HOW TO BECOME A PILOT?
How to become a pilot?
Becoming a pilot involves several steps and requires a combination of education, training, and experience.
Minimum Qualification
10+2 with Physics and mathematics. If someone has commerce and arts background. So he can do physics and mathematics with NIOS Board
Apply on EGCA website
After that you have to apply on EGCA website for medical test. After successfully done you have to apply for computer number.
Apply for computer number
You have to verify your 10th and 12th marksheet. After that you have to upload it on pariksha.dgca.gov.in9
Sure, let’s take a thorough look at the steps to become a pilot, using lots of helpful transition words to guide you smoothly through the process.
First, think about your dream of flying. Decide if you want to fly for fun, than you know about how to become a pilot, or fly large airplanes. Check that you meet the age and education requirements. Usually, you need to be at least 17 years old and have finished 12th grade with Math and Physics. Also, you’ll need to pass a detailed Class 1 medical exam to make sure you’re physically fit for flying in the sky.
Next, obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) by passing a ground exam and completing a thorough medical check-up to ensure you’re healthy for flying. Find a good flight school with experienced instructors who can teach you how to fly safely. In ground school, you’ll learn about aviation theory, rules, and navigation. Then, move from learning in the classroom to practicing flying with certified instructors by your side. As you gain more experience and skills, you’ll work towards earning different levels of pilot licenses that allow you to fly more advanced aircraft.
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Once you’ve gained around 40-50 flight hours, you’ll be ready to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) by passing written and practical exams. Keep flying and building experience until you reach about 200 hours of flight time, which is necessary to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). During this time, you’ll also complete advanced training courses that are required for obtaining a CPL.
For those aiming to fly big commercial airplanes, your journey doesn’t end with getting a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Keep practicing and gaining experience until you reach 1500 hours of flying time to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). During this time, take specialized training designed for the strict requirements of an ATPL. This advanced training will prepare you for the responsibilities of piloting large commercial airplanes in the sky.
Stay updated with the changing world of aviation, staying informed about new technology and updated rules. Keep renewing your licenses and certifications regularly to stay a strong and skilled pilot. Build your career by gaining experience in regional airlines, charter services, or other areas of aviation. Network with people in the industry to help you climb higher in your career. This will help you become a successful and respected pilot over time.
In the end, welcome challenges as chances to learn and grow. Adapt easily to new technologies and keep improving your skills for a long career in aviation that’s more than just a job—it’s an exciting adventure. Each step of this journey brings you closer to making your dream of flying a reality. So, get ready for a journey filled with amazing experiences in the sky! Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an exciting ride ahead!
Minimum Requirements to enroll for CPL Training (Commercial Pilot Licence )
Good Communication Skill in English Language
You have to be fluent in reading, writing and speaking in english to study your cpl classes.
Minimum Age criteria for CPL
Your age must be 18 or more than 18 to be eligible for Commercial Pilot Licence. In the age of 17 you can start your training and classes because it will take atleast 1 years to complete your training so in 18 you will be a Pilot.
Minimum Qualification for CPL
Atleast you have 10+2 with Physics and mathematics. If someone has commerce and arts background. So he can do physics and mathematics with NIOS Board.
Medical Fitness for Pilot training
Absolutely! Before you start your pilot training adventure, it’s crucial to make sure you’re medically fit for the skies. This involves a simple two-step process: thorough check-up to ensure your physical well-being and readiness for flight. Taking these steps ensures not only your health but also sets the stage for a smooth and secure journey in your pilot training.
Class 2 Medicals:
To begin with, you can undergo a Class 2 medical assessment anywhere in India through DGCA-appointed doctors.
Subsequently, after the assessment, you’ll be provided with a CA-35 form certifying your fitness.
Following this, the DGCA office takes charge of processing your reports, and in due course, you’ll receive the final medical assessment.
Class 1 Medicals:
Now, when it comes to Class 1 initial medicals, it’s important to note that these assessments are limited to specific cities, namely Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, and Jorhat.
Once you have your Class 2 assessment from DGCA, you gain the eligibility to request a Class 1 medical assessment date.
File Number:
As you move forward, your File Number, linked with the Class 2 medical assessment, becomes your permanent and unique ID.
