The pilot’s responsibilities include transporting passengers and cargo, determining the safest routes, analyzing flight plans and weather conditions, calculating fuel, and inspecting operation systems and navigation equipment.
Proficiency in English Language : You should be able to understand, read and write english to pursue your Cpl course
Minimum age for CPL issue = 18 years : You can enroll for the Pilot training program at 17 years of age as it would take you a 1 year to complete you pilot course and submit your documents for the issue of commercial pilot license
Minimum Qualification for CPL issue : Pass in 10+2 with physics and mathematics from a recognised board/university or its equivalent examination. Diploma courses equivalent to 10+2 with physics and mathematics are also eligible. Incase your educational background is from other streams for e.g - commerce, arts, etc you will have to appear for physics and mathematics separately from recognised open schools such as NIOS "National institute of Open Schooling"
We need to be 100% sure that you are medically fit to fly before you invest your money in a pilot course as it's a mandatory requirement. The medicals are a 2 step process.
Class 2 medicals : It can be carried out throughout India with doctors appointed by DGCA. Post completion you will be handed a CA - 35 assessment form as fitness certification and your reports will be sent to the office of DGCA for the issue of medical assessment later on you receive a final medical assessment from DGCA.
Class 1 medicals : Class 1 initial medical assessment can be carried out in only 5 cities (Mumbai, Banglore, Delhi, Chennai and Johrat) . Class 1 medical assessment date can only be requested post receiving class 2 assessment from DGCA.
File Number : Will get issued along with your class 2 assessment and will be mentioned on the class 2 assessment for your reference. This is a permanent and unique file number issued to each individual and all your documents sent to DGCA will be housed in relation to this file number
Cpl training comprises two elements, theoretical knowledge and Flight training. Let’s look at each one of them in more detail
Computer number : To appear for theory papers you first need to obtain a computer number which can be done by following the guidelines given at www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in . The application form along with required attested documents must reach the office of Dgca in 10 days from the time you fill out the online registration form otherwise the application will not be considered. Once the documents are received by DGCA you will get an email confirming the same on your registered email id.
Theory exams for all subjects are conducted 4 times a year. Mostly the theory papers are multi choice questions (MCQ) type and given that you have put enough work preparing for the exams you should be able to select the right answers. Theory papers you need to pass will depend primarily on the choice of your flight training school whether it is in India or abroad. The below table will simplify the same for your understanding.
The next step is where the adventure begins and you will take seat in an aircraft to start your flying lessons but choosing the right institute for flight training is of paramount importance as the Skills you develop as a pilot will largely depend on the choice of your flying school.
As the saying goes, a pilot's license in your pocket will only get you an interview, It is the quality of your flight training that will get you your Airline pilot job.
The cost of flight training is the same in India and abroad. Some of the factors you should consider before choosing a flying school are.
If you choose a flying school abroad you will have the privilege of holding a dual pilot license which can be highly advantageous in your career ahead.
For quick reference we have simplified the minimum flight training requirements laid down by the regulator and you can refer the same on www.dgca.gov.in
