Pilot Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

In India, Pilot courses are educational programmes designed to prepare individuals for careers as professional pilots. Commercial Pilot courses are typically offered by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approved flying schools and academies. The specific details and curriculum of Pilot training courses can vary depending on the type of pilot license a student is pursuing (e.g., Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, or Airline Transport Pilot License).

The duration of Pilot course in India can vary depending on the type of pilot license you are pursuing and the flight school or institution where you enroll. Here are the general timeframes for some of the common Pilot course in India:

• Private Pilot License: 6 to 12 months

• Commercial Pilot License: 18 to 24 months 

• Airline Transport Pilot License: 18 to 24 months

Becoming a commercial pilot in India has its own set of advantages and challenges. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Career Opportunities: There is a growing demand for pilots in India due to the expansion of the Aviation industry, both domestic and international.

• Potential for High Earnings: Commercial pilots can earn substantial salaries, especially as they gain experience and move up in their careers.

• Travel Opportunities: The job often involves travel to various destinations, both within India and internationally, providing exposure to different cultures and experiences.

• Skill Development: Pilots undergo rigorous training that enhances their decision-making abilities, technical skills, and overall professionalism.

• Job Satisfaction: Flying an aircraft can be highly rewarding and fulfilling for those passionate about aviation.

Cons:

• High Cost of Training: Training to become a commercial pilot is expensive, requiring significant financial investment, which can be a barrier for many aspiring pilots.

• Lengthy Training Period: The training process to become a commercial pilot can be lengthy and demanding, requiring dedication and commitment.

• Job Insecurity: Job availability may fluctuate depending on economic factors, airline hiring policies, and industry changes, leading to periods of uncertainty.

• Work-Life Balance: Pilots often have irregular and demanding schedules, including long hours and time away from home, which can impact personal and family life.

• Health and Stress: The job can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring pilots to maintain good health and manage stress effectively.

• Regulatory Challenges: Adherence to stringent regulatory requirements and frequent medical assessments are necessary, which can pose challenges for some individuals.

Yes, you can specialize in areas like commercial jets, helicopters, military aircraft, avionics systems, or even specific aircraft models.

Specializing in a particular field can boost your career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

Yes, definitely you can.

The minimum requirement to be a commercial pilot is just 10+2 with PCM. Hence, you may also do that after engineering, but remember that the above mentioned is not just the minimum qualification but it is compulsory.

To become a commercial pilot:

• You need to first possess a student pilot license. You must be over 17 years of age and have completed class 12th with science (physics and mathematics) with 50%.
• Your vision in one eye must be perfect. In general medical terminology, it is called 6/6 eyesight. In the other eye, you could have an imperfection of 6/9, which must be correctable to 6/6. General physical fitness is mandatory.
• You must be free of any disease that can hamper normal function.
• You need to register at a flying club which is recognized by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.

Next is a private pilot license which includes sixty hours of flying. A commercial pilot license can be obtained only after a PPL and 250 hours of flying. 

Basic prerequisites-

• You must complete Class XII under the 10+2 system or its equivalent with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in maths and physics.
• You must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible for a Student Pilot License, 17 for a Private Pilot License, and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License.
• Alternatively, you could directly enroll for the Private Pilot License once you have cleared Class XII and are 17 years old. This involves taking an exam conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation* consisting of theory papers on air navigation, aviation meteorology, air regulation and technical aspects.
• Your vision in one eye must be perfect. In general medical terminology, it is called 6/6 eyesight. In the other eye, you could have an imperfection of 6/9, which must be correctable to 6/6.
• General physical fitness is mandatory. You must be free of any disease that can hamper normal function.
• You need to complete the requisite number of hours, clear written papers and the medical examination. You need 70 percent marks to pass in each of these papers. You can keep appearing until you clear them. 

You cannot do two courses together. especially the ones which are wide apart from each other. so you can pursue either of them at a time.

Though you can do one of them after the other if you are still eligible for the same.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a degree alongside pilot training in India. Several aviation institutes and universities offer integrated programs where students can earn a degree while undergoing pilot training.

