What are the Different Types of Pilot Licences and Ratings in India?

In India, the demand for pilots is at an all-time high, and this makes the perfect situation to take the first step to fulfill your aviation dream.

The first step is to obtain a pilot licence and ratings. There are different types of licences and ratings available, issued by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). These licences allow one can fly high professionally or for passion but with legal authority.

Want to know about these pilot licences and ratings in detail?

Explore this blog till the end for the complete information.

What is a Pilot Licence? 

A Pilot Licence is an official permit issued by the aviation authority of a country to operate an aircraft legally by an individual. In India, a pilot licence is issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). It serves as proof that the individual pilot has completed the theoretical exams, medical fitness tests, and has practical experience of flying an aircraft safely.

In addition, the pilot licence also shows the type of aircraft a person can fly, whether it’s an airplane, a helicopter, or a private plane. Along with that, it also indicates the conditions under which the pilot is suitable to fly the aircraft, like daytime flying, night flying, or flying in low visibility with instruments.

There are different types of licenses: Private Pilot Licence to fly aircraft for personal purposes, Commercial Pilot Licence for professional purposes, and Airline Transport Pilot Licence, the highest level of Licence. Some licences also include additional ratings, and there are a few different types that give a pilot more eligibility to fly advanced aircraft under complex conditions.

Who Issues Pilot Licences in India? 

In India, the responsibility for issuing pilot licences lies with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This is a government authority responsible for regulating every aspect of civil aviation in the country. It ensures that every pilot in India receives proper training, medical fitness, and is safe to fly an aircraft; only after that does their pilot licence get approved.

The DGCA takes under its control flying schools, pilot training rules, written exams, flight tests, DGCA medical requirements (Class 1 and Class 2), and issues & renews pilot licences.

There are three major checkpoints that DGCA looks for in an individual before issuing a licence, which are listed below. Check them.

• Knowledge

First, check the knowledge of the potential pilot, so the individuals must have cleared the DGCA theoretical exams, which include Air Navigation Meteorology, Air Regulations, and Technical General.

• Skills

The next thing that DGCA ensures is that the pilot must complete the required number of flying hours for a dedicated licence. The flying hours must be completed at an approved Flying Training Organisation and must pass the skill tests.

• Medical fitness

The third major checkpoint is that a pilot has to ensure that he or she is fit to fly the aircraft. So, the pilot must have cleared the DGCA-approved Class 1 or Class 2 medical examination to prove they are healthy.

It also issues with different types of licences, which include SPL ( Student Pilot Licence), PPL (Private Pilot Licence), CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence), ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence), and Ratings (Instrument, Multi-engine, Type Rating). We will discuss each licence in the next section.

The List of Pilot Licences and Ratings in India 

There are thousands of aspiring aviators who have one common dream is to become a pilot in India. But this journey only starts when you have a legal licence and ratings to obtain the professional qualifications to fly an aircraft.

The demand for trained pilots is at an all-time high in India, and the aviation sector is currently booming. So, you must learn about the different pilot licences and ratings to walk the right path towards your aviation dreams.

We have discussed the different pilot licences and ratings below that are issues for a pilot in India. Let’s look at them.

Pilot Licences

First, we will cover the different pilot licences available in India. Let’s explore them first.

1. Student Pilot Licence (SPL)

The first step to get the actual license and begin the pilot’s journey is earning a Student Pilot Licence (SPL). This license is for beginners or students who can start their flying training only after the approval of the Flying Training Organisation (FTO). These students can only fly an aircraft under the supervision of an instructor with their SPL.

Required eligibility for SPL:

• Minimum age: One should be at least 16 years old.
• Education: One should have completed their 10th grade.
• Medical requirements: Must have a DGCA Class 2 medical test certificate.
• Language: Proficiency is in English.
• Must have cleared an oral or written exam at the FTO.

The cost of a Student Pilot Licence (SPL) approximately ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000.

2. Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

PPL or Private Pilot Licence is issued to someone who can fly non-commercial aircraft for personal and recreational purposes and not to earn a salary. This can be a crucial stepping stone for those who want to become commercial pilots. One major criterion to get PPL involves completion of 40 hours of flying time, and others are discussed below.

Required eligibility for PPL:

• Minimum age: Should be at least 17 years old.
• Education: Must have completed 12 with Physics & Mathematics.
• Medical requirements: Must hold a DGCA-approved Class 2 medical certificate.
• Language: Can speak, read, and understand English clearly.
• Must have clear DGC exams and ground training.

Flying requirements:

• Must have completed 40 hours of flying, which includes:
• 20 hours of dual training with an instructor.
• 10 hours of solo flying.
• 5 hours of cross-country flying.
• Basic instrument flying.

Private Pilot License Cost approximately ranges between INR 10 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs.

3. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

For those who want to build their professional career in aviation and want to get paid for flying aircraft, the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the one. So, finally, this is the licence that helps an individual to fulfill their aviation dream by becoming a commercial pilot. This licence allows a pilot to fly passenger aircraft and cargo.

Required eligibility for CPL:

• Minimum age: One should be 18 years old.
• Education: Must have completed class 12 with Physics and Maths.
• Medical requirements: Must have a DGCA Class 1 fitness certificate.
• Language: Knowing fluent English is a must.
• Must have cleared DGCA written exams that cover the subjects of navigation, aviation, meteorology, and air regulations.

