How To Become an Airline Pilot

Be a Pilot

To become a pilot, certain requirements must be fulfilled. Aspiring pilots can start their journey at a young age, with some countries allowing individuals to become professional pilots as early as 17 or 18 years old.

Holding a commercial pilot’s license allows you to operate an aircraft for an airline and receive compensation for your work. The CPL training program consists of two phases: Ground Training and Flight Training.

Step-1: Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed 10+2 with mathematics and physics from a recognized board. If you have not completed your education through an accredited open school, you may need to retake physics and mathematics.

Step-2: Medical Requirements

The Indian DGCA mandates that candidates must be fit to fly, with medical requirements divided into Class-II and Class-I categories. Class-II Medical Examination: Candidates must undergo tests conducted by physicians authorized by the DGCA and receive a CA 35 acknowledgment. Once all medical records are submitted to the DGCA, candidates will obtain their CPL certificate. Class-I Medical Examination: Following the Class-II examination, candidates should apply to the DGCA for additional evaluations. Upon successful completion, they will be issued a Class-I Medical Certificate, which is valid for one year and needs to be renewed before it expires.

Step-3: Computer Number

A unique identification number assigned to pilots by the Central Examination Organization (CEO) as per DGCA regulations. This number is essential for every stage of the process, from applying for DGCA CPL documentation to obtaining the Commercial Pilot's License.

Step-4: Police Verification Certificate

A character certificate verifying good moral character and confirming the absence of any criminal records, issued by the local passport office or police authority.

Step-5: Ground Training

Candidates must successfully complete all theory tests pertinent to their license category. This includes a range of theoretical examinations, such as Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Air Regulations, as well as Technical General and Specific papers.

Step-6: Flight Training

Candidates must acquire flight experience from a flight training organization approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. To qualify for a commercial pilot's license, they are required to log a specified amount of flight time.

Step-7: Type Rating

After receiving a Commercial Pilot License, applicants have two options: they can pursue an Instructor Rating if they are interested in flight instruction or complete a Type Rating if they aim to work for an airline.