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Commercial Pilot

Career in Commercial Pilot: Job Opportunities, Job Profiles, Top-Ranked Institutions, Salary, & Eligibility Criteria

Important Dates Syllabus Eligibility Application Process Other Details

Last Modified on : 14 Apr 2024

The human heart has always craved, yearned and longed to fly high and deep in the sky like birds to breathe its liberating air. Well, human civilization has to wait until the 20th century, when the Wright brothers with their invention of the aircraft gave human civilization those wings to rove the sky. And in the 21 century with the emergence of globalization, the airline industry has grown to an unprecedented level. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry. Around the world air routes have expanded, as it is one of the favorite modes of communication among people.

Career & Job

There is a tremendous career opportunity for candidates who have always harbored a dream to fly. Now, they can fly and earn handsomely as well. Besides the love for flying a candidate should also have a well-cultivated mind for taking up this challenging job as a commercial pilot. A candidate should have patience, discipline, balance, a high alert mind, a sharp eye, and dedication towards the job. This is a challenging job that demands hard work, problem-solving skills, and a cool calculative mind to face any crisis.

Ways to Become a Commercial Pilot

There are two ways by which a candidate can become a commercial pilot -

1- A candidate can join any private commercial pilot training center which is approved by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). In India, there are 43 private pilot training centers or Flying Clubs.

2- A candidate can become a commercial pilot by joining the flying branch of NDA or CDS. For this, a candidate is required to qualify the competitive entrance exam on an all-India level. The exams are conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).

Stages of Becoming a Commercial Pilot

A candidate should, first of all, obtain the PPL (Private Pilot License) and after that, he can easily get the CPL (Commercial Pilot License).

The process of licensing is not an easy one. A candidate is required to pass the rigorous physical as well as written test to get the license.

What is PPL?

A Private Pilot License authorises a pilot to fly only privately hold aircraft. He or she is not authorised to draw a salary for the service. The DGCA has specified certain conditions which an applicant is required to qualify to get the license.

What is CPL?

A Commercial Pilot License authorises a pilot to fly aircraft or airplanes. He or she is authorised to demand remuneration for delivering his or her service. The DGCA has specified certain conditions which an applicant is required to qualify to get the license. The specified conditions are in consonance with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Commercial Pilot 2022 Eligibility

  • A candidate should have done the 12th class in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and English subjects.
  • A candidate should have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% marks to become eligible for CPL.
  • The minimum age limit for CPL is 17 years, and the maximum age limit is 60 to 65 years.
  • A candidate is required to pass the class 2 medical test to become eligible for CPL.

In addition, a candidate is required to pass an entrance test to get admission to the PPL and CPL courses. The questions in the entrance exam are from the following subjects -

  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. General knowledge
  4. Physics
  5. Chemistry

Commercial Pilot 2022 Application Process

Candidates can get admission to the top training institutes through this entrance exam. Qualified candidates must meet the physical fitness standards as per the aviation industry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also conducts a national level test known as IGRUA Entrance Test. Candidates are required to apply for the exam through the official website.

How to Apply for Commercial Pilot Courses 2022

  • Visit the respective official websites.
  • Complete the registration process.
  • Log in using your registration ID and password.
  • Complete the application form with educational, personal, and other details.
  • Upload the required document and make the application fee payment.
  • On successful completion of the application form, take a print of the completed application form.

The application fee will vary among institutes.

Also read IGRUA 2022: Exam Schedule, Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus, Admit Card & Result

Commercial Pilot 2022 Other Details

Government colleges for commercial pilot training

  • Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
  • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Air Force Technical College Bangalore.
  • All India Institute Of Aeronautics Ludhiana, Punjab.
  • Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

Skills Required for Becoming a Commercial Pilot

  • Problem-solving skills
  • High IQ
  • Decision-making skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Good Eyesight
  • Physical Fitness

Commercial Pilot Job Profiles

Candidates can work at the following profiles:

  • Chief Pilot
  • Co-Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Airline Pilot
  • Commuter Pilot
  • Captain
  • First Officer
  • Experimental Test Pilot

Top Recruiters

Here are some of the top recruiters:

  • Air India
  • Alliance Air
  • Air India Charters Ltd
  • Air Costa
  • AirAsia
  • India Jet Airways
  • IndiGo
  • SpiceJet

Commercial Pilot Salary

Becoming a commercial pilot in India comes with a whopping monetary reward. For becoming a commercial pilot, one should have a flying experience of 250 hours. As a fresher, a commercial pilot can earn ₹ 1.5 lakh per month and after gaining experience it can be between ₹ 5 and 6 lakh per month on the international route.

For becoming a commercial pilot abroad, one needs to have a flying experience of 750 hours and a basic license. The salary package is double in abroad and some countries also pay 3 or 4 times better in comparison to India.

In conclusion, being a commercial pilot is a demanding job but it comes with high rewards.

Commercial Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum eligibility requirement for commercial pilot training?

10+2 level education (Science stream) is the minimum requirement for Commerical Pilot.

What is the requirement of the subject in class 12th?

Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English.

Is there any minimum percentage requirement in the qualifying requirement?

Yes, the candidates should have secured a minimum aggregate of 50%.

Is there any medical test for pursuing CPL training?

No. However, candidates must meet the physical fitness standards of the aviation industry. The medical test is conducted for the award of Commercial Pilot Licence.

What is the duration of the training?

There is no fixed time limit. However, on average, the training can be completed in 1 year.

Can a commerce or art student get admission?

Yes, only if he qualifies the required subjects through the NIOS.

What will be the fee structure for completing the training?

Commercial pilot training is an expensive programme. The fee will vary between 30 to 40 lakhs as per the institutes.

54 Comments

Reavi Nasogiri Satala, March 15, 2022

I have read and understood everything, wanna be a successful pilot before the age of 30 I’m 26 yrs old living in Fiji

Jitesh pande, March 13, 2022

Can I admission through Govt College without money

raibha, December 11, 2021

after 12th what is the exam the we have to give and what types of books do you have to read????

Exams Planner, December 30, 2021

You need to clear the aptitude test for admission to the training programme. Each institute has its own test. The preparation books are easily available in the market.

Naveen , September 26, 2021

its my dream

Shivani Khemka, August 8, 2021

What is the minimum height requirement for commercial women aviation pilot ?

Exams Planner, August 10, 2021

The minimum height must be 64 to 77 inches when standing.

Naveen, May 25, 2021

What to do after 12th

Exams Planner, July 12, 2021

You can check our article for courses after the 12th for different options and detailed information.

chanchal choure, May 3, 2021

can a student after degree of an architecture apply to become a pilot

Exams Planner, May 20, 2021

If you meet the eligibility criteria required in class 12th, you are eligible for the commercial pilot exam.

Exams Planner, May 20, 2021

If you meet the eligibility criteria required in class 12th, you are eligible for the commercial pilot exam.

VIKRANT SINGH, January 28, 2021

Minimum C.P.I required in B.tech for becoming a pilot incase someone is already doing b.tech and is planning to go become a pilot

Francis phiniasi omolo, December 14, 2020

Cool

sri, December 5, 2020

can we become a pilot with eyesight

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