Flying School Admission Checklist: Documents, Fees & Process in India

If you're planning to become a commercial pilot in India, the first major step is getting admitted to a DGCA-approved flying school. The admission process requires proper documentation, medical clearance, fee planning, and understanding of how aviation institutes work.

This guide gives you a full flying school admission checklist covering documents, fee structure, eligibility, and step-by-step process — with internal resources from Golden Epaulettes Aviation to guide you at each stage.

Why Choosing the Right Flying School Matters

• A DGCA-approved flying school will help you:
• Complete 200 hours of flying (required for CPL)
• Pass DGCA exams with proper ground school support
• Prepare for airline job interviews
• Avoid delays due to aircraft or instructor unavailability

You can explore Golden Epaulettes Aviation’s comparison of flying schools in India, which highlights course structure, duration, and past student reviews.

Step-by-Step Flying School Admission Process

Here’s a breakdown of how the CPL admission process works in India:

Step 1: Research DGCA-Approved Flying Schools

Make sure the institute is listed on the official DGCA website.

• Check the school’s student-to-aircraft ratio.
• Ask about instructor availability and simulator facilities.
• Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides insights on top-rated CPL training schools in India and abroad.

Step 2: Collect Required Documents

Most flying schools follow a common set of requirements. Here's a complete checklist:

Flying School Admission Document Checklist:

Golden Epaulettes Aviation has guides on how to apply for your DGCA computer number and Class 2 medical in India.

Step 3: Complete Class 2 and Class 1 Medicals

Before flying, you need two medical clearances:

• Class 2 Medical: For admission purposes
• Class 1 Medical: For issuing CPL

Where to Get Medicals Done:

• Class 2: Any DGCA-approved private practitioner
• Class 1: AFCME (Delhi), IAM (Bangalore), or DGCA-authorized centers

Medical Exam Checklist:

• Eye and ear test
• ECG and chest X-ray
• Blood and urine test
• Physical fitness check
• No mental illness or color blindness

Golden Epaulettes Aviation’s Class 1 and Class 2 prep tips help many aspirants avoid common medical rejections.

Step 4: Clear the School’s Entrance Test (if applicable)

• Some flying schools may ask you to take:
• Basic aptitude test
• Written test in Physics/English
• Personal interview

Golden Epaulettes Aviation offers preparation for such entrance stages with personalized mentoring.

Step 5: Pay Registration Fees

Once accepted, you’ll have to pay an initial registration or enrollment fee. This varies by school but usually includes:

• Application fee
• Enrollment charges
• Uniform and ID card charges
• Ground school kit fee
• Typical range: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000
• Full course fee details follow below.

Step 6: Begin Ground School + Flight Training

Once documentation, fees, and medicals are done, your course will begin with ground school classes, followed by simulator training and actual flying.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation advises students on how to balance ground school and flight slots without delays.

CPL Course Fee Structure in India

Flying training costs can vary depending on the school, type of aircraft, and location. Here's a general breakdown:

Total Estimated Cost: ₹35 – ₹45 lakhs (without Type Rating)

Golden Epaulettes Aviation helps students evaluate fee structures of top schools in India and abroad with budget planning tools.

What to Ask Before Finalizing Your Flying School

• Does the course cover 200 hours of flying?
• Is simulator time included in the fee?
• Are instructors available consistently?
• Do they provide DGCA exam training?
• What’s the average time taken to complete CPL?

Avoid blindly signing up — take the time to speak with past students or consult Golden Epaulettes Aviation’s CPL planning experts.

Types of CPL Courses Offered

Flying schools typically offer:

1. Integrated CPL Course: Full-time 18–24 month course (flying + ground school)
2. Modular CPL Course: Separate modules (PPL → CPL → Multi-engine → RTR)

Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides guidance on choosing the right CPL route based on your budget and schedule.

Internal Links You Can Use from Golden Epaulettes Aviation

• CPL course comparison in India
• Class 1 and Class 2 medical prep
• DGCA exam preparation resources
• Flying school ratings and reviews
• Admission form assistance
• Aviation career counseling
• Type Rating selection and costs
• FAQs on PPL, CPL, ATPL licensing in India

Mistakes to Avoid During Flying School Admission

1. Not checking DGCA approval
Double-check the school’s validity on the DGCA site.

2. Skipping medicals until late
Do your Class 2 medical even before applying.

3. Underestimating total costs
Ask about hidden charges like landing fees, fuel surcharges, etc.

4. Not asking about aircraft availability
Delays happen when there aren’t enough aircraft.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation has a helpful checklist of questions to ask flying schools before admission.

Important Flying School Admission Tips

• Start your application at least 3–4 months in advance.
• Get both medicals done early to avoid delays.
• Apply for your DGCA Computer Number during Class 2 medical.
• Keep all documents scanned and saved.
• Don’t rely on verbal promises — always get fee structure and terms in writing.

Flying School Admission FAQs

Q: Can I join a flying school after Class 12?
Yes, if you had Physics and Math in 12th. If not, complete these via NIOS.

Q: What is the ideal age to join?
Minimum age is 17. Ideal time is right after 12th to complete CPL by age 20–21.

Q: What if I wear glasses or have a medical issue?
Mild vision problems are acceptable. For others, check with DGCA medical guidelines.

Q: How long does CPL training take?
Typically 18–24 months, depending on school and flying hours.

Q: Can I train abroad and still get CPL in India?
Yes, but you'll have to convert your foreign CPL by passing DGCA exams.

Conclusion

Getting into a good flying school is the first and most crucial step toward becoming a commercial pilot in India. Make sure your documents are in order, you’ve cleared your medicals, and you fully understand the process. Planning ahead saves time, money, and stress.

With expert guidance, such as that offered by Golden Epaulettes Aviation, students can avoid common pitfalls and stay on track for a successful pilot career.