As for the entrance exam requirement, it varies depending on the institute and the specific program. Some institutes may require candidates to pass entrance exams assessing their aptitude in subjects like mathematics, physics, and English, while others may have different admission criteria. Prospective students should research the requirements of their chosen institute or university to determine if an entrance exam is necessary for their desired program.

Pilot courses can be challenging, but the difficulty level largely depends on the individual's aptitude and dedication. Piloting is a complex skill that requires a combination of knowledge, practical experience, and critical thinking. To become a pilot, one must undergo rigorous training and acquire a significant amount of knowledge about Aviation principles, Navigation, Aerodynamics, Meteorology, and other related topics.

Theoretical knowledge is an essential component of Pilot training, and students must pass various exams to demonstrate their proficiency.

Overall, while Pilot courses can be challenging, they are also incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about Aviation and have the dedication to complete the training. With the right mindset and commitment, anyone can successfully complete a Pilot course and pursue a career in Aviation.

Becoming a pilot requires a mix of technical skills, physical abilities, and personal qualities. Here's a breakdown of the skills required:

• Flight Knowledge
• Aircraft Handling
• Radio Communication
• Emergency Procedures
• Good Health
• Coordination, and many others.

Dear candidate, the Aircraft Stability and Control subject is of extreme importance for every aeronautical engineering graduate because it teaches you about the various ways in which an airplane could respond after facing some unforeseen disturbances, and further gives you an idea regarding different ways to tackle the same.

This information is crucial for the aeronautical engineer to put to use while designing and manufacturing the aircraft in order to install the required safety equipment and control systems in place.

The most common type of higher education to pursue when you want to be a pilot is a Bachelor's degree in Aviation. 

Some higher education institutions offer this degree as part of a Bachelor of Science (BS) programme, and others offer aviation education as part of a Bachelor of Arts B.A. Programme.

Hi Aman, As such, there are 3 basic steps to become a pilot rather to be called as a pilot.

The first step is the SPL (student pilot license), second step is the PPL (private pilot license) and the third step is the CPL (commercial pilot license).

Once you are through with these steps, you get the title of a pilot, but to get a job you are still left to do your multi engine rating and type rating. Once you do all these, you are eligible to apply for a pilot's job.

Some notable flying schools in India providing Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training are Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) in Uttar Pradesh, National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) in Gondia, Maharashtra, and Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA) in Gujarat.

These are just a few examples, and numerous other reputable flying schools across India offer CPL training programs.

The Pilot training cost in India can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the flight school or training institution, the location of the school, the type of aircraft used for training, and other associated costs. Candidates can have a general idea of approximate pilot Course fees:

CPL Ground School Training: This Pilot course fees can vary, but they generally range from INR 1 lakh - INR 3 lakh.

Flight Training: The Pilot training cost in India for this certificate can cost anywhere from INR 20 lakh - INR 40 lakh.

The table below shows the private best Pilot Training institute in India along with their total tuition fees:

There are about 100+ best Flying training colleges in India. Of these, 60 colleges are privately owned and 2 colleges are owned by public/government organisations. Students can secure their admission after completing their Class 12.

Some of the popular Pilot Training colleges in India include The Bombay Flying Club,  Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy,  Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Adventure Flight Education Private Limited, Bangalore, Silver Oak University, IGIA (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics) Janakpuri, Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd., Adventure Flight Education Private Limited, Pune, CAE - National Flying Training Institute, PTC Aviation Academy, Chennai,  and many others.

To determine the best colleges for Pilot Training in India, you need to go through its tuition fees. Listed below are some of the colleges along with their fees:

Hope this answers your query!

The table below shows the affordable Pilot Training colleges in India along with their total tuition fees:

Becoming a Pilot in India requires several steps and a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Here are the steps to follow if you're interested in pursuing a career as a Pilot in India:

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

To become a pilot in India, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. You must be at least 17 years old, have completed your 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics, and have a medical fitness certificate from a certified medical practitioner.

Step 2: Choose a Flying School

Once you have met the eligibility criteria, you need to choose a flying school. There are several flying schools in India that offer pilot training courses. You need to select a flying school that is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Step 3: Complete the Pilot Training Course

The pilot training course consists of two parts - ground training and flying training. Ground training includes theoretical knowledge and practical training in subjects such as aviation meteorology, air navigation, and flight rules and regulations. Flying training involves practical flying lessons with an instructor.

