Many youngsters, both girls and boys, dream of being an airline pilot. Most, however, do not know how to go about it; which degree to pursue, what are the general requirements, costs involved, and so on. In this article, let me summarize how one becomes a commercial airline pilot.
To become a commercial pilot in India, you do not need any college degree. You can start your pilot training after your 12th grade. Here are the 2 key requirements.
- You should have completed your 12th in the Science steam (with subjects Mathematics and Physics) with at least 55% aggregate.
- You should be medically fit (physically and mentally). Your vision in one eye must be perfect (6/6), while the other eye can have an imperfection of 6/9, which must be correctable (with glasses/lenses) to 6/6.
(In case you have not passed your 12th from the Science stream, and still wish to become a pilot, you should give your 12th exams with Maths and Physics as subjects through NIOS -National Institute of Open Schooling, or as a private candidate through your state board.)
Join a Pilot Training School
There are several Pilot Training Institutes (Flying Schools) in India. Each pilot training institute conducts an entrance exam called a Pilot Aptitude Test which consists of a written exam, aptitude test, and an interview. On admission, you begin your pilot training program which lasts for 15-18 months. To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) you should complete at least 200 hrs of flight time. Once you complete your 200 hours, you will have to apply for your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation). DGCA conducts an exam in which you must score at least 70% percentage to secure your CPL.
While an airline can hire you with a CPL, the chances are low. Once you get your CPL, the next step generally is to get ‘Type Rating‘. Type rating is a certificate issued by the DGCA that certifies that a pilot is fit to fly certain types of aircrafts. For this, you will have to enroll in flight training for flying that particular type of aircraft. Many airlines also conduct what is known as ‘cadet training program’, participating in which increases your chances of being recruited by the airline. These programs include ‘Type rating’ training. Candidates have to pay for the cadet training. After your cadet program and/or type rating, you start working as a Pilot (generally a Junior First Officer).
Eventually, after you start working as a pilot, it is recommended that you obtain the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License), which is the highest licence a pilot can achieve in her or his career. To obtain the ATPL, you have to complete at least 1500 hours of flying time, and pass the ATPL exam conducted by the DGCA.
How much does it cost of become a Pilot?
On an average the pilot training in India costs about Rs 40-50 lakhs. This is what most students spend for getting a Commercial Pilot License. Additionally it costs another Rs 25-40 lakhs for Type Rating/Cadet Training, depending on the Type Rating you decide to enroll in. So on an average, to become a Pilot, the total investment is Rs 70-90 Lakhs.
How much do Pilots earn?
The starting salary of a commercial pilot (Junior First officer) is around the Rs 11-12 lakhs per year and that of a Senior First Officer ranges from Rs 40-50 Lakhs per year. The salary of a senior Airline captain can go as high as Rs 1Cr per year.
So yes while the costs of becoming a pilot are high, the payoffs are high too.
PS: Many students become pilots by enrolling in flying schools in foreign countries as well.
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.