Do you know that being a pilot is one of the highly demanding professions in India and is one of the highly paying professions as well?
With an increasing number of aircraft, the demand for pilots is set to rise to 10,000 by the year 2030. Since the demand for pilots is booming, more individuals in India are dreaming of becoming commercial pilots.
Are you also one of them? Then you must know that to fly an aircraft, you must have a commercial pilot license (CPL).
If you don’t know about CPL and gain a complete understanding of this, then you are at the right place.
In this blog, we have covered a complete overview of CPL.
Stick to the end for the complete information.
What is a Commercial Pilot Licence in India?
Many individuals who dream of ruling the sky as a pilot, the Commercial Pilot Licence will give them its authority. A CPL is only issued to a commercial pilot when it is approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Whoever succeeds in getting a CPL becomes a highly qualified commercial pilot for airlines, charter companies, cargo operators, aerial survey organisations, or flight training schools.
The candidates who are 18 years old will be eligible for the training, have completed their 12th with physics and mathematics, meet the DGCA medical requirements, and have completed 200 flying hours. After successful completion of the training, candidates will get their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which makes them eligible to fly for airlines, charter services, and other aviation sectors.
Who Is Eligible For a Commercial Pilot Licence In India?
So, now you have an understanding of the Commercial pilot license in India, which plays the role of a door towards becoming a professional pilot flying aircraft higher. To get CPL, aspiring pilots must meet the eligibility criteria. So, let’s look into the points below to understand the commercial pilot license requirements eligibility criteria to get CPL in India.
- One must be at least 17 years of age to start the training to get a CPL.
- The age at which candidates will get their CPL is 18 years.
- One must have completed their 12th with Physics and Mathematics.
- The medical requirements for becoming a pilot or getting a CPL are that one must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate and a Class 2 Medical Certificate.
- One must have 200 hours of flying experience to sit for the DGCA exam for CPL.
- To be eligible for airline jobs after completing CPL training, one must have proficiency in English.
A Run Down Into The CPL Exam Structure
Now that you know how to get a commercial pilot license and its eligibility criteria, we will move forward to tell you about the CPL exam structure. This will help the candidates to understand what they need to cover in their theory and practical exams.
1. Theory Exam
Ground school will prepare the aspiring pilots for the theory exams. The aim of conducting theory exams is to assess if candidates have an understanding of aviation concepts and principles. The theory exam follows a particular syllabus.
The syllabus includes several subjects, which are listed below for your knowledge.
► Air Regulations
This is the core subject of the theory exam, which teaches students aviation laws, operational procedures, safety guidelines, and international standards. The major topics this subject includes are:
- National and international aviation regulations.
- Privileges and responsibilities of pilots.
- Procedures involved in obtaining certificates and licenses.
- Flight rules and airspace classifications.
► Aviation Meteorology
Aviation meteorology is one of the important subjects in the CPL training program. This subject teaches aspiring pilots about the weather patterns, aerodynamics, and how they will affect the performance of flights. The topic includes the subjects mentioned below:
- Atmospheric temperature and pressure.
- Win patterns and their impact on the flights.
- Cloud types and significance.
- Various weather phenomena.
► Air Navigation
The air navigation subject has significance in teaching aspiring pilots about various things related to flying aircraft. This subject helps candidates to learn planning a flight, reading a map, calculating time-speed-distance, and the structure of airspace. Topics include:
- Chart interpretation and map reading.
- Navigation aids (NBD, VOR, etc.).
- Route optimisation and flight planning.
- Working and application of GPS technology in aviation.
► Technical General
Technical General is one of the crucial subjects in the CPL training syllabus. This is because aspiring pilots need to learn about the technical aspects of flying aircraft. This syllabus covers aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and emergency procedures. The key topics are:
- Aircraft structure and design.
- Flight mechanics and aerodynamics.
- Engine systems and operations.
- Balance and weight calculations.
► Aircraft Technical
This is the subject for tech aspiring pilots about several aircraft. So, the exam will evaluate if the candidates have knowledge about specific aircraft that they will operate in their profession. The topics included in this subject include:
- Systems and functions of the aircraft.
- Safety checks and maintenance practices.
- Emergency and troubleshooting procedures.
- Performance and limitations characteristics.
► Flight Planning and Monitoring
This is the subject that will teach aspiring pilots the processes and procedures involved in the preparation of flight, and ensure all the important parameters are taken into consideration. The topics that one needs to be well-versed in include.
- Pre-flight briefing and planning.
- Balance and weight considerations.
- Load management and fuel calculation.
