How to Become a Pilot

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So you want to learn how to Become a pilot. Well, if that is your ultimate goal, I can tell you, first of all, there are no guarantees with anything else in life, but if this is truly what you dream of doing and it stays as such, flying a helicopter or even becoming an airline pilot well then let me tell you right now gaining the knowledge will not be very difficult at all!

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How to Become a Pilot?

What should I do after the 12th/graduation to become a pilot? If you want to pursue this career path, you can enroll in a pilot training course after the 12th grade or take the NDA exam to become an Air Force pilot. As a pilot, you need to complete 10+2 in science. Some pilot training academies admit students from the commerce field as well. In India, the minimum age for becoming a pilot is 17 years old, and you will also need physical fitness and a medical certificate. Fees for pilot training courses, eligibility, requirements, top pilot training institutes in India and abroad, and pilots’ salary prospects in India are presented in this blog. (How to become a pilot after 12th or graduation)

Entrance ExamNDA Exam Eligibility 10+2 in Science (MPC)/CommerceLicenseCommercial Pilot License (CPL)Salary2 Lakhs to 5 LakhsFees of Pilot Training Courses15 Lakhs to 20 LakhsTypes of PilotsAirline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Fighter Pilot, Charter PilotTop Pilot Schools Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, National Flying Training Institute Madhya Pradesh Flying Club,

How to Become a Pilot after 12th?

To enroll in aviation courses, you must meet eligibility requirements set by the institute or academy. Below is a list of the eligibility requirements for becoming a pilot in India after 12th grade:

To begin the training, you must be at least 17 years old.
Depending on the Institute requirements, you may need a minimum of 50% in 10+2.
You must have studied MPC subjects [Physics, Maths, and Chemistry] with English at an intermediate level
If you are not a science (branch) student, the National Institute of Open Schooling or your state board may accept you for science subjects.
A certified medical certificate will be required.

Civil Aviation

(Training in commercial pilot programs through a non-military route)

To become a pilot through this route, you must obtain a commercial pilot license from a certified authority, the Directorate of General Civil Aviation in India. When you become a commercial pilot, you will fly a specific aircraft for an airline. Various training academies around the world offer commercial pilot training. Students/candidates must have completed 10+2 with a science stream from a recognized board of education to be eligible [more on this in the next section].

Here are some of the top flying schools across the globe that you should consider:

Flight Safety Academy
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
Pan AM International Flying Academy
Singapore Flying College
CTC Wings, Europe

Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

To become a pilot in the Indian Airforce, you must pass the Indian Defence Forces entrance exams. Shortlisted candidates undergo three years of training at Khadakwasla, the National Defence Academy. Interested candidates must complete the following admission procedures:

Pilot Entrance Exam After 12th | Pilot Entrance Exam After Graduation

After passing the 12th grade in India, the next step is the NDA exam. If you pass the NDA exam, you can join the flying branch of the IAF. It is a math-based and general (G.K.) ability exam comprising Geography, English, History, Physics, General Knowledge, Chemistry, Maths, and Current Events as the main (important) subjects.

SSB Interview: There are mainly two stages of the interview:

1. An officer intelligence test, discussion test, and picture perception

2. A psychologist administers psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.

Pilot Aptitude Test

It consists of written and machine tests to assess the candidate’s ability to read instruments and mental strength and perform efficiently in various circumstances. The test must be passed on your first attempt; otherwise, you will be disqualified from applying for the flying branch.

Medical Examination

Candidates are examined thoroughly for height, weight, and vision.

Requirements

Eye Vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other. (correctable 6/6 for hypermetropia)

Height & Weight: 152 cms with correlated weight

How to Become a Pilot after 12th |How to Become a Pilot after graduation?

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree

An airline pilot must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, whereas a commercial pilot usually needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Some flight schools are affiliated with 2-4 year colleges/universities that offer the desired aviation or aeronautics degree and are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Pilot Courses after graduation

A Commercial Pilot License [CPL] program after 10+2 is another way to become a pilot. You will need to pass/qualify for a written test, an interview, and a medical test, as set by the institute. Depending on where you plan to study abroad, the cost of Pilot Training courses after the 12th can range from INR 15 Lakhs to 20 Lakhs.

