PILOT CET 2025

The time required to obtain a pilot license depends heavily on the type of license you pursue the aircraft category (airplane or helicopter) and how intensively you train.

Here are typical timelines (in India as per the PilotCET guidelines)

Student Pilot License (SPL) – This is the entry level training license and can often be completed fairly quickly typically in 2-6 months depending on the student’s pace and flight school schedule.
Private Pilot License (PPL) – PPL training usually takes 6-12 months. This includes mastering basic flying, navigation decision making and solo flights but is still aimed at personal and recreational flying not commercial flying.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – CPL training is more intensive and thorough. In India PilotCET estimates that obtaining a CPL takes about 18-24 months.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) – Becoming an ATPL is the highest level of pilot certification. After CPL plus required experience the timeline can be 12-18 more months depending on flying hours simulator training, and regulatory requirements.

What influences the duration:

Flying hours requirement: Each license has a set minimum flying hours. An SPL might need only 10-15 hours a PPL requires 40-50 hours, and a CPL requires around 200 hours of flight time training.
Ground school/theory exams: You’ll need to pass written exams (DGCA in India) and oral tests which require dedicated study time in addition to actual flight training.
Student availability and training intensity: If you’re able to train full time weather and scheduling permit and you progress steadily you’ll finish faster. On the other hand part time students or those with interruptions can take longer.
Weather aircraft availability instructor scheduling: Real world constraints (maintenance delays poor weather, less frequent instructor availability) can stretch training time.
Regulatory and medical clearances: Obtaining the required medical certificates (Class 1 for CPL and ATPL Class 2 for lower licenses) and regulatory approvals can add administrative time.

If you’re starting from scratch and pursuing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India with consistent uninterrupted training, plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 years. If you’re aiming all the way to an ATPL expect additional time after CPL potentially up to another year or more depending on how quickly you can build the required flying experience and complete advanced training.

What influences the duration:

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Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (344)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)

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How long does it take to get a pilot license?

What influences the duration:

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (344)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)