- In-flight adjustments and monitoring.
► Human Factors and Decision Making
This is the subject that evaluates candidates in the exam to determine whether they have strong psychology to understand what they should do in an emergency. The performance of the candidates was evaluated on their psychological aspects. The key topics include.
- CRM (Crew Resource Management).
- Risk management and decision-making processes.
- Fatigue and stress management.
- Teamwork and communication inside the cockpit.
► Radio Telephony (RT)
This is another important subject that aspiring pilots learn during the CPL training program. The main aim of this subject is to teach communication protocols, radio phraseology, and ATC interactions that a professional pilot must have strong knowledge of.
2. The Practical Flight Test
To get a commercial pilot licence, one has to pass both a theoretical and a practical exam. You just learned about the structure of the theory exam. Now, we will tell you about the practical exam that tests the flying skills of an aspiring pilot. This will evaluate the flying skills, emergency landing, decision-making, and aeronautical knowledge. The CPL flight test will prepare candidates for the following.
► Preparation before Flight
The candidates will learn to make preparations before the final take-off. They will learn flight planning, assess the weather conditions, and thorough inspection of the aircraft.
► Basic and Advanced Procedures
Aspiring pilots must learn all the basics and advanced procedures of flying. So, this training will include takeoffs, climbs, descents, approaches, and landings under different conditions.
► Emergency Procedures
There is always some risk involved with flying aircraft, and aspiring pilots must know how to handle those situations, including engine failures, fried landings, and system malfunctions.
► Navigation & Cross-Country Flight
At some point, aspiring pilots will get the chance to operate flights across the country. A pilot must have the potential to manage long-distance flights using instruments and maps.
► Instrument Flying (IFR basic)
If anyone wants to gain a good level of experience as a pilot, then they must know how to fly solely using the cockpit instruments under limited visibility.
Understand The Process of CPL Training in India
Before starting the training, which helps you get closer to CPL, one should be aware of the pathway. This will give aspiring pilots a clear roadmap to the process of becoming a professional pilot.
We will begin by telling the process in steps.
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Criteria
The aspiring pilot must check the eligibility criteria of CPL training before anything else. Ensure one must be 18 years of age, have completed their 12th with Physics and Mathematics, and have DGCA-approved Class 1 and Class 2 medical certificates. The training to get a CPL can start at the age of 17.
Step 2: Join a Flight School
Now choose best flight school in India, which must be DGCA approved, and join it to get the training on getting an aircraft license. Make sure the flight school you will be entering provides aircraft and good-quality training. The flight school must also have international ties to prepare pilots for abroad.
Step 3: Get your SPL
SPL or Student Pilot License is crucial to get before starting your training for CPL. After you enroll in a flight school, complete your basic oral tests and a medical check to get your SPL. When you get your SPL, you can start your initial flying training and also start to fly your aircraft solo.
Step 4: Start Ground Training
SPL gives an aspiring pilot the DGCA ground school eligibility. In ground school, you can start your classes for the theory exam to become a professional pilot. In ground school, aspiring pilots will get to learn subjects like Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical Knowledge.
Step 5: Complete PPL Training
PPL or Private Pilot License is not mandatory for anyone who wants to join a training school for CPL. However, an aspiring pilot gets all the PPL level training and flying instructions, like takeoffs, landings, navigation practice, and emergency procedures. All this will be completed by the candidate during their CPL program.
Step 6: Clear DGCA Theory Exam & 200 Hours of Flying
After the training, clear the DGCA-approved theory exams, which are conducted multiple times in a year. Then, gain 200 hours of flying experience, which includes solo flying, cross-country navigation, night flying, and instrument training. This is an important step that gets you closer to your aviation career.
Step 7: Give RTR(A) Exam and Skill Test
Now, appear for the RTR(A) or Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) exam and clear the test, which is conducted by WPC. Next, complete the flying test with DGCA examiners and submit lookbooks, medical, and exam results. In the end, after completing all these steps, one can get a DGCA-approved CPL and can officially become a commercial pilot.
CPL Training Duration In India
In India, the commercial pilot course duration typically ranges between 18 to 24 months. This training involves several steps, and that is why it takes time for aspiring pilots to become professional pilots.
This time period also depends upon factors like weather, aircraft availability, exam timelines, and the progress of the candidates. So, the training duration sometimes also increases up to 3 years.
The phases of training and their duration have been mentioned below.
1. Ground school (4-8 months)
This phase consists of classroom learning and preparing aspiring pilots for their theory exams. The subjects that candidates have learned include Air Regulations, Meteorology, Navigation, and more.
