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Last Updated By Sumit Kumar on 19 Sep, 2023
Pilots are trained professionals who steer and fly airplanes and other types of aircraft. They remain the backbone of the aviation industry. Pilots are responsible for flying passengers and goods from one location to another. From performing pre and post-flight aircraft assessments, controlling the flight, being responsible for managing the cockpit, keeping a sharp look at the air regulation, planning flights, inspecting the air traffic as required, etc. There are various types of Pilots such as Commercial Pilots, Helicopter pilots, Military Pilots, etc. The duties, as well as, credentials differ relying on the airplane that they are in control of flying. Many students wonder how to become Pilot after graduation or 12th as it is a rewarding career path.
If you wish to pursue Pilot as your career, you are required to be at least 17 years of age and have passed class 12 with 50% marks from a recognized institute, and have science and mathematics as compulsory subjects. Some of the top institutions that offer pilot courses are IIT Roorkee, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, Lovely Professional University (LPU), BITS Pilani, Amity University, IISC Bangalore, etc. The average pilot salary in India ranges from freshers level to senior level at INR 2,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 per annum.
Here we will discuss the facets of pilot as a career, pilot eligibility criteria, pilot salary in India, the pros, and cons of becoming a pilot, top recruiters, and other related topics.
A pilot is an experienced aviator who controls and navigates aircraft. Pilots are in charge of ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of people, cargo, or both. They get intensive pilot training in order to gain the requisite information and abilities, such as flight controls, instrument reading, navigation, and emergency procedures.
If you are planning to become a pilot in India, then the following career guide will help you with what steps to take starting from your school-level education to securing a job.
1. Study Class 12th with Science
Start by completing your Class 12 (10+2) education with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. A strong foundation in these subjects is essential for understanding the technical aspects of aviation.
2. Choose a Reputable Flying Insitute
Get admission in a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)-approved flying school for pilot training.
3. Acquire Class 1 Medical Certificate
Candidates must go through a medical examination from a DGCA-approved doctor to ensure they meet the physical fitness requirements for flying which is crucial if you want to become a pilot.
4. Private Pilot License (PPL)
Begin your pilot training journey by completing approximately 50-60 hours of flying training at the flying school. After successfully passing the necessary exams and flight tests, you will be awarded a Private Pilot License (PPL).
5. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
After acquiring a PPL, candidates must continue their training to cover a total of 200 hours of flight time, including 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command. Additionally, you must pass CPL theoretical exams covering subjects such as Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and more.
6. Get Type Rating
If your ambition is to pursue a career with airlines, you will need to obtain a type rating on specific aircraft
7. Multi-Engine Rating (for CPL holders)
As a CPL holder, you must also undergo multi-engine aircraft training to add this rating to your license. This qualification is necessary for flying multi-engine aircraft.
8. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
Upon completing a minimum of 1500 hours of flight time, including 500 hours as Pilot-in-Command, and fulfilling all the required qualifications, you can apply for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). This is the highest level of pilot certification and allows you to act as a Captain on commercial airliners.
9. Apply for Job:
After obtaining your ATPL and fulfilling all necessary requirements, you can apply to airlines or charter companies for pilot jobs and attain your dream of becoming pilot.
You need to clear the following exams with flying colors to become a pilot in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) administers these tests, which are required steps in the process of becoming a pilot in India.
To become a pilot in India, you need the following skills
Candidates can also opt to study to become pilot in India. There are a number of international flight schools in which you can enroll and acquire quality education and training. Given below are the details on how to become a pilot in abroad.
Step 1: Shortlist the Flight Insitute
Firstly, you must decide on the flying school in which you wish to enroll, check the eligibility requirement, find out about the physical health requirements, and make sure you fulfill them. Also, get details on how to get a student visa for a particular country, are you eligible for it or not?
Step 2: Do Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
The journey of becoming a pilot involves lots of pilot training. If you have no flight experience earlier, then your path to becoming a pilot will begin with PPL training which will introduce you to the fundamentals of flying and covers basic flight maneuvers.
Step 3: Ground School Training
In parallel with flight training, you will also undergo ground school training, which covers pilot core subjects such as Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology, Aircraft Systems, and more.
Step 4: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training
After obtaining a PPL, candidates should continue with CPL training to prepare for a career as a professional pilot. CPL training involves more advanced flight maneuvers, navigation exercises, and additional theoretical subjects that will make you an excellent pilot.