Flying requirements:

• Must have 200 hours of flying experience.
• 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
• 20 hours in cross country.
• 10 hours of instrument time.
• 5 hours of night flying

Commercial pilot license cost in India falls between INR 30 lakhs to INR 50 lakhs.

4. Commercial Pilot Licence- Helicopter (CPL-H)

Those who want to become a professional commercial helicopter pilot and earn out of it have to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence- Helicopter (CPL-H). It is different from CPL; a pilot holding CPL-H has the authority to operate rotary wing aircraft that consist of single-engine or multi-engine helicopters.

Required eligibility for CPL-H:

• Minimum age: Must be 18 years old.
• Education: Must have completed 12th with Physics and Mathematics.
• Medical requirements: Must hold a valid DGCA Class 1 medical certificate.
• Language: Proficiency in the English language.
• Must have a clear DGCA exam specifically for helicopters.

Flying requirements:

• Should have completed the minimum helicopter flying time of 150 hours.

The cost of a Commercial Pilot Licence Helicopter ranges between INR 30 lakhs to INR 45 lakhs.

5. Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) is the highest recognised licence recognised by DGCA. This licence is obtained by a pilot’s dream to become a Captain for commercial aircraft. So, one should have a high qualification in their aviation career to get ATPL and become a Captain.

Required eligibility for ATPL:

• Minimum age: Must be 21 years old.
• Holds a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
• Medical requirements: Must have a valid medical certificate of Class 1.
• Language: Have advanced proficiency in English.
• Must have cleared DGCA ATPL exams.

Flying requirements:

• One should have a total flying experience of 1500 hours.
• 500 hours cross-country.
• 100 hours of night flying.
• 75 hours of instrument time.

The average cost of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence ranges between INR 50 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs.

Pilot Ratings 

Now we will tell you about the types of pilot ratings in aviation that help to level up a pilot’s career. Take a look at the list below.

1. Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)

Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) is an additional certificate acquired upon the licence that makes them fit to teach students to fly. This rating makes a pilot eligible to conduct training sessions, ground classes, and performing briefings of pre- and post-flight briefings. Those who want to excel in their aviation career and become a professional flying instructor then FIR is crucial.

2. Instrument Rating (IR)

Instrument Ratings (IR) is the certificate upon the pilot licence, Private or Commercial Pilot Licence, that makes them eligible to fly aircraft in specific situations. It allows a pilot to fly an aircraft even in bad weather, clouds, low visibility, or at night, only using a few specific instruments. It allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

3. Type Rating (TR)

The pilot Type Rating is a special certification that makes a pilot eligible to fly some special types of aircraft. These special aircraft are usually large and complex ones that weigh more than 12,500 lbs maximum gross takeoff weight. These aircraft include some famous names like Airbus A320, Boeing 737, ATR 72, Dash-8 Q400, and others alike.

4. Multi-Engine Ratings

Multi-Engine Ratings is an endorsement to the original license that makes a pilot eligible to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft and operate an aircraft with more than one engine. These kinds of aircraft are faster, heavier, and more complex to fly. Those who want to level up their career prospects in airline charter, this is a crucial step.

Validity and Renewal of Licences

You should know that a pilot licence is not for one time; you need to maintain it continuously. DGCA has set rules for pilot licence validity and renewal. Each type of pilot licence has its own validity period and renewal. We will cover that in a table below.

Important points to remember:

• Timely renewal is crucial before the expiry to avoid operational restrictions and ensure legal compliance.
• For renewal must submit an application for the same to the relevant authority, i.e., to DGCA.
• Pilots must keep themselves medically fit, and flying skills and theoretical knowledge must be updated.
• If the pilot has not operated a flight for 90 days, a flight review with an instructor is necessary.

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Conclusion

The path to becoming a pilot in India is exciting and is filled with opportunities. From the dream of flying commercially to exploring the skies for passion includes all, and for that, one major step is to get a Pilot’s Licence first.

You have explored the list of crucial pilot licences and ratings that take you closer to your aviation dream. With the right guidance and training, you can begin your journey. In this journey, choose the best flight school like Pilots Pathway to achieve success.

FAQs

1. What are the different types of pilot licenses?

There are 5 primary pilot licences available: the Student Pilot Licence (SPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter (CPL-H), and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Each one has its specific use, privileges, and training.

2. Which type of pilot licence is best in India?

The highest level of pilot licence in India is the ATPL or Airline Transport Pilot Licence. This licence can be availed by individuals who wish to become the captain of a large commercial aircraft. In the airline operation, a pilot with an ATPL licence holds the highest level of responsibility and commands multi-crew aircraft.

3. Which is better, PPL or CPL?

Commercial vs Private Pilot License, which is better? The answer to this depends entirely on your goals and choices. PPL is best for someone who flies for personal and recreational purposes. CPL, on the other hand, is a professional licence to fly commercial flights, to build a career, and earn money.

4. How much does CPL cost in India?

The cost to get a CPL or Commercial Pilot Licence in India ranges somewhere between INR 35 lakhs to INR 60 lakhs. It totally depends upon the individual’s choice of flight school, aircraft, and location. The cost includes CPL flight training, ground classes, DGCA exams, and other integrated expenses.

5. How to qualify for CPL?

To be eligible for CPL or Commercial Pilot Training in India, one must be 18 years old. Next, they must have completed their 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics, completed 200 hours of flight training from a DGCA-approved flying school, and have passed the theoretical knowledge exams. Additionally, one should have a valid Indian passport and be able to speak and understand English.