How to become a Pilot

1. Proficiency in English Language

• Requirement: To pursue your CPL course, a solid grasp of the English language is essential. This includes the ability to understand, read, and write proficiently.

2. Minimum Age

• For CPL Issue: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Enrollment: You can begin your pilot training at the age of 17, as it typically takes about a year to complete the training and submit the necessary documents for CPL issuance.

3. Educational Qualifications

• Requirement: A pass in 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics, or an equivalent diploma.
• Alternate Path: If your educational background is in a different stream (e.g., commerce or arts), you will need to appear for Physics and Mathematics exams separately through recognized open schools like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

4. Medical Fitness for Pilot Training

• Class 2 Medicals:
  • Conducted across India by DGCA-appointed doctors.
  • Outcome: A CA-35 assessment form is issued as fitness certification, and reports are sent to the DGCA for final assessment.

• Class 1 Medicals:
  • Conducted in select cities (Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, and Jorhat) after obtaining the Class 2 assessment.
  • File Number: A unique identifier issued with your Class 2 assessment, used for all DGCA-related documentation.

1. Theoretical and Practical Training

• Theory Papers:
  • Computer Number: Required for appearing in theory exams, obtained through registration at DGCA Pariksha.
  • Exams: Held four times a year, with subject requirements varying based on the country of flight training.
• Flight Training:
  • Location: Choose between India or abroad, considering DGCA-approved schools, training quality, and exposure to international standards.
  • DGCA Flight Training Requirements:
    • 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
    • 250 NM check.
    • 40 hours instrument flight (20 on a simulator).
    • 50 hours solo cross-country.
    • 120 NM check.
    • 10 hours multi-engine.
    • 300 NM check.
    • 10 take-offs and landings by night.

1. Skill Checks and License Application

• India: Pass all theory papers, complete the required flight training, and undergo skill checks with a DGCA-appointed examiner.
• Abroad: Obtain your CPL, return to India, complete skill checks, and submit all necessary documents to the DGCA for CPL issuance.

2. Additional Requirements

• Board Verification Certificate: Issued by your education board to verify the authenticity of your marks.
• Police Verification Certificate: Confirms no criminal record and good moral character, essential for visa applications and CPL issuance.
• FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License): Necessary for operating radio equipment on Indian-registered aircraft.

• Prerequisites:
  • A valid foreign Professional Pilot’s License with a verification letter.
  • An authenticated logbook.
  • A valid foreign Class-I Medical Assessment.
• Process: Submit the required documents, complete skill checks in India, and, upon approval, receive your CPL from the DGCA.