2. Preparation for the DGCA exam (3-12 months)
The DGCA exams are conducted several times a year. Some candidates clear all the subjects in just one go, while others take several attempts to complete the exam. Thus, it affects the timeline.
3. Duration of flight training (8-18 months)
The duration of flight training is one of the longest steps in the whole CPL training. The reason is that candidates have to complete 200 hours of flying. The duration of this step can be influenced by weather conditions, availability of aircraft and instructors, and others.
What Is The Average Cost Of CPL Training In India?
Now that you know the duration, you should have an idea of how much a Commercial pilot license costs in India. So, in India, the cost to become a pilot in India typically ranges between 30 lakhs to 50 lakhs. There are various factors that decide this cost range.
We have mentioned the factors and broken down the cost for your understanding below.
1. Ground school
It costs approximately between INR 1.5 lakh- INR 3 lakh.
2. Flight training
It costs approximately between INR 25 lakh- INR 45 lakh.
3. DGCA exams & other fees
It costs approximately between INR 50,000- INR 1 lakh.
4. RTR(A) exam preparation
It costs approximately ranges between INR 25,000- INR 50,000
Financing Options Available For CPL Training In India
If you are someone who wants to pursue CPL training, but the cost range is making it difficult for you, then here is good news for you. There are several financing options available for individuals who wish to prepare to become professional pilots but have a limited budget.
A few of them are mentioned below for your knowledge.
1. Education loans
Big or small, today almost every bank in India offers education loans specifically for aviation training.
2. NBFC loans
A Non-Banking Financial Company or NBFC offers a faster loan option that comes with the benefits of flexible repayments.
3. Scholarship or Government scheme
There are limited but some options available to get a scholarship and financial aid through government schemes.
Sign Up For Pocket-Friendly CPL Training Program With Pilots Pathway
Do you have a childhood dream to become a commercial pilot, but the high training cost is getting in your way? Don’t worry, Pilots Pathway is here for you, where you can get your CPL without burning your pockets. We are a popular choice among aspiring pilots, as we offer reasonable commercial pilot course fees in India.
We are the best pilot training institute in India and have designed our CPL training program that offers candidates experienced instructors, modern aircraft, and a structured course. We offer a transparent fee structure, flexible payment options, and a partnership with financial institutions.
With us, aspiring pilots can get trained for their CPL without the financial stress.
Conclusion
A commercial pilot licence is the gateway for aspiring pilots to build a successful career in the aviation industry. This licence is the biggest proof for a professional commercial pilot that he is skilled, disciplined, responsible, and has mastered the knowledge of safely flying an aircraft.
You now know how to get a commercial pilot license, which will open the doors of the airline cockpit for aspiring aviators. The demand for skilled pilots is also growing, making this profession a worthy one.
Start the journey to get your CPL for the successful take-off of your career as a commercial pilot.
FAQs
1. How to become a commercial pilot in India?
Aspiring pilots need to follow a structured process to fulfill their dream of becoming a commercial pilot. The process starts with completing 12th with physics and maths, having Class 1 & 2 medical certificate, computer number, joining a DGCA-approved pilot training school, earning SPL, PPL, and finally CPL Commercial Pilot Licence by completing 200 flying hours along with passing tough theory exams.
2. What is the minimum age to get a CPL?
All aspiring pilots who are 17 years old can start their journey towards getting a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). But a CPL can only be issued to an individual who is 18 years old by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). There are additional requirements that make an aspiring pilot eligible to get a CPL.
3. How many flying hours are required for a CPL?
As per the regulations of DGCA, all aspiring pilots can be eligible for CPL only after they complete a minimum of 200 flying hours. Flying hours have some other specific requirements. One must have completed 100 hours of solo, 20-40 hours of instrument flying, and 50 hours of cross-country flying plus night flying with DGCA-approved aircraft.
4. How long does it take to get a commercial pilot license?
It typically takes 18 to 24 months to get a Commercial Pilot License CPL in India. To get the CPL, aspiring pilots need to go through a comprehensive training, which includes ground school, complete specific flight hours, which is 200 hours, and DGCA-approved theory exams. This timing also depends upon the weather, aircraft availability, and personal learning speed.
5. How much does it cost to get a CPL in India?
If you want to get your CPL in India, then it will cost you approximately between 30 lakhs to 50 lakhs. This cost is totally based on several factors, which include flying school, types of aircraft, and the location of training institutes. It is further broken down into ground school, flying hours, medicals, and simulator ratings.