How to Become a Pilot in India: Eligibility, Skills Required, Exam and Pilot Salary

Air Pilot is one of the most reputed jobs in India and a dream to many. Be it the thrill of flying, the reputation of the job, or the abundant salary, this job is in high demand for young adults. There are multiple fields of work in aviation; however, the number of applicants surpasses opportunities in aviation. In order to pilot, you will need to pass an examination and gain a license, and also some skills. In this blog, we will cover how to become a pilot in India, the gross qualifications for how to become a pilot in India, the skills required to pilot, and job particulars as well. Aside from that, we will also cover what pilot salary, remuneration, perks, and benefits they will see and beyond.

How to Become a Pilot in India?

To become a Pilot in India, follow these steps: 

1) Educational Qualifications

The journey to being a pilot starts with basic qualifications of 10+2 with Physics and Math subjects as compulsory education. A stream in the sciences background is an advantage, and is commonly required to get admission to pilot training programs.

2) Select a DGCA-Approved Flying School

Choose the right flying school for your training. Find a DGCA-approved flying school that meets your goals, preferences, and time availability. Making sure you evaluate important factors such as distance from home, reputation, cost, and facilities is key.

3) Medical Examination

Before commencing flight training, you must hold a Class 2 Medical Form issued by a “DGCA-approved medical examiner”. A Class 2 Medical Examination examines your physical and mental fitness against the rigorous medical standards needed to pilot an aircraft.

4) Enroll in a Pilot Training Course

Enrol in a pilot training course at your chosen flying school. Typically, these courses include theoretical ground training and practical flight training. Flight training refers to the hands-on flying experience under the direction of a professional flight instructor, whereas ground training includes air regulations, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems.

5) Clear DGCA Theory Exams

During your training, you will be required to complete several theoretical tests administered by the DGCA. These tests cover everything from air regulations to navigation, meteorology, technical knowledge of the aircraft, and radio telephony. Completing these tests successfully requires determination and preparation.

6) Complete Flight Training

You will receive practical flight training from certified flight instructors. The training will consist of basic operations and range to advanced flying skills. You will also receive flight hours and accumulate whatever number of required hours are needed for solo flights, cross-country flights, and night flying.

7) Clear Practical Exams

After completing the necessary flying hours and demonstrating your flying skills, you will then be subject to practical exams, which are conducted by DGCA examiners. Each practical exam will help establish your ability to consistently exercise the rules of theoretical knowledge in actual flying, the standards needed for a safe and competent pilot.

8) Obtain Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

After finishing all theory and practical examinations and flying hours, you will receive your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This license confirms your competency and allows you to fly commercial aircraft, providing many job opportunities in the aviation industry.

Eligibility Requirements to Become a Pilot in India

First, let us begin with the eligibility for pilot training in India before you rush into a flight school. Depending on the academy you belong to, the eligibility may vary substantially, but on the whole, the requirements are:

• Age: You must be at least 17 to be eligible to start your Pilot training course.
•  Education Qualification: It is important to have a science background (physics, maths, and English) with at least 50% of the total marks completed after your 12th Grade. Don’t stress if you haven’t studied these subjects in school- you can still use the open schooling route (NIOS) to meet this requirement.
•  Medical Fitness: You need to complete a Class 2 medical test by an approved medical examiner by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Additionally, to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), you need a Class 1 medical certificate. This medical will ensure that you are medically fit to complete the task and that your general health, hearing, and vision are adequate.

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Skills Required To Become A Pilot In India

• Aviation Knowledge: It is important to have a sound understanding of aircraft systems, flight operations, aerodynamics, and navigation.
• Aircraft handling: Proficiency at flying an aircraft, including takeoff, landing, and aerobatics, and doing it under a variety of weather conditions.
• Effective radio communication: You are capable of two-way effective radio communication with a crew, air traffic control, and other relevant parties.
• Emergency Procedures: Understanding and being proficient in managing a variety of situations that may arise during flight.
• Communication: Pilots must have superior verbal and written communication skills so others can understand their exact instructions as it pertains to air traffic control, crew, and outgoing passengers.
• Problem Solving: The ability to recognize and remedy unexpected problems while flying.
• Decision making: The ability to act quickly and decisively, especially in times of stress.
• Multi-tasking: able to handle multiple tasks; while flying, ie, maintaining flying conditions, checking your gauges, and talking to ATC.
• Teamwork: efficiently working with and taking orders from ground crew, cabin crew, and co-pilots.

Types of Pilots

• Commercial Airline Pilots: These pilots fly commercial airplanes while ensuring the comfort and safety of their passengers.
• Military Pilots: These pilots fly fighter aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes while serving in the Indian Air Force, Navy, or Army.
• Private Pilots: Usually, private pilots fly smaller aircraft for private use or charter services.
• Cargo Pilots: These pilots often have little contact with passengers when transporting commodities and freight.

Pilot Salary in India

After accumulating a considerable amount of flight time and expertise, a pilot salary in India is around INR 35 LPA per year. At first, the starting salary may be modest, at about INR 3 LPA.  In India, the highest pilot income is INR 84 LPA.  Pilots typically earn between INR 1,68,000 and INR 1,75,000 per year.

In addition to their pay, pilots are eligible for travel benefits, profit-sharing incentives, bonuses, and per diems for flights abroad.

Pilot Salary in India: Based on the Pilot’s Specialization

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Conclusion

To become a Pilot in India, one needs to meet the eligibility criteria and pass certain specific examinations. Besides the fact that this job offers a lucrative salary, it is considered one of the most reputable jobs with various perks and benefits as well. Pilot salary varies with various factors like companies, experience, specialization, and more. 

FAQ’s

1) How to Become a Pilot in India Age Limit?

The minimum age limit to become a pilot is 17 years for a Student Pilot License (SPL) and 18 years for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). 

2) What Is a Pilot Salary in India?

The pilot salary in India ranges between ₹15 Lakh to ₹80 Lakh per year, depending on experience, rank, specialization, and more. 

3) What Are the Pilot Course Fees in India Government?

A government-sponsored pilot training program typically costs between ₹25 and ₹35 lakhs, which includes training materials, exams, ground school, and flying hours.

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