Career As a Pilot

A Pilot is a type of Air Crew Officer who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.

It is also known as Aviator, Commuter Pilot, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot and Airline Captain.

He is someone who is a part of aviation industry and directly operates the directional flight controls of an aircraft.

Being a Pilot, you can enjoy an exciting, rewarding & fast-paced lifestyle. You can also have an opportunity to experience new cultures and travel around the world.

Pilots are highly trained, experienced professionals who can be eligible to fly different kinds of aircraft and helicopters.

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.

Courses & Eligibility

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 for these training courses after 12^th.

Training Courses:

• Student Pilot License: The duration of this course is six months.
• Private Pilot License: It is one year duration course.
• Commercial Pilot License: The duration of this course is three years.

Through these training courses, you can only allow to fly as a co-pilot. If you interested to fly as a captain then, you have to need an Airline Transport Pilot’s License.

Eligibility

Also Check – Courses after 12th Science

The eligibility criteria to become a pilot are given below:

• You have to complete your 12^th/ equivalent examination.
• You have to secure 50% marks in class 12^th & equivalent.
• Only those candidates pursue a pilot training course that have Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics in class 12^th.
• The maximum age limit is required 17 years.

Skill required to become a pilot:

• Good IQ and Problem solving skills
• Physically Fit
• Decision Making Skills
• Good Eyesight
• Good Communication Skills

Some of the famous institution in India that offer pilot training courses:

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Rae Bareli
• Government Aviation Training Institute, Bhubaneswar
• Government Flying Club, Lucknow
• Orient Flight School, Chennai
• Puducherry Thakur College of Aviation
• Institute of Aviation and Aviation Safety
• Rajiv Gandhi National Flight Training Institute

Also Check: Popular Engineering Courses

Admission

To become a pilot, you can get direct admission in top pilot training institution. But you have to qualify the entrance exam & must be physically fit as per the standards of the aviation induatry.

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. 15 to 20 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?

You have to qualify the NDA Entrance Exam 2023, AFCAT Exam and CDS Exam to join Indian Air force. After qualify these examination you have to undergo SSB process and after Physical and Medical test you will be given a training of 31/2 years. After the training period you will serving as a Pilot in Indian Air Force or Navy/Army.

Career & Jobs

Pilot career is one of the finest, exciting & most rewarding career all over the globe.

What does a Pilot do?

Pilots fly helicopters, commercial aircraft, biplanes, bombers, rescue planes, jets and cargo planes.

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.

Pilots are responsible for the safety of all crew and passengers on board during the flight.

In the private sector, they typically fly smaller planes such as light aircraft or jets.

Most of the time, pilot is carefully checking sophisticated computer-controlled programmed navigational and communications systems.

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:

• Co-Pilot
• Chief Pilot
• Commercial Pilot
• Airline Pilot
• Captain
• Commuter Pilot
• First Officer
• Experimental Test Pilot

Top Recruiters:

• Air India
• India Jet Airways
• Alliance Air
• Air Costa
• Air India Charters Ltd
• SpiceJet
• IndiGo
• AirAsia

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“

In India, if one should have a flying experience of 250 hours they can work as a commercial pilot. The salary of commercial pilot is high in India. As a fresher, they can earn Rs 1.5 Lakh per month. After gaining experience, they can get Rs. 5 to 6 Lakh per month on International route.

The starting salary of a private jet pilot is same as commercial pilot, but after an experience they have paid Rs. 50 lakh per annum.

If you work with the Indian Army and Indian Navy, than you can earn in between Rs. 5 Lacs to 8 lacs per year.  It is a respect & honor for any pilot to work with the Indian Air Force.

To be a commercial pilot in abroad, one has a flying experience of 750 hours & have a basic license experience. In abroad, the salary package is double than India. In some countries, the salary is increased 3 or 4 times better than in India.

How many hours they work?

Rarely, pilot can work 40 hours in a week. They can work late at night, on weekends & even on holidays. If they work as a commercial pilot, 8 hour break is gives them between shifts. Most of the pilots fly between 85 and 100 hours per month. They are limited to a total of 100 hours per month, or 1000 hours in one year.

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

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