This number is important because it organizes all your documents sent to DGCA under one reference for easy access.
This structured process ensures you meet health standards for pilot training and highlights the careful recording of your medical assessments, which is a crucial part of your journey in aviation.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Program
CPL training comprises of two elements: Theoretical knowledge & Practical Knowledge
Theory Exams
To take the written exams for pilot training, you must first get a “computer number,” which is like an identification number for your exams. Follow the instructions on www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in to do this. After filling out the online form, you need to send the printed form along with necessary documents to the DGCA office within 10 days; otherwise, they won’t consider your application. Once DGCA receives your documents, they will send you an email to confirm.
The written exams happen every three months and mostly consist of multiple-choice questions. With good preparation, finding and choosing the right answers should be doable. The specific exams you need to pass depend on the flight school you choose, whether it’s in India or another country. To make it easier to understand, look at the table below. This table gives you a clear view of the exams you need to focus on to move forward in your pilot training.
100 Hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
250 Nautical Miles (NM) Check
40 Hours Instrument Flight Out Of Which 20 May Be on a Simulator
50 Hours Solo Cross Country
120 Nautical Miles (NM) Check
10 Hours Multi Engine
300 Nautical Miles (NM) Check
10 Take off and Landing By Night
Main Process To Become A Pilot
10th and 12th Board verification certificate
The Board Verification Certificate plays a crucial role in validating the accuracy of your academic grades. Essentially, it serves as a confirmation from your school, ensuring that the information on your mark sheet remains unchanged and trustworthy. This certificate holds particular significance in the processes of acquiring a Computer number and later, your Commercial Pilot’s License. The application procedures, however, vary depending on the education board you were affiliated with during your studies. If your educational journey was under CBSE, obtaining the verification certificate is a convenient online process. Conversely, for other education boards, it’s essential to refer to your specific board’s website for detailed instructions on how to apply for this certificate. This careful checking makes sure that your academic records are real and accurate. It’s a very important step in getting your Commercial Pilot’s License.
Class II medicals
A Class 2 medical serves as the initial step for individuals aspiring to become pilots and obtain their Private Pilot’s License (PPL). It precedes the more comprehensive Class 1 medical examination. To initiate the process for a Class 2 medical assessment, candidates can navigate to the DGCA’s website and select a designated medical examiner from the provided list. Once a suitable examiner is chosen, an appointment can be scheduled accordingly.
During the medical check-up, the examiner will ask about any existing health issues you have. After that, they will do different tests like checking color vision, measuring your body mass index (BMI), and doing a general health evaluation. Passing the Class 2 medical exam is necessary before you can apply for the more detailed Class 1 exam. This important step marks the beginning of your journey toward getting a pilot’s license.
Class I medical
Getting a Class 1 medical certificate is the final step for aspiring pilots in India. But before you reach this stage, there are important steps you must complete. First, your Class 2 medical records need to be verified, and you must obtain a PMR number. Only after these initial steps can you proceed to the Class 1 medical exam. Having a Class 1 medical certificate is mandatory for getting a Commercial Pilot License. For the Class 1 medical exam, you can go to Air Force medical centers or specific private hospitals listed on DGCA’s website. This phase is a crucial part of the journey to becoming a commercial pilot in India.
Police Verification Certificate
A Police Verification Certificate (PVC) is an official report that confirms you have a clean record and good character. It’s issued by the local police or passport office. This certificate is very important whether you’re applying for an international visa or pursuing a Commercial Pilot’s License.
You’ll need this certificate at every stage, from applying for a visa to getting your pilot’s license. The validity of the certificate varies by state, and in some places, you can even get it online. To get this certificate easily, check your state’s website for instructions. It’s a key document that shows you are responsible and follow the law during your aviation journey.
Computer Number
A computer number is a special ID given to pilots by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) through the CEO (Central Examination Organisation). This ID is important whether you’re just starting to apply for your DGCA CPL papers or finishing up to get your Commercial Pilot’s License. You need this number at every stage of the process. To get this number, you must submit a board verification certificate and other required documents.
Getting a computer number usually takes about 1-2 months, so it’s important to apply well before you need it. This number is very important for all the paperwork and processes involved in becoming a commercial pilot. It helps make the administrative side of your pilot training smoother.
