Many aviation enthusiasts in India dream of being commercial pilots. Wanting to fly high, find adventure in new places, and enjoy the honor of wearing a pilot uniform makes this job very popular. Even so, becoming a commercial pilot involves strong effort, strict discipline, and a clear view of the tasks that need to be done. For pilot training, you can consider the best pilot training academy in Rajasthan.
Those who want to enter aviation can follow this detailed procedure to get the commercial pilot course in India.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Commercial Pilot
Before you start learning, you need to know what a commercial pilot’s role involves. Having a commercial pilot’s license allows someone to charge for flying an aircraft. They have career options in the airlines, with charter companies, in cargo, or even as flight instructors. Their tasks also involve picking routes for their aircraft, carrying out checks before takeoff, exchanging information with air controllers, and protecting all on board.
They must have both technology skills and the ability to act decisively, keep their mind active, and cope with stress under pressure.
Step 2: Check if You Qualify
To start training to become a commercial pilot, you must satisfy several basic conditions.
- Age: You have to be 17 years old to apply for a Student Pilot License and 18 years old to apply for a Commercial Pilot License.
- Educational Qualification: You must have finished your 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board. You can take these courses on open school platforms even if you haven’t studied them before.
- Language Proficiency: A good knowledge of English and its use in speaking and listening is essential for your career, as aviation communication is in English.
- Medical Fitness: You must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate to show that you match the health requirements for aviation. You may have eye, ear, and other tests to check your overall health condition.
Step 3: Clear Your Medical Examination
Anyone wanting to be a pilot needs to be medically fit. You will have to take two medical examinations.
Class 2 Medical Examination.
Usually, it is the first medical exam you have. It guarantees you are physically ready to start pilot training. This test consists of:
- Checking eyes and ears
- Tests are carried out to keep an eye on your blood pressure and heart health.
- General testing to check physical and mental functions
Class 1 Medical Examination
It is required and gives you a better understanding needed for getting a Commercial Pilot License. According to regulations, only medical professionals qualified for aviation can perform it. It includes:
- Tests reviewed include ECG, X-ray, blood tests, and urinalysis tests
- Examination of both the nervous system and mental health
- Looking at general health
It is usually best to arrange your Class 2 medical exam before starting training and either before or during training to get your Class 1 medical.
Step 4: Apply for a Student Pilot Licence
Getting your Student Pilot License is the beginning of your journey to learning how to fly. It allows you to receive basic flying lessons from a certified teacher. You should follow these steps to get an SPL.
1. Choose a DGCA-authorized flying school for your training, or consider DGCA ground classes in Jaipur.
2. Attach your medical certificate and your school records.
3. Complete a written or spoken exam under the direction of the Chief Flying Instructor.
At this stage, you will gain supervised experience and keep working on your training path.
Step 5: Enroll in a Flying Training Program
When you have your SPL, start a full-time flight training program at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organization (FTO). You’ll get access to the following:
- Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Aircraft Systems, and Flight Planning are included in your Ground Training.
- Training for flight consists of being with a teacher, attempting it solo, crossing large areas, flying at night, and control flying with instruments.
The process aims to offer you as much flying experience as possible, meeting the flight requirements needed to pass the exam.
Step 6: Accumulate Required Flying Hours
Applicants in India must finish at least 200 hours of training before they can get a Commercial Pilot License. The hours are split among many kinds of flying experience.
Dual Flying: Flying with an instructor
Solo Flying: Independent flights
Cross-Country Flying: Longer flights across different airfields
Night Flying: Training during night-time conditions
Instrument Flying: Flying using instruments only, without external cues
Finishing these hours makes sure you are ready to fly under real conditions.
Step 7: Clear the DGCA Examination
A pilot seeking a CPL must clear a DGCA written examination first. Topics addressed are:
1. Air Navigation
2. Aviation Meteorology
3. Air Regulations
4. Technical General
5. Based on the Aircraft You Train On
In addition, it’s required that you pass the RTR (Aero) test as part of the setup procedure. The exam looks at how well you use aviation radios and manage emergency communication routines.
You should review, practice, and take regular exams to prepare for these competitive papers.
Step 8: Apply for your commercial Pilot Licence
When you have finished your training and passed everything required by the DGCA, you may apply for a Commercial Pilot License. To apply, you must send in the following:
- Records of your flight hours in a logbook
- Certification for medical fitness
- DGCA examination results
- Papers that show your age, who you are, and your education
After making sure all paperwork is in order, the DGCA grants you your Commercial Pilot License which is valid for five years and extends when your requirements are up to date.
Step 9: Build Experience and Additional Ratings
A CPL enables you to fly for profit, yet if you want an airline career, you may still need additional qualifications.
Instrumental Training (IR): IR is critical for landing and flying when it is too foggy or dark, and you must depend on cockpit instruments.
Multi-Engine Rating(MER): Helps you control planes that have more than one engine which most commercial aircraft use.
Type Rating: Training targeted at flying Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft. Both educational classes and practice in simulators are part of this.
It is common for many pilots to begin as flight instructors to collect experience and flight time needed for airlines before taking tests.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs with Commercial Airlines
After you obtain your CPL and extra ratings, you can seek work with commercial airlines. Most selection processes consist of:
- You will be required to take written aptitude tests.
- Group talks and psychological tests
- Simulator tests
- HR, technical, and skills interviews
When the selection process is complete, you’ll attend additional courses designed by each airline before you start as a First Officer (Co-Pilot). After accumulating any needed qualifications and gathering enough experience, you have the opportunity to advance to Captain, which holds more duties and a higher income.
Conclusion
It is not easy to become a commercial pilot here in India, but the journey is very satisfying. To do this, someone has to train hard, work very hard and keep passionate about their career. If your passion for flying is strong and you want to improve your future, there are plenty of thrilling and highly valued jobs in aviation.
Starting with basics and continuing with a lot of flight hours helps you achieve your goal. Kick off your education by keeping your mind on track, finding a useful training setting and keeping an eye on continuous teaching and learning.
There is so much more ahead than what is visible in the sky.
