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What are the eligibility criteria to become a Commercial Pilot in India?Answer: To become a Commercial Pilot under DGCA rules, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: • Age: Minimum 17 years at the time of application for Student Pilot License (SPL); 18 years for Commercial Pilot License (CPL). • Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board. Students from non-science streams can appear for Physics and Math via NIOS or other recognized open schooling platforms. • Medical Fitness: Must hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate issued by a DGCA-authorized medical examiner.
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What licenses are required to become a commercial airline pilot in India?Answer: You will need the following DGCA licenses: • SPL (Student Pilot License): Basic license to begin flying training. • PPL (Private Pilot License): For non-commercial flying. • CPL (Commercial Pilot License): Required to fly for hire or reward. Additionally, an Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER) are typically included in CPL training
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How many total flying hours are required to obtain a CPL in India?Answer: As per DGCA norms, you must complete 200 hours of flying which includes: • Minimum 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) • 20 hours of cross-country flying • 10 hours of instrument flying • 5 hours of night flying These hours must be logged at a DGCA-approved flying school in India or abroad (subject to license conversion).
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What is the process of getting a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate?Answer: 1. First, you undergo a Class 2 Medical, which can be done by a DGCA-empanelled doctor. 2. After clearance, you book an appointment for a Class 1 Medical at DGCA-approved medical centers like AFCME (Delhi), IAM (Bangalore), or IAF centers. 3. Tests include ECG, blood tests, hearing, vision, chest X-ray, urine test, and overall physical and psychological evaluation. 4. The Class 1 certificate is mandatory before issuing the CPL.
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What are the DGCA theoretical exams required for CPLAnswer: To obtain a CPL, you must pass the following DGCA papers: • Air Navigation • Meteorology • Air Regulations • Technical General • Technical Specific (for the aircraft flown) • RTR (Aero) exam conducted by WPC for radio telephony
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Can I pursue pilot training after Class 12th?Answer: Yes. If you have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, you can directly enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school. If you don’t have Physics or Math, you can complete those subjects through NIOS or equivalent, and then proceed.
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How long does it take to become a commercial pilot in India?Answer: Typically, it takes 18 to 24 months to complete CPL training, depending on: • Weather conditions • Aircraft availability • Personal dedication and exam preparation
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How much does it cost to become a pilot in India?Answer: The cost of CPL training in India ranges from ₹45 to ₹60 lakhs, depending on the flying school and additional ratings like Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating.
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Can I do my pilot training abroad and still get a CPL in India?Answer: Yes. You can train abroad, but to work in India, you must: • Convert your foreign CPL to an Indian CPL via DGCA. • Pass the DGCA-conversion exams (Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, Technical Specific). • Hold a valid DGCA Class 1 Medical. • Submit necessary documents and logbook for verification.
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Is there any entrance exam to join a flying school?Answer: Most DGCA-approved flying schools conduct an aptitude test and personal interview, but no nationwide entrance test is mandated by DGCA. However, airlines may later conduct entrance exams for job recruitment.
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What is the difference between a CPL and an ATPL?Answer: • CPL (Commercial Pilot License): Allows you to work as a co-pilot or first officer. • ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License): Required to become a Captain (Commander). You need: • Minimum 1500 flying hours • Pass ATPL written exams (Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulation) • Clear simulator assessment and skill tests
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What job opportunities are available after obtaining a CPL?Answer: After CPL, pilots can: • Apply for airline cadet programs or direct entry First Officer jobs • Work as a charter pilot, flight instructor, or corporate jet pilot • Fly cargo or government aircraft (e.g., BSF, Coast Guard)
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