Let your dream Take Off..

The aviation sector is something that is catching the attention of huge masses. If a person is aspiring to become a pilot and live life up in the sky, it is the right time to live that dream. Here is how to become a Commercial Pilot in India.

My Journey of becoming a pilot

“Sometimes, flying feels too God-like to be attained by man. Sometimes, the world from above seems too beautiful, too wonderful, too distant for human eyes to see.”
– Charles A. Lindbergh

My journey of becoming a pilot in India was a dream that I nurtured since I started understanding that YES having a career was a THING! However I had no family back ground or even close friends who could guide me to take my baby steps in such an unexplored and versatile field. Being a Commercial Pilot wasn't within the grasp of individuals like me earlier, but for me giving up and doing something my heart doesn't permit was never an option.But the times have changed and nowadays, this dream has started to live in the hearts of a lot of individuals.The reason from what I can think of is social media, the increase in flying schools and extensive resources available on various platforms.Well if you're one such individual who has dropped onto my blog for the very same reason well thank me later ;P

How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India?

In India, there are two ways to become a pilot; they are as follows -

1. By procuring a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

2. By becoming a Pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Civil Aviation License includes licenses like,

• Student Pilot License, which can be availed at the age of 16

• Private Pilot License that can be availed at 17.

• The final license allows flying passenger flights, called Commercial Pilot License, which can be availed after 18.

Mandatory Requirements for pursing CPL Training

STEP 1: The candidate should be a 12th grader who has passed with subjects like maths and physics if not pursue the same subjects through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). They can also pursue the same subjects as private candidates through state boards. The minimum age should be 17 years.

STEP 2: Class-II Medical Test is the most basic and the next step towards a Pilots career. Its required for you to get an SPL(Student Pilot License) and to join a Flying school or Aviation Training Academy.I would recommend a candidate to get his/her Class 2 Medical done prior to joining an institute so as to be sure about their medical fitness.

How To Obtain Class I, II Medicals?

• Visit this link and go through the list of DGCA examiners. From the list, select the doctor who suits you best, contact and fix an appointment with them. DO NOT get your medicals done by any other doctor, or it’ll be deemed invalid.

• Fill out relevant forms and get all the tests done, as instructed by your doctor. This includes blood, urine, BMI (body mass index), ECG, Blood pressure, chest x-ray, and ENT tests.

• The doctor will approve all your reports will send them to DGCA, Delhi for approval.

• Once your medical documents reach DGCA, a file will be prepared on your respective name and you will receive a file number. Collect your Medical Assessment from the DGCA Medical Cell, Delhi.

STEP 3: Approach a well established and DGCA Approved Flying club or Aviation Academy to enrol yourself for CPL Training Course that'll include Flying and Ground Schooling.

Well that's all! Too easy to start right?

What after you get into a Flying Club?

Once you enrol yourself into a flying club the first 3-4 months you will undergo Ground Training.In simple terms you will start your theory classes towards your DGCA CPL exams.I shall explain about the exams and subjects shortly.While undergoing your Ground Training it is also important for the student to start working towards his documentation that will be required for his SPL,PPL and CPL.

This includes Police Verification/Character Certificate and also your Board Verification Certificate.

What is Police Verification Certificate?

From security perspective, police verification is required before commencement of flying. The said police verification can be requested at local Commissioner of Police office for address and antecedent verification. Most cities have this facility available online whereas in some towns it can be initiated at local Police stations.

What is Board Verification Certificate?

DGCA needs proof of authenticity of 10th & 12th mark sheet and passing certificates. Therefore, verification of mark sheets is also required. Process for seeking the same varies for each Educational Board. Where mark sheet is available online on the board website without requirement of Login ID & Password, DGCA can verify it from there.If online verification is not available then the candidate will have to request for the same at the registered Educational Board Office in person.

Now your ground training is aimed towards helping you clear the Ground Subjects for DGCA CPL exams, so let's get to know what subjects you got to study and how the exams are conducted.

Ground Subjects for DGCA CPL Exams

In order to get a CPL License it is mandatory for every candidate to clear the DGCA CPL exams.These Exams are conducted every 3 months by the DGCA which means you have 4 attempts in a year.

The candidate has to prepare the following subjects:

• Air Regulations

• Aviation Meteorology

• Air Navigation

• Technical General

• Technical Specific

• Radio Telephony

Except for Radio Telephony all these exams are objective type.Each subject has a separate paper worth 100 marks in which the student needs to secure at least 70% to Pass.If a student is not able to clear an exam in one attempt he/she can reappear for the same whenever DGCA conducts the next attempt.

DGCA Flying Training Requirements

The next step after your Ground Training will be the adventure that you signed up for, YES the flying training. Flying is a an integral part of your training as it will define the skills you develop and the kind of knowledge you will possess during this phase. In short these are stepping stones to your career as an airline pilot so choosing the right Flight School is essential.

For quick reference I have simplified the minimum flight training requirements laid down by DGCA.

On clearing all applicable theory papers and completing flight training you will be required to undergo flying skill checks with a DGCA appointed examiner to demonstrate your flying abilities.

I will be posting more blogs where I'll write in detail about specific topics related to CPL training and aviation, so stay subscribed and follow me on Instagram for more.