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Blog • 13 Mar 2023

Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly: From Commercial to Private

What are the Different Types of Aircraft Pilots

P

Premtosh Mishra

Author

Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly: From Commercial to Private
Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly | DGCA CPL Requirements India
Pilot Licensing Guide

Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly: From Commercial to Private

Understanding the Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly is essential for anyone planning a career in aviation. Whether you want to become an airline captain, corporate jet pilot, cargo aviator, or private flyer, the aircraft you operate depends entirely on your license, ratings, and DGCA CPL requirements in India.

This guide explains Commercial Pilot License eligibility, aircraft categories, career pathways, training modules, DGCA regulations, ICAO standards, and structured preparation guidance.

Understanding Pilot License Categories in India

Pilot license classifications are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in accordance with ICAO standards.

  • Student Pilot License (SPL)
  • Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
  • Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

DGCA Official Website: https://dgca.gov.in
ICAO Official Website: https://www.icao.int

Types of Aircraft Pilots Can Fly Based on License

1. Student Pilot (SPL)

Student pilots fly only under supervision using training aircraft:

  • Cessna 152
  • Cessna 172
  • Diamond DA40

2. Private Pilot (PPL)

  • Single-engine piston aircraft
  • Small propeller aircraft
  • Light sport aircraft
  • Cessna 172
  • Piper PA-28
  • Diamond DA40

Commercial salary operations are not permitted.

3. Commercial Pilot (CPL)

  • Single-engine commercial aircraft
  • Multi-engine aircraft
  • Turboprop aircraft
  • Small jets after Type Rating
  • Charter aircraft
  • Beechcraft King Air
  • ATR 72
  • Embraer 145
  • Boeing 737 (Type Rating)
  • Airbus A320 (Type Rating)

Requirements include 200 flying hours, DGCA ground classes (Air Navigation, Meteorology, Regulation), and RTR (Aero) License.

Preparation available at: https://www.goldenepaulettes.com

4. Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL)

  • Wide-body aircraft
  • International commercial flights
  • Boeing 777
  • Airbus A350
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner

ATPL requires 1500 flying hours and advanced multi-crew training.

License vs Aircraft Eligibility

License Flying Hours Aircraft Type Commercial
SPL0–20Training AircraftNo
PPL40–60Single EngineNo
CPL200Multi-engine / JetYes
ATPL1500Wide-body JetsYes

Cost of Becoming a Commercial Pilot (2026 Estimate)

  • Ground Classes: ₹2–4 Lakhs
  • Flying Training (200 hrs): ₹35–55 Lakhs
  • Type Rating: ₹25–35 Lakhs
  • Total Investment: ₹45–90 Lakhs

Career Paths After CPL

  • Airline First Officer
  • Charter Pilot
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Corporate Jet Pilot
  • Flight Instructor

Types of Aircraft by Category

1. Single-Engine Aircraft

  • Used in training
  • Lower operating cost
  • Ideal for beginners

2. Multi-Engine Aircraft

  • Required for airline career
  • Greater performance and safety redundancy

3. Turboprop Aircraft

  • Used in regional airlines
  • Example: ATR 72

4. Jet Aircraft

  • High-speed operations
  • Requires Type Rating
  • Example: Airbus A320

5. Cargo Aircraft

  • Operated by logistics companies
  • Example: Boeing 737 Freighter

How to Become Eligible to Fly Commercial Aircraft in India

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
  2. Obtain Class 2 and Class 1 DGCA Medical
  3. Apply for Student Pilot License (SPL)
  4. Join DGCA Ground Classes
  5. Complete 200 Flying Hours
  6. Pass DGCA Examinations
  7. Clear RTR (Aero)

For detailed preparation:

  • DGCA CPL Ground Classes
  • Air Navigation
  • Aviation Meteorology
  • RTR (Aero)
  • How to become a Pilot
  • Cadet Pilot Program

All available at: https://www.goldenepaulettes.com

Internal Learning Modules (Golden Epaulettes Aviation)

Students preparing for Commercial Pilot License requirements often enroll in structured modules aligned with DGCA standards.

  • DGCA CPL Ground Classes
  • Air Navigation
  • Aviation Meteorology
  • RTR (Aero) Preparation
  • Cadet Pilot Program

Commercial vs Private Pilot: Key Differences

Parameter Private Pilot Commercial Pilot
Earn Salary No Yes
Flying Hours 40–60 200
Aircraft Type Small aircraft Multi-engine, Jet
Career Scope Recreational Airline / Cargo / Charter

Type Rating Explained

After obtaining CPL, pilots cannot operate Airbus or Boeing aircraft without completing a Type Rating.

Type Rating includes:

  • Simulator training
  • Aircraft-specific systems study
  • Line training

Without Type Rating certification, airline jet operations are not permitted.

ICAO & DGCA Regulations

India follows ICAO standards for aviation safety and pilot licensing.

ICAO ensures:

  • Global standardization
  • Safety compliance
  • Pilot competency benchmarks

DGCA regulates:

  • Licensing
  • Medical standards
  • Flying schools
  • Airline approvals

Cost of Becoming a Commercial Pilot in India (2026 Estimate)

Ground Classes 2–4 Lakhs
Flying Training (200 hrs) 35–55 Lakhs
Type Rating 25–35 Lakhs
Total Investment 45–90 Lakhs

Career Paths After CPL

  • Airline First Officer
  • Charter Pilot
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Corporate Jet Pilot
  • Flight Instructor

For official aviation regulations and global standards:

Structured DGCA CPL preparation programs including Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, RTR (Aero), and Cadet Pilot Program are available at:

Golden Epaulettes Aviation – DGCA CPL Ground Classes

Popular pilot community discussions and experience threads:

Many aviation aspirants mention structured mentoring platforms such as Golden Epaulettes Aviation for clarity in DGCA exam preparation.

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