How to become a pilot?
To enroll in Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, candidates must have successfully completed their 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. A minimum age of 18 years is required at the time of joining, along with a valid Class I Medical Certificate issued by a DGCA-approved medical examiner. Candidates should also demonstrate good communication skills in English, as proficiency in the language is essential for both training and international aviation standards. Meeting these requirements ensures that aspiring pilots are eligible to begin their CPL training journey.
Flight Training In India
Flight Training Abroad
Computer number : To appear for theory papers you first need to obtain a computer number which can be done by following the guidelines given at www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in . The application form along with required attested documents must reach the office of Dgca in 10 days from the time you fill out the online registration form otherwise the application will not be considered. Once the documents are received by DGCA you will get an email confirming the same on your registered email id.
Theory exams for all subjects are conducted 4 times a year. Mostly the theory papers are multi choice questions (MCQ) type and given that you have put enough work preparing for the exams you should be able to select the right answers. Theory papers you need to pass will depend primarily on the choice of your flight training school whether it is in India or abroad. The below table will simplify the same for your understanding.
The next step is where the adventure begins and you will take seat in an aircraft to start your flying lessons but choosing the right institute for flight training is of paramount importance as the Skills you develop as a pilot will largely depend on the choice of your flying school.
As the saying goes, a pilot’s license in your pocket will only get you an interview, It is the quality of your flight training that will get you your Airline pilot job.
The cost of flight training is the same in India and abroad. Some of the factors you should consider before choosing a flying school are.
- Where will I get Dgca approved flying schools and quality flight training providing international standard exposure
- Correct Instrument flying exposure.
- Learning communication in busy international airspaces.
- A good mix of flight training exposure in uncontrolled & controlled airspaces.
If you choose a flying school abroad you will have the privilege of holding a dual pilot license which can be highly advantageous in your career ahead.
For quick reference we have simplified the minimum flight training requirements laid down by the regulator and you can refer the same on www.dgca.gov.in
On clearing all applicable theory papers and completing flight training you will be required to undergo flying skill checks with a DGCA appointed examiner to demonstrate your flying abilities. The table covers a simplified process for flight training in India and abroad
10th and 12th Board verification certificate
The Board Verification Certificate is a certificate issued by your education board stating that the marks mentioned in your mark sheet are correct and not doctored in any manner. The verification certificate is fairly crucial from applying for a Computer number to getting your Commercial Pilot’s License. This process is different for different boards. For CBSE it’s hassle-free and the board verification certificate is readily available online. Please refer to your individual education board’s website for further details on how to apply for a Board Verification Certificate.
Class II medicals
A class 2 medical is the preliminary medical license required by all aspiring pilots to get their PPL(Private Pilot’s License) issued. The class 2 medical license is mandated before anyone applies for a class 1 medical license. Only if someone clears the tests mentioned under the class 2 medical examination, he/she can apply for a class 1 medical examination.To apply for a class 2 medical, candidates can go to DGCA’s website and select from the list of DGCA empanelled, class 2 medical examiners(http://164.100.60.133/medical/c1exam-ind.htm). Upon selection, an appointment needs to be fixed with the examiner. On the date of the medical examination, you will be asked by the medical examiner about any pre-existing medical conditions. This is followed by a colour-blindness test, BMI test and a general health checkup.
Class I medical
Class 1 medical is the final stage of pilot medicals in India. Only after successful verification of class 2 medical records and issuance of a PMR number, candidates are allowed to apply for a class 1 medical examination. A class 1 medical certificate is mandatory for the issuance of a Commercial Pilot License. The initial DGCA Class 1 medical examinations can only be carried out at Air force medical examination centres or one of the two private hospitals mentioned on DGCA’s website.
Police Verification Certificate
A Police Verification Certificate is simply a character certificate issued by the police authorities of your local jurisdiction or by the nearest passport office stating there are no criminal records found against you, to date, according to the police records and you are of good moral character. From applying for your visa(if flying abroad) to getting your Commercial pilot’s license issued, a PVC is required in every step. The validity of a PVC depends on the state and certain states issue them online. Please check your respective state’s website for further clarification, on how to apply for one.
Computer Number
A computer number is a unique identification number for pilots, required by DGCA and issued by the CEO(Central Examination Organisation). From applying, for your DGCA CPL papers to getting your Commercial Pilot’s License issued, a computer number is required in every step. To apply for the allotment of a computer number along with several other documents a board verification certificate is needed.
It takes generally 1- 2 months to get your Computer Number issued, so keeping in mind the time factor required, apply well ahead.
