How to Become a Pilot in India? Types of Pilot & Eligibility to become Pilot

Do you picture yourself gliding confidently through the sky in a crisp uniform? While the view from the cockpit is breathtaking, pilots carry the huge responsibility of safely transporting passengers, crew and cargo on thousands of journeys.

If you are interested in this exciting career in the clouds, read everything you need to know about how to become a pilot in India.

Types of Pilots

Airline Pilot: One who flies commercial aircraft owned by private airlines. They carry passengers and cargo over long distances around the world on a fixed schedule. To become an airline pilot, you need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Regional or Commercial Pilot: A commercial pilot flies short-haul regional airlines to carry passengers and cargo.

Private Pilots: People who fly private aircraft owned by themselves or by other persons. You need a Private Pilot License (PPL).

Air Force Pilots: Specialists in flying armed aircraft, they work under the Ministry of Defense of India. To follow this route, you need to clear the AFCAT exam and undergo training with the Air Force.

Sports Pilot: One who flies an aircraft for any sport below 10,000 feet and within a specified range.

Flight Instructor: His job is to train aspirants on how to fly. These pilots work in training institutes. You need a Certified Flight Instructor License (CFL).

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Eligibility Criteria

Here are the basic requirements to pursue a course to become a pilot in India:

• You must be at least 17 years of age to start training in India. However, you can get a Student Pilot License (SPL) after you turn 16.
• You must have passed the 10+2 examination with a minimum of 50% marks in Mathematics and Physics.
• Students can pursue undergraduate aviation courses like BSc Aviation, BSc Aeronautical Science, BTech Aeronautical Engineering etc. PG courses like MSc can also be done. Aviation, MTech Aerospace Engineering, and ME Aeronautical Engineering, among others, should be specialized.
• You will need to obtain fitness and medical certificate.
• The minimum height should be 163.5 cm for male candidates and 162.5 for female candidates. You should have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 vision in the other eye.
• You should be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English to the minimum level required by the Indian DGCA.

Choosing the Right Track

Candidates can pursue Civil Aviation or Indian Defense Force as per their interest. Here’s how you can go about it:

Civil aviation

As a commercial pilot, you can fly for any airline. You can join training academies around the world that offer various programs in pilot training. For civil aviation, you need to obtain a commercial pilot certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.

Indian Defense Force (Air Force)

If you are interested in joining the Air Force as a pilot, you need to clear the Indian Defense Forces Competitive Entrance Test. The NDA exam is the practical entrance exam in India after passing the 12th standard. On qualifying, you can join the flying branch of IAF. Shortlisted candidates undergo training at the National Defense Academy for 3 years.

Steps to becoming a pilot

Pass the course

There are several educational institutions across the country; Choose the one that suits your purposes. The right organization will help you lay a solid foundation and develop your potential. If you are interested in applying for Air Force, opt for the NDA exam.

Fly for the experience

To get a license, you need to earn a certain number of hours of flight training. To get a commercial pilot license, you need 250 hours of training. But an airline pilot needs 1500 hours of training.

Get a license

After you have completed the required number of flight hours, you must also pass an aptitude test, a psychological test and a physical test. Here are the types of licenses you can earn:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Air Transport Pilot License (ATP)
• Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)
• Commercial Multi-Engine Land Transport (CMEL)
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFL)

Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER) are complementary to the pilot license. With IR, you can control the aircraft in any weather conditions. And with MER you can fly a multi-engine aircraft.

Get promoted as an airline pilot

As you gain years of experience, you can rise through the ranks from pilot to captain. As you gain experience, you will be able to perform longer and more difficult flights. You can earn higher flight ratings by taking additional FAA tests. Pilots need to know what the industry has to offer to develop their careers and hone their craft.