Some top institutes to study Pilot Training after 12th and graduation:

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
Bombay Flying Club
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
National Flying Training Institute

Through NDA Exam

It is a great opportunity after the 12th to become a pilot in India if you pass the NDA exam. You must also attend flying training once the three-year-long course is completed. After that, you will work as a permanent commission officer.

Other Important Details on How to Become a Pilot After 12th:

Join an aviation institute
It is mandatory to clear the class 2 medical of DGCA
Clear the exams
Fly at least 200 hours
Get the CPL certificate

Pilot licenses can only be obtained after a certain number of flight training hours have been completed. There are different types of pilot training programs. For example, to become a commercial pilot, you need 250 hours of flying experience, and to become an airline pilot requires 1,500 hours. Formal education provides a solid foundation. A personal instructor can provide you with in-depth knowledge and experience, or you can join the military for exposure.

Earn a Pilot’s License

After you have completed the required number of hours of flight training, you will need to complete a written assessment demonstrating your flying abilities and pass the physical test. Confidence and preparation are key.

The list of major pilot licensing issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in each country is as follows:

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL)
Certified Flight Instructor (CFL)
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)
Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL)

The FAA regulates certification in the U.S., while Transport Canada issues licenses in Canada. In most European nations, including Switzerland, the UK, France, Greece, and many more, licensing is furnished by the National Aviation Authority.

A pilot’s age requirements will also vary based on the type of pilot you want to become.

Student Pilot License – 16 years
Private Pilot License – 17 years
Commercial Pilot License – 18 years

Complete Additional Training and Tests

Pilots are often required to pass aptitude and psychological tests as a condition of employment with airlines. Following placement, pilots undergo further training and flight experience to get the hang of being a copilot. When you plan to join a major airline, prior experience with a regional airline is always beneficial.

Advance as an Airline Pilot

Being a pilot to being a captain completely depends on seniority and experience. To obtain more flight ratings, you will have to pass additional FAA written and practical exams. To keep up with industry changes, you can continue to learn and explore. International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) provide seminars and webcasts for mastering and growing pilot skills.

Where to study to become a Pilot?

Here are a few of the globally recognized colleges, universities, and academies where you can get the technical training and foundation you need to build your career as a pilot:

University of North Dakota
Purdue University
San Jose State University
Ohio State University
Academy College
Hallmark University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Heroism Flight Academy
Flight Safety Academy
Rio Salado College
Singapore Flying College

Best Indian Colleges

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
Bombay Flying Club
Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited
National Flying Training Institute
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
Government Aviation Training Institute
Puducherry Thakur College of Aviation
Indigo Cadet Training Program
Orient Flying School
Institute of Aviation and Aviation Safety
Government Flying Club

Types of pilot careers

Let’s first understand how many types of pilot careers are there:

One of the most popular careers for pilots is this one.

Airline Pilot:
A pilot is involved in flying the airline to carry passengers and cargo on a fixed schedule at a larger distance worldwide. This is considered to be the best career for pilots.
Commercial or Regional Pilot:
A commercial pilot flies regional airlines to transport passengers and cargo over shorter distances. Aspirants prefer this career since it requires fewer overnight trips and keeps them closer to home.
Corporate Pilot:
As a corporate pilot, you fly smaller corporate turboprops and jets for private enterprises or individuals to assist corporate executives with their travel to business meetings.
Fighter Pilot:
A Military Pilot works for the Army or Air Force, flying military aircraft and transporting military cargo and riders. Fighter pilots are involved in aerial combat as well.
Charter Pilot:
Pilots who fly travelers to specific locations are known as charter pilots. This is also referred to as “Air Taxi.” You can own or work for a private charter company.

Skills Required to Become A Pilot

Strong technical skills
Critical thinking and decision-making
Situational and environmental awareness
Good communication skills
The highly focused and disciplined personality
Striving continually for excellence
High-level flexibility
Mental stability and physical fitness
Good sense of teamwork
Inherent or learned leadership quality

Major Recruiters to Become A Pilot

When you complete the appropriate education and obtain the required certifications or licenses, your tantalizing career as a pilot can be set in motion. So that you are familiar with the route and know how to become a pilot after class 12th or graduation, here are some of the major employers in this field:

IndiGo
Air India
Air Asia
Air India Charters Ltd
Spice Jet
Alliance Air
India Jet Airways
Air Costa

How much is the Salary of a Pilot in India

For pilots, the sky is the limit in calculating the monetary return on their salaries. The salary package for commercial pilots is generally the best of all job profiles. As a commercial pilot in India, you can earn a salary of 1.5- 2 lakhs per month after completing 250 hours of flight training. However, if you opt to join the Indian Airforce, your yearly package can go up to 5-8 lakhs per year.

