraft. You need 1500 hours of total flying experience for airplanes (including CPL hours) & 1000 hours of flying hours for helicopters (including CPL hours). After completing the aviation pilot course most pilots first work with a CPL and later upgrade to ATPL when they gain enough & required experience as per DGCA.

Other Skills

Below is given some of the skills you which is very important in flying carrer and you gain after completing the plane pilot course:

• Strong Communication Skills: To interact with ATC and crew clearly.
• Decision-Making Ability: Quick and correct decisions during emergencies.
• Situational Awareness: Understanding weather, aircraft systems, and surroundings.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Handling technical issues calmly.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Working with co-pilots and cabin crew.
• Mathematical and Analytical Skills: For navigation, fuel calculation, and flight planning.
• Time Management: Managing schedules and deadlines effectively.
• Emotional Stability & Stress Management: Staying calm under pressure.

Career Scope & Airline Jobs

Job Roles After Airline Course:

• First Officer (Co-Pilot) – Entry-level role after CPL.
• Flight Instructor – Train new pilots after gaining experience.
• Charter Pilot – Fly private and business aircraft.
• Airline Captain – Highest position after ATPL and required flying hours.
• Corporate Jet Pilot – For business aviation companies.
• Cargo Pilot – Fly cargo aircraft for logistics companies.

Salary Trends:

• CPL Holders: Rs 6–12 LPA for freshers in India.
• ATPL Captains: Rs 8–20 LPA in India, higher in Gulf & Europe.
• International Airlines: Captains can earn Rs 50 LPA or more with experience.

Global Opportunities:

• High demand in UAE, Qatar, Singapore, USA and Europe.
• Many airlines offer tax-free salaries and additional perks like housing, insurance, and free tickets etc.
• Opportunity to fly wide-body aircraft on international routes.

Pilot Course Admission Process Through Pilot CET

Step 1: Submission of Application Form

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

Step 2: The Entrance Exam

• Appear for the Pilot CET exam, which tests your knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, English and reasoning ability.

Step 3: Counseling and Seat Allotment

• After the results are announced then the 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 the chosen pilot training program.

Your journey to becoming a professional pilot starts with choosing a correct aircraft pilot course from SPL to ATPL. With the right Institution, training and dedication you can achieve your dream of flying for airlines anywhere in the world. Apply query on http://pilotcet.com for any enquiry.