Step 5: Pass Theoretical Exams
Throughout your training, you'll need to pass various theoretical exams on aviation-related subjects conducted by the aviation authority of the international country you are training in.
Step 6: Flight Hours and Experience
To become a pilot in abroad, it is important that you have covered the required flight hours as per the regulations of the foreign country. The number of flight hours needed for CPL varies depending on the country and its aviation authority.
Step 7: Type Rating (if applicable)
If you plan to fly specific aircraft types, you may need to undergo type rating training for those aircraft. Type ratings are often provided or sponsored by airlines during their pilot training programs.
Step 8: Additional Ratings
Depending on your career goals, you may pursue additional ratings such as Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER), which can enhance your qualifications and employability.
Step 9: Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
After gaining a significant number of flight hours and fulfilling all necessary qualifications, you can apply for the ATPL, which allows you to act as a Captain on commercial airliners.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs:
Start applying to airlines, charter companies, or other aviation organizations for pilot positions once you have completed your pilot qualifications and training.
The entrance exams that are required to become a pilot varies as per country. However, some of the common exams that a candidate must clear to become a pilot in abroad are:
To become a pilot in abroad, you need the following skills
Candidates who want to start their journey to becoming pilots after class 12th must follow the steps given below.
Step | Process |
|---|---|
Step 1: Choose a Flight Training | Candidates should choose flight training institutes that offer training to students who passed class 12th. Studying in these institutes students receives an in-depth study of the subject, and also establish the groundwork for them to thrive as individuals. Among the greatest aviation institutes in India include the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, National Flying Training Institute, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Bombay Flying Club, and others. |
Step 2: Acquire Working Experience | If you want to be a pilot, you must complete a particular amount of flying training hours in order to obtain a license. The number of training hours required is determined on the sort of pilot program sought. For example, a commercial pilot's license requires 250 hours of flight experience, whereas an airline pilot requires 1,500 hours. Formal training provides you with a basic education; but, if you want to get more in-depth information and experience, you can hire a personal tutor or even join the military. |
Step 3: Get a Pilot License | The next step is to get a pilot license for which candidates become eligible once they accrue the necessary amount of flight hours, followed by a written evaluation demonstrating your flying skills and passing the physical examination. |
Step 4: Complete Additional Training and Tests | Many airlines demand that pilots undergo psychological and aptitude exams as a requirement for employment. After being hired, pilots go through further training and flying hours to get comfortable as a co-pilot. If you subsequently intend to work for a large airline, obtaining prior experience with a smaller airline firm is usually advantageous in the long run. |
Step 5: Airline Pilot Experience | Jumping from pilot to captain is entirely dependent on seniority and background. To gain higher flying ratings, you must pass further FAA written and practical tests. You can keep studying and investigating how the market is changing. |
Step 6: Progress towards Career and become advance pilot | Jumping from pilot to captain is entirely dependent on seniority and background. To gain higher flying ratings, you must pass further FAA written and practical tests. You can keep studying and investigating how the market is changing. |
Another option for becoming a pilot after the Class 12th is to enroll in a Commercial Pilot Training [CPL] program after finishing 10+2. To qualify for this, you must pass the institute's prescribed entrance exam, interview, and medical examination.
The entrance exam required to become a pilot after Class 12th in India is the NDA exam. You must undergo flight training after finishing the three-year program. You will thereafter function as a permanent commission officer.
You can join the IAF's flying branch if you pass the NDA exam. It is a math-based test with a general ability component that includes the primary disciplines of English, Geography, History, General Knowledge, Physics, Math, Chemistry, and Current Events.
To become an outstanding pilot one must have certain quality skills. Pilots need to be good communicators and team players in addition to having leadership abilities. Check the skills required to become a pilot after 12th Class given below.
To become a pilot after securing a bachelor’s degree, follow the steps given below,
Step 1: Secure a degree
Having a bachelor's degree is not mandatory to become a pilot. However, if you have a degree like Bachelor in Aeronautics/Aerospace Sciences, Bachelor in Aviation, it will help you advance your career fast. To become a pilot it's important that you enroll in a pilot training course which is affiliated.
Step 2: Obtain Flying Experience
To earn a license, you must complete a certain number of flight training hours. A commercial pilot license requires 250 hours of training. A pilot for an airline, on the other hand, requires 1500 hours of training.
