Becoming a pilot involves meeting specific qualifications but these requirements can differ from country to country. International standards such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provide a framework for pilot training and certification. However individual countries may have additional or modified criteria based on their unique needs and regulations.
In many countries the minimum educational qualification required to become a pilot is a high school diploma. For instance in India aspiring pilots must have completed at least the 10th standard for a Student Pilot License (SPL) and the 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics for a Private Pilot License (PPL). While a degree is not mandatory for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) it can enhance job prospects with airlines.
Medical fitness is a universal requirement for pilots. However the specific medical standards can vary. For example in the United States the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a third class medical certificate for private pilots while the DGCA in India mandates a Class II medical certificate for SPL holders and a Class I medical certificate for CPL and ATPL holders.
Pilot training programs are generally structured in a similar progression: SPL → PPL → CPL → ATPL. However, the duration, cost, and specific requirements of these programs can vary. In Europe for example the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sets the standards for pilot training which may differ from the standards set by the FAA in the United States or the DGCA in India.
While pilot licenses are generally recognized internationally there may be differences in how they are accepted. Pilots often need to undergo additional training or testing to convert their licenses when moving between countries. For instance, a pilot holding an EASA license may need to obtain an FAA license to operate in the United States.