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Becoming a pilot is an exciting and rewarding career choice that offers the thrill of flying and the potential for a lucrative profession. The journey to becoming a pilot involves several stages, each requiring dedication, rigorous training, and financial investment. This comprehensive guide covers various pathways to becoming a pilot, including commercial, military, and private piloting, focusing on the steps, entrance exams, costs, and requirements.
How to Become a Pilot – General Pathway
To become a pilot, one must undergo extensive training and acquire various licenses. Pilots are broadly categorized into private pilots, commercial pilots, and military pilots, each with distinct requirements and career paths. The process generally starts with obtaining a Student Pilot License (SPL), followed by a Private Pilot License (PPL) for non-commercial flying, and then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for flying commercial aircraft.
How to Become a Pilot in India
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates all civil aviation activities. To start your journey, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Age: Minimum 17 years for SPL and PPL, and 18 years for CPL.
- Education: Completion of 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Medical: Class II medical certificate for SPL and PPL, and Class I for CPL.
Top Flying Schools in India include Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, and the Bombay Flying Club. Entrance exams such as the IGRUA Entrance Exam and the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Assessment are essential to gain admission to these prestigious institutions.
Also Check: Top 10 Career Options After 10th for Students in India
How to Become a Pilot After 12th
Completing your 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English is a crucial educational requirement. Students should consider taking courses in science stream to strengthen their knowledge in these subjects. Training pathways include integrated programs combining ground school and flight training or modular programs that allow you to complete different training modules separately. Important entrance exams include the NDA Exam for those aiming for the Indian Air Force and the IGRUA Entrance Exam for commercial pilot training.
How to Become a Pilot After 10th
While you cannot become a pilot immediately after the 10th, early preparation is vital. Focus on science subjects in high school and consider joining programs like the NCC Air Wing for early exposure. After completing 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, you can pursue pilot training by taking entrance exams such as the NDA Exam for Air Force pilots and other relevant exams for higher education.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot
To become a commercial pilot, you need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which requires:
- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- Flight Hours: At least 200 hours of flying.
- Medical Fitness: Class I medical certificate.
Training programs for CPL include ground school for aviation theory and extensive flight training. Career opportunities for commercial pilots include jobs with airlines, cargo companies, and charter services. Entrance exams like the IGRUA Entrance Exam and airline-specific assessments are crucial steps in this process.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India
In India, accredited flying schools such as IGRUA and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offer CPL training. The cost for CPL training ranges from ₹25 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs. Entrance exams like the IGRUA Entrance Exam and the Common Pilot Aptitude Test (CPAT) are essential for admission to these programs.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot After 12th
Direct entry programs, such as integrated CPL programs available after 12th, combine academic and flight training, allowing for faster progression in the aviation career. Key entrance exams include the NDA Exam for military aviation and the IGRUA Entrance Exam for commercial aviation.
Also Read: Best Career Option and Courses after 12th
Cost of Becoming a Pilot
The cost of becoming a pilot includes tuition fees, flight training, examination fees, and other expenses. In India, the cost ranges from ₹25 lakhs to ₹1 crore, depending on the type of license and training program. Scholarships and loans are available to assist aspiring pilots. Financial assessments and scholarships often require specific exams and eligibility checks.
How to Become a Captain Pilot
Career progression from First Officer to Captain involves gaining substantial flight hours and experience, typically requiring 1500-3000 flight hours and additional training. Airline-specific assessments and promotions exams are part of this progression.
How to Become a Pilot in the Air Force
To become a pilot in the Air Force, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
- Education: Completion of 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Medical: Comprehensive medical examination.
Training programs include basic flying training followed by advanced fighter training. Career paths in the Air Force include roles such as fighter pilot, transport pilot, and helicopter pilot. Entrance exams like the NDA Exam and the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) are crucial for admission to these programs.
Read More: Career Options After 12th with PCM
FAQs on How to Become a Pilot
What are the qualifications to become a pilot?
To become a pilot in India, you need to complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, obtain a medical fitness certificate, and clear entrance exams like IGRUA or AFCAT for military pilots. You also need to undergo extensive flight training at a DGCA-approved flying school .
How can I become a pilot after 12th?
After completing 12th with Physics and Mathematics, you can join a DGCA-approved flying school. You will need to pass entrance exams such as the IGRUA Entrance Exam for commercial pilots or the NDA/AFCAT for military pilots. Following this, you must complete ground and flight training to obtain your pilot licenses.
Is pilot study hard?
Yes, pilot study is challenging as it requires strong understanding of physics, mathematics, and aviation theory. Additionally, practical flying skills, physical fitness, and passing rigorous exams are essential .
What are the fees of a pilot?
The cost of pilot training in India typically ranges between ₹40 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs. This includes tuition fees, flight training, and other related expenses .
Is pilot a good career?
Yes, becoming a pilot can be a highly rewarding career offering excellent salaries, global travel opportunities, and personal development. However, it requires significant dedication, training, and financial investment.
What should I take after 12th to become a pilot?
After 12th, you should take courses in Physics and Mathematics if not already completed. Enrolling in a DGCA-approved flying school for pilot training is the next step .
What is the cost of pilot course after 12th in India?
The cost of a pilot course after 12th in India ranges from ₹40 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs, depending on the flying school and specific training program .
