Are you looking to turn your passion for flying into a fulfilling career? With the rapid growth of the aviation industry in India, there has never been a better time to consider becoming a pilot. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the steps necessary to become a pilot in India.
Piloting an aircraft is an exciting and rewarding job that requires skill, precision, and expertise. Pilots are responsible for operating and navigating planes, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo while in flight. Depending on their specialisation, pilots can work for commercial airlines, military forces, or cargo carriers.
Whether you dream of flying for a major airline or serving your country as part of the Indian Air Force, we've got you covered. So let's buckle up and get ready to explore how to become a pilot in India!
The Role of a Pilot
As a pilot, you will be responsible for flying and navigating aeroplanes or helicopters. Your job will involve managing a team of flight crew, including co-pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers. You will also need to stay alert and quickly respond to any in-flight challenges that may arise.
There are various types of pilots in India:
- Commercial pilots fly for airlines that transport passengers or cargo from one place to another.
- Cargo pilots deal only with freight and cargo operations.
- Military pilots work with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Skills required to be a pilot:
- Excellent coordination skills
- Ability to multitask
- In-depth knowledge of aviation principles
Job Potential and Career Paths
Becoming a commercial pilot is an attractive career path, with potential earnings ranging from INR 3 lakhs per annum for entry-level positions to over INR 1 crore per annum with experience. In contrast, becoming an Indian Air Force pilot can kickstart your career in military aviation.
How to become an IAF pilot
To become an Indian Air Force pilot, you must first qualify for the National Defence Academy (NDA), which has age limits between sixteen and nineteen years.
After completing three years of training at NDA, you will attend the Air Force Academy before being granted your wings as a pilot officer.
How to become a commercial pilot
To become a commercial pilot in India, you must complete a minimum education qualification requirement of 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics subjects.
The initial stages of getting trained as a commercial pilot involve obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), before finally qualifying for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
Trained pilots can find ample job opportunities in India's growing aviation industry.
Experienced commercial airline pilots can earn up to ₹2 lakh per month, while entry-level salaries range between ₹50k-₹1 lakh per month, depending on the airline. Pilots have various career paths open to them, such as working for commercial airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet or chartering flights for businesses like Kingfisher Airlines or Vistara.
Salaries and Benefits
Commercial pilots
Entry-level salaries for newly trained commercial airline pilots range between ₹50k-₹1 lakh per month, while experienced commercial airline pilots can earn up to ₹2 lakh per month.
Most airlines offer several benefits, such as health insurance, a provident fund, bonuses, paid holidays, and free travel perks for their employees.
Indian Air Force pilots
IAF pilot salaries range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per month, depending on the rank and experience level.
Additionally, IAF pilots receive benefits like the HRA, dearness allowance, pensions, and transportation costs covered by the Indian government.
Education and Certification Options
Becoming a pilot requires specific educational qualifications and certifications that equate to many hours of flight experience.
To become an IAF fighter jet pilot, you need to have a graduate degree and pass the NDA entrance exam. After that, you'll undergo extensive training at the Indian Air Force Academy.
To become a commercial pilot in India, you must complete at least 10+2 or equivalent education with physics and math subjects. You can then enrol in a flying training school of your choice within India. The duration of training varies from nine months to two years, depending on the type of course and institute chosen. The cost of completing this course ranges between INR 15 lakhs to INR 60 lakhs.
The most popular certifications for aspiring pilots are PPL, CPL, and ATPL licences.
WiZR offers expert guidance on selecting the best training institute based on your budget and location.
Upskilling Opportunities
Upskilling after completing CPL or ATPL courses can help enhance your pilot skills and increase career opportunities.
- The Instrument Rating (IR) course helps you obtain piloting skills to navigate through low visibility conditions such as fog or heavy rain.
- The Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) course enhances the teamwork skills required when working with multiple crew members on a flight deck.
- For those interested in flying helicopters, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) can provide crucial skills in underwater survival techniques.
Industry Growth
The Indian aviation industry is growing at a rapid pace, with the number of passengers expected to reach one billion by 2040. This growth has increased the demand for skilled pilots and opened up new career opportunities in the aviation sector.
To support this growth, the Indian government has taken various initiatives, such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), which aims to connect remote regions of India by air travel by increasing the number of airports and boosting infrastructure development.
FAQs
Q1. Can anyone apply for a pilot job in India?
No. To become a pilot in India, you must meet certain age requirements, hold specific educational qualifications, pass medical examinations, and undergo extensive flight training.
Q2. How long does it take to become a commercial pilot in India?
It takes approximately 18–24 months to complete the required training to become a commercial pilot in India.
Q3. What is the cost of becoming a commercial pilot in India?
The cost of becoming a commercial pilot in India can vary depending on the institute where you choose to train. However, it can range from ₹20 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs.
Q4. Can women become pilots in India?
Absolutely! In fact, there are many successful female pilots working in both commercial airlines and the defence forces.
Q5. Are there any specific medical conditions that would prevent someone from becoming a pilot?
Yes, certain medical conditions could disqualify individuals from becoming pilots due to safety concerns, including heart conditions or specific vision impairments.
Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, and with the Indian aviation industry's rapid growth, there are more opportunities than ever before.
Whether you aim to be a commercial pilot or join the Indian Air Force, it is essential to have a clear roadmap and the right educational and certification qualifications.
If you're ready to take the first step towards your dream of becoming a pilot, WIZR can provide expert guidance on upskilling programmes and certification courses that suit your career goals.
