Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training & Requirements 2025

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Commercial Pilot License Requirements (DGCA India)

Age & Education Requirements

Obtaining a commercial pilot license in India through DGCA requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that CPL license candidates must be at least 18 years old before commencing commercial pilot training. Educational requirements include completion of 10+2 (Class XII) with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. While DGCA doesn't require a specific percentage, most flying schools prefer candidates with minimum 50% marks. English proficiency is essential as all aviation communications occur in English.

Flight Hours Requirements (200 hours minimum)

The CPL flight hours required under DGCA regulations differ from international standards. Indian commercial pilot certification requires a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including:

100 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC)
20 hours cross-country flight time as PIC
10 hours instrument flight training
5 hours night flying (including 5 night takeoffs and landings)
Multi-engine aircraft experience (if seeking multi-engine endorsement)

DGCA Flight Hour Distribution Table

Flight Time Category	Minimum Hours Required
Total Flight Time	200 hours
Pilot-in-Command	100 hours
Cross-Country PIC	20 hours
Instrument Training	10 hours
Night Flying	5 hours
Dual Instruction	35 hours

Students typically complete how to get commercial pilot license training in 18-24 months depending on weather conditions and aircraft availability.

Medical Certificate Requirements

Commercial pilot medical certificate standards under DGCA are stringent. CPL candidates must obtain a Class I Medical Certificate from DGCA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiners (AME), demonstrating:

Perfect vision (6/6 or correctable to 6/6)
Normal color vision and hearing
Cardiovascular fitness
No disqualifying medical conditions
Psychological fitness assessment

Medical certificates require annual renewal and must be obtained before solo flying begins.

Written & Practical Exam Requirements

The commercial pilot written exam conducted by DGCA covers six subjects:

Air Navigation and flight planning
Aviation Meteorology and weather interpretation
Air Regulations (DGCA CAR and ICAO standards)
Aircraft Technical systems and performance
Radio Telephony procedures and phraseology
Aviation Medicine and human factors

Following successful theory completion, candidates face the commercial pilot checkride with DGCA Flight Test Examiners. This skill test includes:

Pre-flight briefing and aircraft inspection
Flight test demonstrating commercial pilot standards
Emergency procedures and abnormal situations handling

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Choosing to become a pilot is a life-changing decision—and you shouldn’t have to make it alone. At Golden Epaulettes, we offer personalized one-on-one counseling sessions with experienced airline captains who’ve helped thousands of students make the right career move.

Assessment of your academic background & eligibility
Custom roadmap for Cadet or CPL path based on your financials and timeline
Clarification on DGCA medicals, flying schools, exams, and type ratings
Honest advice about scholarships, loans, and affordability for middle-class families
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Golden Epaulettes CPL Program

Course Features

Golden Epaulettes offers comprehensive commercial pilot training designed to help aspiring pilots achieve their CPL license efficiently. Our commercial pilot certification program covers all essential aspects of how to get commercial pilot license in India. The curriculum meticulously addresses commercial pilot license requirements including theoretical knowledge, practical flying skills, and regulatory compliance.

Key Program Highlights

Structured flight training covering all CPL flight hours required (200 hours minimum)
DGCA-approved curriculum ensuring complete commercial pilot certification preparation
Multi-engine commercial pilot training with modern aircraft fleet
Instrument rating commercial pilot integration for enhanced career prospects
Commercial pilot medical certificate guidance and AME coordination
Commercial pilot written exam preparation with latest question banks

Our program addresses critical factors like commercial pilot age requirements and provides clear timelines for how long to get commercial pilot license completion. Students receive transparent information about commercial pilot license cost and flexible payment options.

Success Rate

Golden Epaulettes maintains an outstanding 92% first-time pass rate for commercial pilot checkride examinations. Our comprehensive approach to commercial pilot training ensures students are thoroughly prepared for both written and practical assessments. The success metrics include:

Assessment Type	Success Rate
DGCA Written Exams	95%
Flight Skill Tests	92%
Medical Clearance	98%
Overall CPL Completion	90%

Our proven methodology focuses on understanding individual learning curves, ensuring each student receives personalized attention throughout their commercial pilot training journey.

Instructor Expertise

Our flight training team comprises highly experienced professionals with extensive commercial aviation backgrounds. All instructors hold current commercial pilot license credentials with additional instrument rating commercial pilot qualifications. The instructor team includes:

Former airline captains with 10,000+ flight hours
DGCA-certified flight instructors specializing in CPL training
Multi-engine commercial pilot specialists
Aviation meteorology experts for weather flying preparation

Each instructor brings real-world experience to classroom and cockpit training, providing insights beyond standard curriculum requirements. Their expertise significantly contributes to our exceptional commercial pilot checkride success rates.

Learning Management System

Our advanced Learning Management System (LMS) revolutionizes commercial pilot training delivery. The platform features:

Digital Learning Features

Interactive study modules covering all DGCA theory subjects
Progress tracking for CPL flight hours required completion
Mock examinations simulating actual commercial pilot written exam conditions
Video tutorials explaining complex aviation concepts
Mobile accessibility for studying anywhere, anytime

The LMS integrates seamlessly with practical training schedules, ensuring optimal learning outcomes. Students access comprehensive study materials, track their progress toward commercial pilot certification, and receive real-time feedback from instructors.

