If you re wondering what are the requirements to become a pilot† one of the first things you'll need to check is your age. For a Private Pilot License (PPL) in India (whether for aeroplane or helicopter) you must be at least 17 years old. For a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) the minimum age is 18 years. And if you're aiming for the highest license Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) the minimum age is 21 years.
That means when you reach 17 you can begin your PPL training and get your foot in the door of aviation. At 18 you can move into CPL training once you meet other conditions like education and medical fitness. And by 21 you're eligible for ATPL training which is generally aimed at airline captains. Starting early is a big plus: you'll get time to build your flying hours complete medical exams and gain experience before stepping into larger roles.
Age is more than just a number here it ties into practical and regulatory aspects. The licences are tiered by age because each level comes with higher responsibility: flying commercially (CPL) or operating major airline aircraft (ATPL). Regulatory bodies such as Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) require these minimum ages to ensure maturity medical fitness and readiness for the demands of each licence level.
For PPL: minimum age 17 years
For CPL: minimum age 18 years
For ATPL: minimum age 21 years And remember meeting the age alone isn't enough you'll also need the right educational background medical certificates and flying hours to fulfil what are the requirements to become a pilot†.
So if you're eager to fly keep this age roadmap in mind and plan your training accordingly. It's a positive first step toward your aviation dream!