Step 4: Obtain a Student Pilot License

Once you have completed the ground training and a minimum of 20 hours of flying training, you can apply for a student pilot license. This license allows you to fly an aircraft under the supervision of a certified instructor.

Step 5: Obtain a Private Pilot License

After completing 40 hours of flying training, you can apply for a Private Pilot License (PPL). This license allows you to fly an aircraft as a solo pilot.

Step 6: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License

To become a commercial pilot in India, you must obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). To obtain a CPL, you must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of flying training, including 100 hours of solo flying. You must also pass a written exam and a flight test.

Step 7: Gain Experience

Once you have obtained a CPL, you need to gain experience by working as a co-pilot with an airline. You need to have a minimum of 250 hours of flying experience before you can apply for a job as a pilot with an airline.

In conclusion, becoming a pilot in India requires hard work, dedication, and a significant investment of time and money. However, with the right training and experience, you can pursue a career as a commercial pilot in India.

A Pilot becomes a Captain when they meet certain requirements that are set by their Airline or governing Aviation Authority. In general, becoming a Captain requires a significant amount of experience, training, and education.

One of the key requirements for becoming a Captain is accumulating a certain number of flight hours. The exact number of hours required can vary depending on the airline or authority, but it generally ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 hours of flight time.

Once a Pilot has met all of the requirements, they can apply to become a captain. The airline or authority will then review their qualifications and decide as to whether they are ready to take on the responsibilities of a captain.

Becoming a captain is a significant milestone in a pilot's career. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and comes with a great deal of responsibility.

Read Can your eyesight issues dampen the chances of becoming a pilot?

Here are the simple steps to become a commercial pilot in India:

• Complete Class 12: Pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.

• Enroll in a Flying School: Join a DGCA-approved flying school.

• Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL): Start with basic ground and flying training.

• Progress to Private Pilot License (PPL): Continue training to acquire a PPL.

• Earn Flying Hours: Accumulate the required flying hours (usually around 200 hours).

• Get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Pass the exams and tests to obtain a CPL.

• Medical Fitness: Maintain DGCA Class 1 medical fitness.

• Airline Training: Apply for type rating and training with an airline.

• Apply for Jobs: Start applying for jobs with airlines as a commercial pilot.

Students can have a look at the table below to get an idea of the average salaries at different levels and Job Profiles in Aviation sector:

See, this depends on your personal interest areas and skill set. Both the job profiles offer promising work opportunities in the aeronautical industry with decent annual salary packages. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, you can consider the profile of an Aircraft Design Engineer who is responsible for the design and development of aircraft models using advanced technology.

On the other hand, if you are interested in electrical and electronic systems, you can go for the profile of an Avionics Engineer who is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the electronic aircraft and spacecraft systems to ensure smooth functioning. You must think about your interests carefully and then come to a conclusion. Best of luck!

There are banks in India that offer financing for courses in commercial piloting. On the other hand, different banks may offer varying terms and availability for education loans. The following are some broad things to think about:

Loan Eligibility: Banks usually have certain requirements to meet in order to qualify for student loans. This could involve things like age, educational background, acceptance into an accredited pilot training program, and more.

Course Accreditation: The course you intend to take needs to be provided by an accredited aviation training institution. A list of accredited schools and courses may be available at banks.

Loan Amount: The loan amount can be used to pay for a range of course-related costs, such as textbooks, examination fees, lodging, and other pertinent expenditures. Depending on the entire cost of the loan, the amount differs.

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which allows you to fly for business purposes. You must possess an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and be at least 23 years old if you want to work as a Captain for an airline.

Joining pilot training colleges in India can be expensive, as most of the colleges (27) have total tuition fees of more than INR 5 lakh. Some of the colleges mentioned below, along with their total tuition fees:

In India, several pilot training colleges offer courses for aspiring pilots. The eligibility criteria generally vary slightly from one college to another, but here are the common eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must have completed their Class 12 with Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Some colleges may also require Chemistry as a compulsory subject.
• The minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 exams might vary from college to college, but it usually ranges from 50% to 60%.