Ground Classes
Just like a strong base is important for a tall building, having a good grasp of CPL subjects is necessary before starting Commercial Pilot Training. Ground classes are key for building this base. DGCA requires candidates to pass all subject papers and accumulate 200 flying hours to get a Commercial Pilot License. The subjects include Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, Technical Specific, Air Navigation, and Radio Telephony (RTR). This thorough preparation ensures that aspiring pilots have the knowledge and skills they need for a successful career in aviation.
Visa Medicals
Before you can get a visa for certain countries, you may need to do specific health tests. These tests are different from the medical exams needed for flying (like CLASS II or CLASS I) and are not related to DGCA rules. To find out which tests you need and which hospitals can do them, check the official visa website of the country you want to visit. Remember, each country has its own rules for these health exams. So, make sure you know and understand these rules before you travel. This will help make the process of getting ready for international travel easier and smoother.
Visa Applications
Once you’ve completed the medical tests and submitted all the necessary documents, the next step is getting your visa. When you’re going abroad for flight training, you’ll typically need a student visa. The process for applying can be different depending on the country. Some countries require you to visit the visa office in person, while others allow you to apply online. It’s important to follow the specific process outlined by the country where you plan to study and train for flying. This will ensure that your visa application goes smoothly and you can start your education journey abroad without any issues.
SPL
SPL stands for Student Pilot’s License, which is the first license you need before getting a PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL (Commercial Pilot License). To get an SPL, you have to pass an oral exam with a DGCA representative. They’ll ask you questions about Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical (both General and Specific).
The Flying Academy will give you the SPL once you meet these requirements:
- You must be at least 16 years old when you apply for the SPL.
- You need to have passed the 10th-grade exam or an equivalent qualification from a recognized Board.
FRTOL
FRTOL stands for Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License, which you need if you want to operate radio equipment on an Indian registered aircraft as a professional. There are two types of FRTOL – Restricted and Non-restricted.
You need the Non-restricted FRTOL to get your CPL. To get this, you must pass the Radio Telephony Restricted Licence (RTR) exam conducted by WPC, India. After that, you also need to pass a written exam conducted by DGCA. If you have an RTR from countries like the UK or NZ, you can convert it to an Indian RTR to meet this requirement.
CPL
This program teaches students both theory and practical flying skills. It helps them reach the level needed to get a specific pilot license, which is important for becoming a Commercial Pilot. To get the Commercial Pilot License, a student must pass 5 DGCA subject exams and have at least 200 hours of flying experience. This license is essential for those who want to work as full-time Commercial Pilots.
License Conversion Checks
If you finish your flight training in a foreign country that’s part of the ICAO and want to convert your foreign Commercial Pilot license to a DGCA CPL in India, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid Professional Pilot’s License from the foreign country, along with a verification letter from that country.
- A valid Class-I Medical Assessment from the foreign country.
- A logbook that covers the last 5 years, showing dates, types of aircraft flown (single or multi-engine), aircraft registration, and your role (like being a pilot in command). Each entry must be confirmed by the appropriate authority in the foreign country.
- Valid skill test certificates for both single and multi-engine aircraft (if you want a multi-engine rating).
- Record of 20 hours of cross-country flights (or 50 hours if you also want an Instrument Rating).
- Three cross-country check reports, including a 300NM trip with two full-stop landings, a 250NM trip with one full-stop landing, and a 120NM trip at night returning to the starting point without landing.
- 5 hours of night flying as a pilot in command, with a certificate of 10 take-offs and 10 landings.
- For an Instrument Rating (IR): A total of 40 hours of instrument time, with at least 20 hours on an actual aircraft and up to 20 hours simulated. Also, there should be at least 5 hours of instrument time on an actual aircraft in the last six months (for IR issuance).
These requirements make sure that the pilot has the necessary skills and experience to fly safely in India under DGCA regulations after training abroad.
License Conversion
Once you finish all the required steps, including flying tests during the day and night, you need to send a physical copy of your License Conversion Application and all the necessary documents to DGCA. DGCA has now moved the entire process online to make it simpler for applicants. After you submit everything, if DGCA approves everything, they will issue your Commercial Pilot License within a month. This license lets you officially work as a commercial pilot in India.