How to Start Your Pilot Career in India – Full Process Explained

Are you interested in a pilot career in India? The aviation industry offers a promising career path with the opportunity to fly high and explore the world. However, becoming a commercial pilot requires dedication, effort, and careful planning.

In this article, we will guide you through the full process of starting your pilot career in India, from training to becoming a professional pilot. Whether you're fresh out of school or considering a career change, this step-by-step guide will explain everything you need to know.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Pilot Career in India

Step 1: Complete Your 12th Grade with Science

The first step towards becoming a pilot is to ensure that you meet the academic eligibility criteria. You must have completed your 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. This is a basic requirement for entering pilot training schools in India.

• Age: Minimum 17 years
• Required Subjects: Physics, Mathematics
• Minimum Marks: At least 50% marks in 12th grade

Completing your schooling with the right subjects lays the foundation for your training in aviation.

Step 2: Choose a Flight School

After completing your 12th grade, the next step is to choose a flight school that is recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). There are several flying schools in India that offer Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training.

Here’s a list of popular flying schools in India:

• Golden Epaulettes Aviation
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
• Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
• Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
• Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy

Ensure the school you select provides high-quality training and is DGCA-approved. Golden Epaulettes Aviation is one such school known for offering excellent training programs with experienced instructors.

Step 3: Choose Between CPL or PPL

The next decision to make is whether you want to pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or a Private Pilot License (PPL).

• CPL: This license qualifies you to fly commercially and work as a pilot for an airline or charter company.
• PPL: This license is suitable for those who wish to fly privately and is often pursued before obtaining a CPL.

Step 4: Ground School Training

The first phase of your pilot training will involve ground school, which covers essential theoretical knowledge that every pilot must know. This training will provide you with an understanding of aircraft systems, navigation, aviation regulations, meteorology, and flight planning.

Duration: 6 to 8 months

Subjects covered:

• Aircraft systems
• Air navigation
• Meteorology
• Aviation regulations
• Flight performance

Ground school prepares you to handle the technical aspects of flying, ensuring that you have a solid foundation before taking to the skies.

Step 5: Flight Training (Flying Hours)

After completing ground school, you will begin practical flight training. This involves logging the necessary flying hours required for obtaining your CPL.

Required Flight Hours:

• CPL: Minimum 200 flying hours
• PPL: Minimum 40 flying hours

During your flight training, you’ll learn how to handle an aircraft, understand air traffic control procedures, and manage emergency situations. You’ll begin flying under the guidance of an instructor and, as you progress, you’ll be given opportunities to fly solo.

Step 6: Clear the DGCA Exams

Once you’ve completed the necessary flying hours, you must appear for the DGCA exams. These exams test your theoretical knowledge in subjects like air navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, flight performance, and aviation regulations. You must pass all the required exams to be eligible for your CPL.

The DGCA exams are divided into several papers, each focusing on a specific aspect of aviation knowledge. The exams are tough, and adequate preparation is required to succeed.

Step 7: Obtain Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

After clearing the DGCA exams, you will be awarded your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This license allows you to work as a commercial pilot and fly aircraft for airlines, charter companies, or cargo services.

Step 8: Apply for Jobs and Gain Experience

After obtaining your CPL, the next step is to begin applying for jobs as a First Officer (Co-Pilot) with an airline. Entry-level jobs often include positions with smaller airlines or flying schools. Many pilots also start by becoming flight instructors, which helps them gain additional flight hours and experience.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation also offers placement assistance for its students to connect them with job opportunities in the aviation sector.

Job Options:

• Regional Airlines: Flying small aircraft for domestic travel.
• Flight Instructor: Teaching and training other aspiring pilots.
• Charter Pilot: Flying private flights.
• Cargo Pilot: Transporting goods instead of passengers.

Step 9: Type Rating

To fly larger aircraft for commercial airlines, pilots are required to undergo type rating training. This specialized training is required to operate a specific type of aircraft, and it’s typically completed once you’ve gained sufficient flying hours and experience.

• Duration: 6 months to 1 year
• Cost: ₹20-30 lakhs (depending on the airline)

Step 10: Career Growth – From First Officer to Captain

After working as a First Officer for several years and gaining significant flight hours, you can be promoted to the position of Captain. The journey from First Officer to Captain generally takes about 5 to 7 years, depending on your flying experience and performance.

Once you become a Captain, your career as an airline pilot can continue to grow, and you can take on higher-level positions within the aviation industry, including training new pilots or becoming part of airline management.

Costs Involved in Pilot Training

Becoming a commercial pilot in India involves substantial investment. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

Total estimated cost: ₹50–75 lakhs

Final Thoughts

Starting your pilot career in India is an exciting journey, but it requires hard work, dedication, and the right training. From completing your 12th grade with the right subjects to obtaining your CPL and gaining experience, each step is crucial for your success in the aviation industry.

If you’re ready to embark on this career path, provides the necessary training and guidance to help you achieve your dreams of becoming a commercial pilot.

Take the first step towards your aviation career today with Golden Epaulettes Aviation.