Growing up, have you ever wondered how pilots manage to make planes fly, how they control such a massive machine and navigate through the skies?
It’s incredible isn’t it? flying at a speed of 800-900 km/hr and travelling from one country to the other in just few hours. All this is possible because of the highly skilled aviation professionals we know as Pilot or commercial Pilot.
A career as a pilot is a combination of adventure, responsibility, thrill of flying and a lucrative salary packages. Candidates passionate about flying, have to master the science of flight, understand the aircraft system and skilled in navigation and flight dynamics.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about the Career as a pilot, courses & certifications required, top flying schools and career opportunities.
How to Become a Pilot in India
An Airplane Pilot is a aviation professional who holds a flying license issued by a government aviation authority, allowing them to operate aircrafts.
The pilots are trained professionals who are responsible for navigating the aircraft, ensuring the safety of the passengers, crew and the cargo. They have to operate and manage the in-flight systems, communicate with the air traffic control and handle the emergencies as and when necessary.
If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, you have to pursue pilot training programs and courses from the DGCA approved flying schools. Below is the step by step guide to become a pilot in India.
1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics subjects at 10+2 to pursue pilot training program.
For private pilot license (PPL), you must be minimum 17 years of age, for a commercial pilot license (CPL), aspirants must be minimum 18 years old.
Candidates need to pass class 1 or class 2 medical examination conducted by an DGCA recognised medical officer.
2. Top Flying Schools and Institutes
To become a pilot, candidates have to train from the DGCA approved flying schools for pilot training program. Some of the recognised flight institutes are:
- National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
- GATI
- The Bombay Flying Club
- Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
3. Enroll in a Pilot Training Programs
Enroll in pilot training program, in an accredited flying school. Candidates have to start with private pilot license (PPL) and then apply for advanced licenses like CPL and ATPL.
Some of the popular pilot training courses and licenses are:
Private Pilot License (PPL)
To obtain this license, candidates have to complete 40 hours of flight training which is inclusive of 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. To achive PPL, candidates needs to undergo written exam & flight test.
The duration of this program is 6 months to 1 year. Candidates are taught about basic flying, navigation, landing/takeoff and understanding the aviation regulations.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
The commercial pilot license (CPL) is an advance level of license offered to the candidates who have completed minimum 200 hours of flight.
The license is given by DGCA on successful qualifying the written and flight test. The training program for obtaining CPL is generally 1 to 2 year and varies by flying schools.
In the training program, candidates are taught about aircraft systems, aerodynamics, air traffic control along with advanced flying technique, handling emergencies and navigating through tough weather conditions.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
As an ATPL holder, professionals can work for commercial airlines. They generally have good flying experience, in-depth knowlede of flight operations, aircraft systems and air laws.
This is the highest level of pilot certification in India. Candidates have to gain good work experience before qualifying for an ATPL. The license of offered on completion of written test, flight test and medical examination.
The course requirement for obtaining ATPL is completed minimum 1500 hours of flight time.
Career as a Pilot – A brief History
The term aviator was first used in 1887 as a variation in term “aviation” that was coined by G. de la Landelle in 1863.
Who was the first pilot of India & the world?
Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy was the first licensed pilot of India.
Wiley Hardeman Post was the first pilot to fly solo around the world.
Commercial Pilot Course Details
To become a pilot in India, aspirants have to take training from the DGCA approved flying schools and obtain certifications such as:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
Below is the details about commercial pilot courses, eligibility, fees, training requirements and salary details.
| Aspect | Private Pilot License (PPL) | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) | Airplane Transport Pilot License (ATPL) |
| Eligibility | Age – 17 Years 10+2 Physics & Mathematics Passed class 2 medical exam | Age – 18 Years 10+2 Physics & Mathematics Passed class 1 medical exam | Age – 21 Years Must hold CPL 10+2 Physics & Mathematics class 1 medical exam |
| Min. Flight Hours | 40 hours (dual & solo) | 200 hours (including PPL hours) | 1500 (including PPL & CPL hours) |
| Fees (INR) | ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 | ₹25,00,000 to ₹50,00,000 | ₹1 crore and above |
| Medical Fitness | Class 2 medical certificate | Class 1 medical certificate | Class 1 medical certificate |
| Work Environment | small aircraft | Airlines (domestic & international) | Airlines (domestic & international) |
| Job Profile | Private Flying | Airline Pilot, Cargo Pilots Flight Instructor | Airlines Senior Pilot, Airline Captain |
| Salary Range | ₹3-5 Lakh per annum | ₹8-15 Lakh per annum | ₹15-50 Lakh per annum |
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Pilot Training Courses
In India, there are various pilot training Institutions that provide various training courses. The training courses that are offered by the institutions are given here. You can pursue these training courses after 12th.
Popular Pilot Training Courses:
- Private Pilot License: The duration of this course is six to ten months.
- Commercial Pilot License: It is one to two year duration course.
- Commercial Pilot License: The duration of this course is upto three years.
Though the course duration depends upon the flying Instiutes and candidates learning capability. After obtaining the above certification and passing the mandatory medical fitness certificate, candidates are allowed to fly an aircraft.
After completing 1500 hours of flying and 3-5 years of experience, candidates can become a senior pilot or an Airline captain.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a commercial pilot in India, one has to meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The eligibility conditions are given below:
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualifications required is passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Candidates with Graduation in science or technology like a B.Sc or B.Tech degree prgram are also eligible.
