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Student LoginBefore the beginning of the pilot journey student often ask this question "what are the qualifications to become a pilot? So here we are with the correct details. So, students need to meet certain qualifications to pursue pilot training in India. These qualifications cover age, education, medical fitness and the number of flying hours which differ based on the license. Choosing the flying license will depend on your personal career goals for example PPL (Private Pilot License) for hobby flying, CPL (Commercial Pilot License) for commercial flying and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) for airline captains.
Knowing the exact qualifications to become a pilot is very important toward the future your safe and secured aviation career. Once you meet the basic pilot training qualifications then you can move ahead with confidence and plan for your dream profession. Understanding these qualifications early helps you save time, money and effort during your pilot journey.
Educational Qualification
-
SPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter):
- Must have passed Class 10th from a recognized board.
-
PPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter):
- Must have passed Class 10th from a recognized board.
-
CPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter)
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with a recognized board or equivalent polytechnic diploma.
-
ATPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter)
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with a recognized board or equivalent polytechnic diploma.
Age Criteria
- For SPL (A/ H), you must be at least 16 years old. ·
- For PPL (A/H), the minimum age is 17 years.
- For CPL (A/H) you need to be 18 years or older.
- For ATPL (A/H) which is the highest qualification, you must be at least 21 years old.
Medical Qualifications
- SPL (A/H) & PPL (A/H): You must have a DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Certificate. This covers basic health checks like eyesight, blood pressure, hearing and overall physical condition to ensure you are fit to operate an aircraft at a non-commercial level.
- CPL (A/H) & ATPL (A/H): You must have a DGCA-approved Class 1 Medical Certificate. This is more comprehensive and includes advanced tests such as ECG, lung function, blood tests and detailed eye and hearing exams to confirm your ability to handle the high demands of professional and airline flying.
Ground Classes
To become a pilot students first need to attend the ground classes where student learn all DGCA modules and then they have to clear the examinations. After successfully qualifying these student can further pursue flying training. Below is given all 6 modules related to pilot training:
| Module | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Air Regulations | Rules, laws, and procedures governing civil aviation. |
| 2. Aviation Meteorology | Weather systems, forecasts and their effects on flying. |
| 3. Aviation Regulations | DGCA rules, licensing regulations and operational procedures. |
| 4. Technical - General | Basics of aircraft/helicopter components, engines and systems. |
| 5. Technical - Specific | Detailed knowledge of aircraft/helicopter type, performance and limitations. |
| 6. RTR | Procedures and protocols for communicating with ATC. |
Flying Hours
To come into pilot profession, you must complete specific flying hours based on your chosen license PPL, CPL or ATPL. These hours vary by license type and include solo, cross-country and instrument flying. Below is given complete detail related to the flying hours required:
SPL (Student Pilot License)
| Details | SPL (A) | SPL (H) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | No minimum required | No minimum required |
| Requirement | Basic ground training | Basic ground training |
PPL (Private Pilot License)
| Details | PPL (A) | PPL (H) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | 40 hours | 40 hours |
| Solo Flying | 20 hours | 15 hours |
| Dual Flying | 10 hours | 10 hours |
CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
| Details | CPL-(A) | CHPL-(H) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | 200 hours | 150 hours |
| Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 100 hours | 50 hours |
| Cross-Country Flying | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Instrument Flying | 10 hours | 10 hours |
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)
| Details | ATPL-(A) | ATPL- (H) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 1500 hours | 1000 hours |
| Cross-Country | 500 hours | 350 hours |
| Night Flying | 100 hours | 100 hours |
| Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 250 hours | 200 hours |
Examination & Licensing
After successfully completing the pilot license training students have to pass the DGCA examinations and flying test to get their pilot license. This process includes written exams, practical flying test with a certified examiner and verification of medical fitness. A successful completion will make the student eligible to become an aircraft Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 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. |
| Licence Issuance | After passing written exams, flying test and holding a valid DGCA medical certificate, DGCA issues the PPL license allowing the holder to fly as Pilot-in-Command. |
Additional Skills and Attributes
- Communication & Decision-Making: Clear communication and quick decision making is necessary as pilot have to communicate with the ATC and handle the emergency situations.
- Leadership & Teamwork: Pilots leads the crew and working staff so it is essential for him to maintain the teamwork so the journey will complete smoothly.
- Technical Knowledge: He should have great understanding of aircraft systems and navigation etc.
- Emotional Stability: Staying calm under pressure is important in any situation.
- Situational Awareness: Staying focused and monitoring environment and aircraft status to prevent any emergencies.
- Problem-Solving: Pilot must be good at solving problems & handling emergencies efficiently.
- Adaptability: He should be adjusting to changing conditions.
- Attention to Detail: Pilots have to be very attentive & follow the safety protocols.
- Time Management: Managing flights and schedules efficiently.
Career Path
After completing the training and getting the required license and certifications, students can apply for various job profiles in aviation sector with highly rewarding salaries. Below is given a table of job profiles with salaries which pilots can apply:
| Job Profile | Salary in India (INR/Month) | International Salary (USD/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Entrance Exam & Admission
Aspiring pilot students can give entrance exam like Pilot CET or AME CET to get admission in top DGCA approved flying schools and get scholarships to reduce their financial burden. And they can make their career in commercial pilot, airline captain charter pilot and many more. 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 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 & 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 the chosen pilot training program.
After completing all the above given qualifications like education, medical fitness and flight training. A student can turn their passion of flying into a well-respected pilot profession. With dedication and proper training aspiring pilots can turn their dream of flying into a successful aviation career. Start your journey today and soar toward a bright future in the skies.