Ground Classes
A good foundation is pivotal while raising a tall building, likewise, before you headstart your Commercial Pilot Training, a thorough knowledge of all the CPL subjects is mandatory. This is where the ground classes come in handy. DGCA mandates a candidate should pass all these subject papers along with getting their 200 flying hours before a Commercial Pilot License is issued. The respective subjects are Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical general, Technical specific, Air Navigation and Radio Telephony(RTR).
Visa Medicals
Certain countries require you to undergo a few medical tests before your visa application is granted. This is completely different from a CLASS II or CLASS I medical and has no relation to DGCA. For the respective tests and the hospitals accredited to conduct the same, please go through the visa issuing website of that particular country.
SPL
SPL stands for Student Pilot’s License. SPL is the preliminary license one needs to achieve before getting a PPL and CPL. An oral examination shall be conducted by a representative of the DGCA on the following subjects for the issuance of an SPL-
- Air Regulation.
- Air Navigation
- Aviation Meteorology
- Aircraft Technical (General & Specific)
SPL will be issued by the Flying Academy after the following requirements are satisfied-
The trainee shall not be less than 16 years of age on the date of application for the issue of SPL. Should have passed 10th or equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
Visa Applications
Once the visa medical is done and all the related documents are uploaded or submitted, the visa will be issued. Generally, it is the student visa that you will apply for(if you are doing your flight training from abroad). Depending on the country, candidates might need to visit the visa office or certain countries also issue student visas online.
FRTOL
FRTOL stands for FLIGHT RADIO TELEPHONY OPERATOR’S LICENSE and is mandatory to professionally handle the radio equipment on board an Indian registered aircraft.
There are two types of FRTOL- Restricted and Non-restricted.
FRTOL non-restricted is mandatory for issuance of CPL and it can be only obtained by passing the Radio Telephony Restricted Licence (RTR) exam conducted by WPC, India and clearing the written exam conducted by DGCA or by converting the RTR obtained from foreign contracting states such as UK Or NZ to an Indian RTR.
CPL
This provides students with a solid foundation of theoretical and practical flying training, allowing them to meet the required standard to secure a relevant pilot license to pursue a full-time career as a
Commercial Pilot. A candidate must clear the above mentioned 5 DGCA subject papers and must have 200 flying hours under his belt, to get a Commercial Pilot License issued.
License Conversion Checks
Candidates completing their flying training from foreign ICAO contracting states need to fulfil certain criteria to get their foreign Commercial Pilot license converted to a DGCA CPL. The pre- requisites are as follows-
- Valid foreign Professional Pilot’s License + verification letter from issuing State.
- Valid foreign Class-I Medical Assessment from State of issue.
- Authenticated Logbook of a period of at least preceding 5 years, which must include information regarding dates, aircraft type(single/Multi) and registration, crew status (PIC). All the entries must be verified by the appropriate authority in the State of Issue of the foreign license. Tests must be signed by the examiners as well.
- Valid Certificates of Skill tests for Single as well as Multi engine(if multi-engine rating is desired).
- Statement of 20Hrs Cross-country flights / 50 Hrs if Instrument Rating is also requested.
- Cross-country check reports, total three(300NM with two full-stop landings, 250NM with one full stop landing, 120NM by night while returning to point of departure without landing).
- 5Hrs Night Flying as PIC with a certificate of 10 take-offs and 10 landings.
- For IR issue: Instrument time total =40 Hrs (actual on aircraft 20 or more+ simulated 20 or less) and at least 5Hr instrument time on actual aircraft in preceding six months (for IR issue)
License Conversion
Once all the pre-requisites are achieved along with the general flying tests by day and night, candidates need to submit the hard copy for the License Conversion Application, with all the other required documents at DGCA. Recently DGCA also made the whole process online to minimize hassle for applicants.
Once submitted and if found satisfactory the applicant’s Commercial Pilot License is issued by DGCA, within one month.
Important Links for Students
Quick access to official portals, exams, notices, circulars, and payments.
DGCA Official Portal (DigiGov/eGCA)
dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal
DGCA PARIKSHA (Examinations)
pariksha.dgca.gov.in
PARIKSHA Notices (PLT)
pariksha.dgca.gov.in / Notice Board
DGCA Circulars & Rules (Specific)
dgca.gov.in / circularsRulesGen
BharatKosh (Govt. e-Payments)
bharatkosh.gov.in
eGCA Login
dgca.gov.in / eGCA Login
