How to become a commercial pilot after secondary schooling
The high demand for air travel has resulted in the consequent demand for pilots. It is estimated that over the next 4-5 years, Indian airlines will add more than 100 aircrafts per year. Commercial pilots are paid handsome salaries with variations between domestic pilots and international flights. Experienced pilots flying international routes are paid anywhere between 5-6 lakh rupees per month. Apart from commercial aviation, there is also another option: Joining the Air Force as a pilot. Here is a everything about a career in the aviation industry.
The ideal stream
It is crucial to pick a higher secondary course which includes physics, chemistry as well as mathematics. A student must have a minimum percentage of 50 in these subjects if he aspires to become a pilot. Studying science in 12th is most preferred. However, some aviation schools accept commerce students too. It is also necessary to be fluent in reading, writing and understanding English because the language of aviation internationally is English. A medical certificate and a physical exam are also required.
Educational requirement
After completing higher secondary studies, a candidate aspiring to be a pilot can join a flight school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to flying and aviation. These schools train aspiring pilots in theory and practice. At the end of the courses in these schools, students are awarded certificates/degrees in aviation (depending on the course). There are multiple flying schools across the country. Some of the most famous ones are Indian Institute of Aeronautics, New Delhi; Indian Institute of Aeronautics and Engineering and Information, Pune; Hindustan Aviation Academy, Bangalore and Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics, Ahmedabad. Most of these institutes have an entrance exam as well as an aptitude test.
Eligibility Criteria
It is possible to receive a Student Pilot License (or SPL) at 16 years of age. However, an aspiring pilot must be at least 17 years of age to be eligible to start training as a pilot in India. At 18, a Private Pilot License (PPL) can be attained which allows the pilot to fly solo, passengers as well as cargo. However, there is not monitory compensation for this. After 18, one can get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). In order to attain a CPL, the aspiring pilot has to have a certain amount of experience as outlined. This includes 100 hours of flying time as pilot-in-command, 20 hours of cross-country flight time, etc.