Step 3: Obtain a License
You must pass an aptitude exam, a psychological test, and a physical test after fulfilling the requirement of flying hours.
Step 4: Improve Your Flight Skills
With years of experience, you can rise from pilot to captain. As you acquire experience, you will be able to fly longer and more demanding journeys. Furthermore, passing further FAA exams will get you additional flying ratings
In India, there are three major aviation exams: the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Entrance Test, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Exam (AME CET).
To become a pilot after graduation, you need the following skills
In India, two aspects determine eligibility to become a pilot: physical fitness and educational qualifications. Each candidate must achieve specific qualifications in order to become a pilot. Candidates can check the pilot eligibility criteria given below.
The physical requirement to become a pilot varies for male and female students and can be checked below.
Specifications | Details |
Vision | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other |
Leg Length | 99 cms to 120 cms |
Height | 163.5 cms |
Sitting Height | 81.5 cms to 96 cms |
Thigh Length | 64 cms |
Specifications | Details |
Vision | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other |
Height | 162.5 cms |
Leg Length | 99 cms - 120 cms |
Sitting Height | 81.5 cms - 96 cms |
Thigh Length | 64 cms |
Often, candidates find it hard to decide on what type of pilots he/she wants to become. To choose a designated pilot type, candidates must understand the broad classification of pilots. There are different categories of pilots that can attract candidates with the job profile they possess. Read in detail the pilot job profiles and choose the one that suits you.
As the name suggests, these are pilots that fly for commercial purposes. They are responsible for handling the commercial requirements of the airlines. Be it carrying passengers from one place to another or being involved in activities like aerobatics, air rallies and aeromodelling. Candidates must also know that these commercial pilots are licensed pilots and are directly and indirectly responsible for the flights they use. The commercial pilots can further be divided into three sub-categories, based on the different functions they perform. These are as follows:
a) Passenger Pilots: These pilots are responsible mainly for carrying passengers from one state/country to another state/country. Passengers along with the plane are the priorities for these passenger pilots.
b) Cargo Pilots: Cargo pilots are the ones responsible to transport goods from one place to another as assigned by the cargo agencies. These flights can easily be tracked by the cargo or the courier company and then be notified to the customer.
c) Aerosports Pilots: These pilots are involved in activities like adventure and sports activities including aerobatics, aeromodelling, ballooning, air racing, air rallies, etc.
They are the considered as the backbone for the Indian Armed Forces comprising the Indian Army, Airforce and Navy. The military pilots support the Armed Forces with their air skills to engage into air-to-air combat, identifying missions and transporting army essentials and personnel. The sub-divisions are as under –
a) Airforce Pilots: Airforce pilots consist of skilled and expert airplane and helicopter pilots known for their skilled work in transporter pilots, fighter pilots and attack heli pilots. Both Airforce and Navy have Drone Pilots too. These are pilots responsible to handle Drones and its activities.
b) Army Pilots: Pilots of this section are mostly Heli Pilots with expertise in attack helicopters, mission-based helicopters, surveillance and reconnaissance.
c) Navy Pilots: Like the Airforce pilots, Navy pilots are also experts in handling both helicopters and airplanes when required by the Indian Navy. Transporting things from one military base to other is a basic function for the navy transporter pilots. The fighter pilots and attack heli pilots are responsible for the mission-based activities assigned by the officials.
These are the pilots hired for corporate or personal requirements. Private jets and helicopters are flown by these private pilots. A private Pilot License is issued to these pilots under the guidance and regulations of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Private pilots can also be commercial pilots as per their needs and requirements.
The sky is the limit for pilots in terms of assessing their financial returns in terms of income. Pilots are paid well, allowing them to live comfortably and achieve their financial ambitions. Candidates can check the salary of pilots given below:
Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (INR) |
Salary of Commercial Pilots | 1,77,539 | 23,63,300 | 1,00,45,414 |
Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (INR) |
Salary of Military Pilots | 7,00,000 | 10,00,000 | 20,00,000 |
Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (INR) |
Salary of Private Pilots | 1,50,000 - 2,00,000 | 5,00,000 - 8,00,000 | 10,00,000 - 20,00,000 |
**Note: The salary of pilot mentioned above is an approximate estimate and may vary from one organisation to the other organisation
The route to become pilot involves majorly pilot training from a reputed institute however if you want you can start with a bachelor's degree and then go for a masters degree. The following are the courses that you can study to become a pilot.