Medical Fitness Test
The applicant must meet the mandatory medical standards such as vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. Any serious medical issue might lead to disqualification of the candidates.
Candidates have to qualify Class 1 medical examination conducted by a DGCA-approved medical body.
Key Skills
Some of the key skills required to become a commercial pilot in India:
- Good IQ and Problem solving skills
- Physically Fit
- Decision Making Skills
- Good Eyesight
- Good Communication Skills
- Leadership Qualities
Also Check – Top Diploma in Engineering courses after 12th
Top Pilot Training Institutes in India
Some of the famous institution in India that offer pilot training courses are:
- National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
- Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI), Bhubaneswar
- The Bombay Flying Club
- Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Rae Bareli
- Rajiv Gandhi National Flight Training Institute
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Admission Process
For admission in top pilot training institute, candidates have to qualify the entrance exam & must be physically fit as per the standards of the aviation industry.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducts a national level entrance test every year, which is known as IGRUA Entrance Test.
To get training in a private institution, you have to pay fees of Rs. 35 to 80 lakh approx. The fee will be less or more on the basis of what type of license you need.
I want to join Air Force as a Pilot what should I do?
Many aspirants confused between an Airline Pilot or an Air Force pilot. An Airline pilot is a commercial pilot who work on cargo planes, passengers planes or private planes.
An Airforce Pilot or a defence pilot is a defence officer who serve in the Indian armed forces as a Pilot. These pilot are responsible for flying flying various military aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters, to ensure the security and defense of the nation.
To become an Airforce Pilot, candidates have to qualify defence recruitment exam like NDA 2025. After qualifying NDA examination candidates have to undergo SSB Interview process and Medical test and will be shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the written and SSB interview
The succesful candidates will have to undergo the training period you will serving as a Pilot in Indian Air Force or Navy/Army.
Career & Jobs
An Airplane Pilot is one of the finest, exciting & most rewarding career all over the globe.
What does a Pilot do?
A Pilot is a professional who is a part of aviation industry and responsible for navigating the flight and ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew on board.
Pilots are highly trained, experienced professionals who can be eligible to fly different kinds of aircraft, cargo planes and helicopters.
Pilot may be responsible for transporting commercial products, civilians, private goods, members of the military or other types of cargo.
Before departing, they study the weather condition, check aircraft is airworthy, make sure fuel & cargo are safely loaded and confirm flight plans and navigational route.
The PPL license holder, typically fly smaller planes such as light aircraft or jets, whereas CPL and ATPL license holders are eligible to fly passengers planes and large cargo planes.
The job of pilot also involve carefully checking the sophisticated computer-controlled programmed navigational and communications systems before taking off the flight.
They keep in touch with the air traffic control and must be ready to deal with unexpected changes in weather and other conditions.
What is the workplace where a pilot works?
Pilot is employed by the commercial airlines and governments aviation departments. As a Pilot, you can also work as an individual in private sectors.
You can also make your career in the military. Military pilots transport military personnel, soldiers, equipment, or goods for the government.
They are employed as test pilots & evaluate new and experimental aircraft prototypes.
Commercial Pilots are also employed by businessmen or celebrities.
In airlines sector, the job growth is comparatively better. The population growth & economic give boost to the airline sector.
Candidates who aspire to become a pilot can find opportunities in Indian Armed Forces, Indian Navy, Airline Industries, Drone providers and manufactures etc.
If some pilots have an enough experience in the industry, they may eventually decide to establish or work in an aviation school.
Job Profiles in Aviation:
- Co-Pilot
- Chief Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Airline Pilot
- Captain
- Commuter Pilot
- First Officer
- Experimental Test Pilot
Top Recruiters:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- SpiceJet
- Jet Airways
- Alliance Air
- Air Costa
- Air India Charters Ltd
- AirAsia
- British Airways
- Emirates
Getting a job as a pilot is not enough!
Note that even after becoming a commercial pilot, they need to have a regular medical checkup. If any problem occurs in their health, it may cause cancellation of the pilot license.
So, Overall, the pilot job is too challenging but highly rewarding.
Salary
“Sky is limit for Private Jet Pilot & Commercial Pilot“
A commercial pilot or an Airplane pilot is one of the highly fascinating career. Pilots working in domestic and International airlines enjoys a very handsome salary packages, in addition to various other facilities.
The salary of an airline pilot is high in India and could be in the range ₹6 to 50 lakhs per annum. An entry level pilot, can earn anywhere between ₹6 to 9 lakhs per annum. After gaining good work experience, one can easily make Rs. 15 to 30 Lakh per annum.
A Senior pilot or an Airplane Captain with 5-10 years of experience can earn in the range between ₹25 to 50 lakhs per annum. The salary depends on the Airplane company, flight routes, and expereince of the candidates.
Professionals working as a pilot with the Indian armed forces are paid as per the government norms and salary structure. Which is often in the range between Rs. 8 to 25 lakhs per year. An Airforce pilot is one of the higly esteemed and respecful job in the country.
Books & Study Material
- How to Become A Pilot: The Step-by-Step Guide to Flying by Federal Aviation Administration
- Adventure of Becoming an Airline Pilot by George Flavell
- Your Pilot’s License, Eighth Edition by Jerry Eichenberger
- To Be an Airline Pilot by Andrew Cook
For more information about Career as a Pilot, you can ask your queries in the comment section given below.