CPL training cost at Golden Epaulettes represents exceptional value, offering affordable commercial pilot training without compromising quality. Our transparent commercial pilot training price structure includes all necessary components for successful license completion, making professional aviation careers accessible to dedicated individuals.

1. What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a CPL in India?

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India are specified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).‍

In order to be eligible for a CPL, the applicant must:‍

• Be at least 18 years old‍

• Have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics‍

• Have a valid student pilot license‍

• Have completed 200 hours of flying experience, including at least:‍

-100 hours as Pilot in Command‍

-25 hours of cross-country flying‍

-10 hours of instrument flying‍

-5 hours of night flying‍

• Pass the DGCA CPL written exam‍

• Pass the DGCA CPL flight test‍

• Pass the DGCA medical examination‍

2. What are the documents required for CPL training?

The documents required for CPL training as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are as follows: ‍

1. A valid Indian passport‍

2. A valid Medical Certificate of Fitness‍

3. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) License‍

4. A valid Student Pilot License (SPL)‍

5. A valid Private Pilot License (PPL) ‍

6. A valid Instrument Rating (IR) ‍

7. A valid Class II Medical Certificate‍

8. A valid English Proficiency Certificate‍

9. A valid Aircraft Technical Knowledge Test ‍

10. A valid Navigation Theory Test‍

11. A valid Flight Navigation Test‍

12. A valid Air Regulation Test‍

13. A valid Meteorology Test‍

14. A valid Aircraft Technical Knowledge Test‍

15. A valid Navigation Theory Test‍

16. A valid Flight Navigation Test‍

17. A valid Air Regulation Test ‍

18. A valid Meteorology Test ‍

19. A valid Air Regulations and Procedures Test ‍

20. A valid Aircraft Technical Knowledge Test ‍

21. A valid Navigation Theory Test ‍

22. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

23. A valid Air Regulation Test ‍

24. A valid Meteorology Test ‍

25. A valid Aircraft Technical Knowledge Test ‍

26. A valid Navigation Theory Test ‍

27. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

28. A valid Air Regulation Test ‍

29. A valid Meteorology Test ‍

30. A valid Aircraft Technical Knowledge Test ‍

31. A valid Navigation Theory Test ‍

32. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

33. A valid Air Regulation Test ‍

34. A valid Meteorology Test ‍

35. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

36. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

37. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

38. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

39. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

40. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

41. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

42. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

43. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

44. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

45. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

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47. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

48. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

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50. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

51. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

52. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

53. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

54. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

55. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

56. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

57. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

58. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

59. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

60. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

61. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

62. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

63. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

64. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

65. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

66. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

67. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

68. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

69. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

70. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

71. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

72. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

73. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

74. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

75. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

76. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

77. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

78. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

79. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

80. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

81. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

82. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

83. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

84. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

85. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

86. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

87. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

88. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

89. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

90. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

91. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

92. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

93. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

94. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

95. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

96. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

97. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

98. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

99. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

100. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

101. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

102. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

103. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

104. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

105. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

106. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

107. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

108. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

109. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

110. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

111. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

112. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

113. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

114. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

115. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

116. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

117. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

118. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

119. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

120. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

121. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

122. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

123. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

124. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

125. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

126. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

127. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

128. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

129. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

130. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

131. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

132. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

133. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

134. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

135. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

136. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

137. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

138. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

139. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

140. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

141. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

142. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

143. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

144. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

145. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

146. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

147. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

148. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

149. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

150. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

151. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

152. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

153. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

154. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

155. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

156. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

157. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

158. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

159. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

160. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

161. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

162. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

163. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

164. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

165. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

166. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

167. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

168. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

169. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

170. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

171. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

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174. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

175. A valid Air Regulation and Procedures Test ‍

176. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

177. A valid Aeronautical Knowledge Test ‍

178. A valid Flight Navigation Test ‍

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183. A valid Radio Telephony (RT) Test ‍

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3. What types of aircrafts are used in CPL classes?

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) classes are conducted using aircrafts that are certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to DGCA, the following aircrafts are approved to be used in CPL classes: ‍

1. Light Single Engine Piston Aircrafts: These include aircrafts such as the Cessna 172, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Piper Cherokee. ‍

2. Multi-engine Piston Aircrafts: These include aircrafts such as the Beechcraft Baron, Piper Seneca, and Cessna 310. ‍

3. Turboprop Aircrafts: These include aircrafts such as the Beechcraft King Air and Pilatus PC-12. ‍

4. Light Jet Aircrafts: These include aircrafts such as the Learjet and Cessna Citation.‍

4. What are the exams and other requirements for obtaining a CPL?

To obtain a CPL, a candidate must pass the following examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): ‍

1. Commercial Pilot Licence Examination‍

2. Instrument Rating Examination ‍

3. Multi-Engine Rating Examination ‍

4. Flight Radio Telephone Operator's Licence Examination ‍

In addition, the candidate must have a minimum of 200 hours of flying experience and have completed a minimum of 25 hours of instrument flying. The candidate must also be medically fit and pass a radiotelephony test.‍

5. How long does it take to complete CPL classes?

According to the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), it typically takes around 200 hours of flight training and 60 hours of ground training to complete CPL (Commercial Pilot License) classes.‍

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