Bachelor’s Courses to become a pilot | Master’s Courses to become pilot |
|
|
Following are some of the aviation colleges in India that offer relevant courses which you can study and become a pilot.
| Name of College | Course Fee |
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy | Rs. 38 Lakh |
| Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology | Rs. 25 Lakh |
| Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited | Rs. 35 Lakh |
| Madhya Pradesh Flying Club | Rs. 32 Lakh |
| National Flying Training Institute | Rs. 22 Lakh |
| Bombay Flying Club | Rs. 20 Lakh |
| CAE Oxford Aviation Academy | Rs. 25 Lakh |
| Indigo Cadet Training Program | Rs. 32 Lakh |
| Government Aviation Training Institute | Rs. 38 Lakh |
| Puducherry Thakur College of Aviation | Rs. 23 Lakh |
| Government Flying Club | Rs. 37 Lakh |
| Orient Flying School | Rs. 25 Lakh |
| Institute of Aviation and Aviation Safety | Rs. 33 Lakh |
Often, candidates find hard to decide on what type of pilots he/she wants to become. To choose a designated pilot type, candidates must understand the broad classification of pilots. There are different categories of pilots that can attract candidates with the job profile they possess. Read in detail the pilot job profiles and choose the one that suits you.
Commercial Pilots: As the name suggests, these are pilots that fly for commercial purposes. They are responsible for handling the commercial requirements of the airlines. Be it carrying passengers from one place to another or being involved in activities like aerobatics, air rallies and aeromodelling. Candidates must also know that these commercial pilots are licensed pilots and are directly and indirectly responsible for the flights they use. The commercial pilots can further be divided into three sub-categories, based on the different functions they perform. These are as follows:
a) Passenger Pilots: These pilots are responsible mainly for carrying passengers from one state/country to another state/country. Passengers along with the plane are the priorities for these passenger pilots.
b) Cargo Pilots: Cargo pilots are the ones responsible to transport goods from one place to another as assigned by the cargo agencies. These flights can easily be tracked by the cargo or the courier company and then be notified to the customer.
c) Aerosports Pilots: These pilots are involved in activities like adventure and sports activities including aerobatics, aeromodelling, ballooning, air racing, air rallies, etc.
Military Pilots: They are the considered as the backbone for the Indian Armed Forces comprising the Indian Army, Airforce and Navy. The military pilots support the Armed Forces with their air skills to engage into air-to-air combat, identifying missions and transporting army essentials and personnel. The sub-divisions are as under –
a) Airforce Pilots: Airforce pilots consist of skilled and expert airplane and helicopter pilots known for their skilled work in transporter pilots, fighter pilots and attack heli pilots. Both Airforce and Navy have Drone Pilots too. These are pilots responsible to handle Drones and its activities.
b) Army Pilots: Pilots of this section are mostly Heli Pilots with expertise in attack helicopters, mission-based helicopters, surveillance and reconnaissance.
c) Navy Pilots: Like the Airforce pilots, Navy pilots are also experts in handling both helicopters and airplanes when required by the Indian Navy. Transporting things from one military base to other is a basic function for the navy transporter pilots. The fighter pilots and attack heli pilots are responsible for the mission-based activities assigned by the officials.
Private Pilots: These are the pilots hired for corporate or personal requirements. Private jets and helicopters are flown by these private pilots. A private Pilot License is issued to these pilots under the guidance and regulations of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Private pilots can also be commercial pilots as per their needs and requirements.
To start up a career as a pilot you have diverse career opportunities to choose from. Knowing the career opportunities, you will have ideas of the job profiles. After knowing the career options available, you are aware of the steps that have to be followed which include certification, licensing, and training. To assist the aspirers, we have listed the top and available pilot job opportunities. The same has been listed below.
In order to become a successful pilot, it is important for candidates to join a company or organisation where the scope of opportunities and growth are higher than others. There are a number of companies and organisations that hire pilots. Instead of getting confused about which company or organisation should be the best choice, candidates can go through the following that will help them to dig out the best company as per their requirement and qualifications.