Height and Weight Requirements for becoming a pilot in India

To become a Commercial Pilot: There are no strict requirements for Air Force pilots, but less than 5.2 get some issues.
BMI can calculate the weight. That is (Weight in Kgs)/ (Height in meters)
The blood pressure should be below 140/90
Cost (Total Expenditure) for the course:
Cadet programs are more expensive than Private Flying Courses.
For Cadet: 80 lakhs to 1 crore (including type rating)
Privates: 25-30 Lakhs (Type rating not included).

Course Duration

Cadet: 18-24 Months

Private: Depending on the Learning Capability

Salary: (it varies)

Junior First Officer: 50-90 K

First Officer: up to 2 L

Senior First Officer: depends upon the experience.

What is the selection process to become a pilot?

It consists of 3 steps:

Written test – basics of English, Physics, and Maths
The aptitude test
Group interview with panelists
When you have completed the test, you will undergo medical tests by DGCA class 1 and 2 to qualify for a pilot’s license.
The application form for the class 1 medical test should be emailed to [email protected].
Fee – Rs.3000 (Varies)
The renewal fee will be – Rs.2000 (Varies)
For Class 1, the validity period is one year and should be renewed annually. After 40 years, renewals should occur every six months.
Class 2 tests are done by NABL-approved laboratories and include tests like
- H.B., TLC, X-ray of Chest, Urine RE/ME, ECG, Pure tone of Audiometry.
The ENT and eye tests are also performed – people with less eyesight can wear spectacles or lenses according to their comfort.
It is not allowed to be color blind as a pilot.

Through Private Institutions:-

Through the Private Institution, only two institutions are offered in India –

NFTI – National Flying Training Institute
IGRUA – Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become a pilot? Civil Aviation Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

Stage 1: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. Stage 2: Get the Flying Experience. Stage 3: Earn a Pilot’s License. Stage 4: Complete Additional Training and Tests. Stage 5: Advance as an Airline Pilot.

How does it cost to become a pilot?

Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India Pilot training in India costs between 45-60 lakhs, and this cost can reach 75 lakhs if the candidate chooses a cadet training program. A commercial pilot license requires 30-40 lakhs in payment, and a sort rating requires 15-20 lakhs.

Where can I study pilot in India?

These colleges/universities are listed below: Wingsss College of Aviation Technology, Mumbai. High Flyers Aviation Services, Delhi. Orient Flight School (OFS), Pondicherry. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Delhi. Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering, Dehradun. Remo International College, Chennai.

Which bachelor’s degree is best for a pilot?

The Bachelor of Aviation. Bachelor’s degrees in aviation are the most common form of higher education to pursue when you want to be a pilot. Higher education institutions may offer this degree as part of a Bachelor of Science (BS) program or aviation education as part of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program.

What is the salary of a pilot per month?

A pilot’s average salary in India is *46,87,900 per year, which increases +1110% over the average national salary of *43,00,400. Pilots can expect an average starting salary of ₹11,25,100. Their highest salaries can exceed ₹1,00,00,000.

How to Become a pilot after the 12th?

It is mandatory to clear the class 2 medical of DGCA. Fly at least 200 hours. Join an aviation institute. Get the CPL certificate. Clear the exams.

How to Become a pilot after graduation?

Once you have completed your 12th grade or graduated from high school, you can enroll in flying schools to become a pilot. If you match the eligibility criteria, you can fill out the application form and be ready for the entrance test offered by the DGCA.

How to Become a pilot after B.Tech?

Yes. After completing your engineering degree, you can become a pilot. To become a pilot, you need to join an institute that trains commercial pilots. Each training institution has its requirements.

Which subject is best for pilot?

To pursue a career as a pilot, you must have Physics and Mathematics as the core subjects in 10+2.

The Conclusion

Thus, it was a brief explanation and details about How to Become a Pilot. Hopefully, you might have understood and now you can start preparing for the exam to become a pilot in India. If you have more queries please let us know, we are here to solve them. Keep visiting LOANPEGYAN for more updates.

Thank You, Readers.

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