Introduction
Flying airplanes has always been a dream for many people. After all, who doesn't want to soar through the skies and explore the world from a bird's eye view? If you're one of those people who wants to become a pilot, then you're in luck, because there are many different ways to achieve your dream.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to become a pilot after 12th grade in India. We will cover the following topics:
What is a pilot?
Types of pilots
Why become a pilot?
Eligibility requirements
Selection process
What is a pilot?
A pilot is a person who operates an aircraft. Pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft safely and efficiently, navigating to their destination, and communicating with other aircraft and ground control.
Types of pilots
There are many different types of pilots, including:
Commercial pilots: Commercial pilots fly passenger and cargo airplanes for airlines and other commercial carriers.
Private pilots: Private pilots fly airplanes for personal use, such as for transportation or recreation.
Military pilots: Military pilots fly airplanes for the armed forces.
Corporate pilots: Corporate pilots fly airplanes for corporations and businesses.
Flight instructors: Flight instructors teach others how to fly airplanes.
Why become a pilot?
There are many reasons why people choose to become pilots. Some people are drawn to the excitement and challenge of flying. Others enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the job. Still others are motivated by the opportunity to travel and see the world.
Here are some of the benefits of becoming a pilot:
Exciting and rewarding career: Flying airplanes is a challenging and rewarding career. Pilots have the opportunity to travel the world, meet new people, and experience unique situations.
Good salary and benefits: Pilots typically earn a good salary and benefits package. Airlines and other commercial carriers offer competitive salaries, as well as benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation time.
High demand for pilots: The demand for pilots is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing number of people flying and the retirement of many experienced pilots.
Eligibility requirements
To become a pilot in India, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
You must be at least 17 years old.
You must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
You must have a Class 2 medical certificate from a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved doctor.
Selection process
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to a pilot training program. There are many different pilot training schools in India. When choosing a school, it is important to consider factors such as the cost of the program, the reputation of the school, and the location of the school.
The selection process for pilot training programs typically includes an entrance exam, an interview, and a medical test. The entrance exam is designed to test your knowledge of mathematics, physics, and English. The interview is designed to assess your motivation, communication skills, and personality. The medical test is designed to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to fly an airplane.
If you are selected for a pilot training program, you will typically need to complete two years of training. The training will cover both ground school and flight training. In ground school, you will learn about the principles of flight, aircraft systems, and navigation. In flight training, you will learn how to fly an airplane under the supervision of a flight instructor.
After completing your pilot training program, you will need to pass a series of exams to obtain your commercial pilot license (CPL). Once you have your CPL, you can start applying for jobs as a commercial pilot.
Getting started
1. Pass the DGCA Class 2 medical exam.
This is a comprehensive medical exam that assesses your fitness to fly. You can find a list of authorized medical examiners on the DGCA website.
2. Choose a flight school.
There are many flight schools to choose from, so it's important to do your research and find one that's a good fit for you. Consider factors such as location, cost, and curriculum.
3. Enrol in a pilot training program.
Most pilot training programs take about 12-18 months to complete. You'll learn the basics of flying, including aerodynamics, navigation, and communication.
Flight training
1. Ground school.
Ground school is where you'll learn the theoretical aspects of flying. This will include topics such as aircraft systems, meteorology, and air traffic control.
2. Flight lessons.
This is where you'll put your ground school knowledge into practice. You'll start with basic flight maneuvers and gradually progress to more complex tasks.
3. Solo flights.
Once you've mastered the basics, you'll be ready to fly solo. This is a major milestone in your pilot training.
Getting licensed
1. Private pilot license (PPL).
This is the first license allows you to fly single-engine airplanes for personal or recreational purposes.
2. Commercial pilot license (CPL).
This license allows you to fly single-engine and multi-engine airplanes for hire. To obtain a CPL, you must have a 200 hours of flight time.
3. Multi-engine instrument rating (MEIR).
This rating allows you to fly multi-engine airplanes in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). To obtain an MEIR, you must have a CPL and 15 hours of actual aircraft and 10 hours of multi-engine flight time.
Building experience
Once you have your CPL and MEIR, you'll need to build flight experience. This can be done by working as a flight instructor, flying as a co-pilot, or working for a charter company.
Working as a flight instructor
Flight instructing is a great way to build flight experience and earn money at the same time. To become a flight instructor, you must have a CPL and a flight instructor certificate.
Flying as a co-pilot
Once you have some flight experience, you can apply for co-pilot jobs. This is a great way to gain experience flying commercial airplanes.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot can be a challenging but rewarding career. By following the steps outlined above, you can put yourself on the path to becoming a commercial pilot.
Tips for becoming a pilot
Start planning early. The earlier you start planning, the more time you'll have to save money and research flight schools.
Get involved in the aviation community. There are many ways to do this, such as joining an aviation club or volunteering at a local airport.
Talk to other pilots. They can give you valuable advice and insights into the career.
Be persistent. Becoming a pilot takes time and dedication. Don't give up on your dream.
Career outlook for pilots
The job outlook for pilots is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of commercial pilots will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to increasing demand for air travel.
Cost of pilot training
The cost of pilot training varies depending on the flight school and the type of training you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from 35 lakhs to 46 lakhs for a complete pilot training program.
FAQS
What are the eligibility criteria to become a pilot after 12th?
The eligibility criteria to become a pilot after 12th in India are as follows:
You must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
You must be an Indian citizen.
You must be at least 17 years old and not more than 30 years old.
You must have a valid Class 2 medical certificate issued by a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) authorized doctor.
What are the different routes to becoming a pilot after 12th?
There are two main routes to becoming a pilot after 12th:
Through a commercial pilot training (CPL) program: This is the most common route to becoming a pilot in India. To enroll in a CPL program, you must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above and clear an entrance exam conducted by the flying school. The CPL program typically takes 12-18 months to complete.
Through the National Defence Academy (NDA): The NDA is a prestigious tri-service academy that trains cadets for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. To be eligible for the NDA, you must pass Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and clear the NDA entrance exam. After completing the NDA training program, you will be commissioned as a pilot officer in the Indian Air Force.
What are the different types of pilot licenses?
There are three main types of pilot licenses in India:
Private pilot license (PPL): This license allows you to fly single-engine airplanes for personal or recreational purposes.
Commercial pilot license (CPL): This license allows you to fly airplanes for commercial purposes, such as carrying passengers or cargo.
Airline transport pilot license (ATPL): This license is required to fly airplanes for commercial airlines.
What are the job prospects for pilots in India?
The job prospects for pilots in India are good. The Indian aviation industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for qualified pilots. Airline pilots are particularly well-paid, with starting salaries of around ₹3-4 lakhs per month.
What are the top flying schools in India?
The top flying schools in India include:
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
Bombay Flying Club (BFC)
Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology (RGAAT)
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC)
How much does it cost to become a pilot in India?
The cost of becoming a pilot in India varies depending on the flying school you choose and the type of training program you opt for. However, you can expect to spend at least ₹35-45 lakhs on your pilot training.
What are some tips for becoming a successful pilot?
Here are some tips for becoming a successful pilot:
Be passionate about flying.
Be prepared to work hard and study diligently.
Be physically and mentally fit.
Be good at teamwork and communication.
Be able to handle pressure and make quick decisions.