Pilot's salary depends on the industry in which they have been hired. Pilot salaries can vary based on their certification and their logged flying hours. Pilots are deployed by private operators, can be enlisted in the military forces or can pursue a lucrative career as a Commercial Pilot. Mentioned-below are the salary scale of the different types of pilots:
Job Profile | Starting Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior Level Salary per annum (INR) |
Commercial Pilots | 1,77,539 | 23,63,300 | 1,00,45,414 |
Military Pilots | 7,00,000 | 10,00,000 | 20,00,000 |
Private Pilots | 1,50,000 - 2,00,000 | 5,00,000 - 8,00,000 | 10,00,000 - 20,00,000 |
Note: The figures mentioned above are an approximate estimate and may vary from one organisation to the other organisation.
To pursue this career, all you need to do is to have a good command over the subject matters asked at the time of selection in an institution. You need to be good in Physics and Mathematics, both at the 10th and 12th level, in order to understand the theories and practicalities of a professional degree like Pilot. You must focus on your 10th and 12th-course books. You need to be agile and grab every learning opportunity that comes your way to learn the tricks of the trade. Being a pilot will give you an on-the-job learning experience and the more you learn & implement in your work, the chances of you becoming an expert in this field will increase, which will subsequently reflect in your pay package. However, you can go through the books of some renowned authors that focus mainly on becoming a good pilot. Enlisted below are some of these good books that can help you strive for your career
Pilot Training Textbooks | Author/ Publisher |
Air Navigation (CPL-ATPL), the 2nd Revised Edition | R. K. Bali |
Fly the wing | Jim Webb |
How to Fly a Plane | Nick Barnard |
You Can Be A Pilot! Answers to 25 Popular Questions About Learning to Fly | Chris Findley |
50 Real-World Pilot Tips | Mark Robidoux |
Weather Flying | Robert N. Buck |
The Spirit of St. Louis | Charles A. Lindbergh |
Candidates entering the aviation industry and wondering how to become a pilot have to learn a lot and absorb it through training simulations. This becomes a great opportunity for the ones after they are certified and licensed. Some of the advantages of being a pilot after stepping into the aviation sector have been discussed in the following pointers.
Unlike the other side of the coin, a career as a pilot has some disadvantages that are faced by the candidates pursuing this course. Some of the common disadvantages of becoming a pilot have been listed in the points below.
Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.
Yes, being a pilot can be a rewarding career option for those passionate about aviation and flying. It offers opportunities for travel, competitive salaries, career advancement, and the chance to work in a dynamic and exciting industry. However, it requires dedication, hard work, and financial investment in training.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd, Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, etc are some of the best colleges in which you can take admission for becoming a pilot.
An entry-level pilot makes an average yearly pay of INR 28 LPA with less than three years of experience. A pilot in the middle of their career with 4 to 9 years of experience makes an average of INR 34.1 LPA, while a pilot with 10 to 20 years of experience makes an average of INR 49.7 LPA.
The total fees of pilot training in India are around INR 15 LPA to INR 40 LPA.
If your dream is to become a pilot and you are dedicated to your career goals then the path is easy. In fact, you will enjoy your pilot training days. But, becoming a pilot requires dedication, hard work, and financial investment, making it challenging but rewarding for those with a passion for aviation
Yes, 25 is a good age to become a pilot.
To be eligible to study pilot training courses candidate must be minimum 17 years of age.
Candidates who apply for the technical branch should have an overall score of 50% in both physics and mathematics, regardless of their 12th-grade percentage.
There is no way you can become a pilot without clearing any kind of exam. The job of a pilot is a very crucial job as it carries the life of various passengers. To become a pilot you need to clear all sorts of medical exams, practical exams, fitness exams, and theoretical exams.
The average pilot training course fees in India range between INR 35,00,000 to INR 40,00,000.
The best course for becoming a pilot is a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course, which provides the necessary training and qualifications to pursue a career as a professional pilot.
Mathematics and Physics are the two core subjects that students must be proficient in to become a pilot.
The selection procedure to join the IAF takes one to two years after taking the AFCAT exam. The AFA offers training as well. Depending on the type of aircraft you will be flying, your training may differ, but becoming a pilot typically takes one and a half to two years.
To become a pilot after 12th, enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school for pilot training, obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate, and complete the required flight hours to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
The qualification of pilots includes a class 10+ 2 certificate with Maths and Physics as main subjects. Additionally, you must obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate and complete pilot training to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
