How to Become an Airline Pilot: The Complete Guide to Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, and Salary
Most aspiring sky travelers find the aviation industry interesting and thrilling.
One of the most in-demand dream jobs is to become an airline pilot, which brings prestige, great pay, and opportunities to fly all around the world.
However, it requires extensive preparation, a large investment, and complete dedication.
In this full guide, we will look into how to become an airline pilot, eligibility criteria, top institutions, program fees, and salary expectations.
How to Become an Airline Pilot After 12th
For those who decide early on to pursue an aviation career, the journey begins right after completing the 12th grade.
Below is a step-by-step process:
- Meet the Educational Requirements
For admission to a pilot training course, one must have passed the 12th class with Physics, Mathematics, and English as core subjects.
An aggregate score of 50% in these subjects is usually mandatory.
For students from non-science streams, one can take the equivalent Physics and Mathematics courses for eligibility.
- Get Medical Clearance
Flying an aircraft requires excellent physical and mental health.
Candidates have to clear the Class 1 Medical Examination , which checks vision, hearing, cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
This examination has to be done by a certified medical examiner accepted by aviation authorities like DGCA (India) or FAA (USA).
- Obtain SPL-S: Student Pilot License
An SPL is the first step toward becoming a professional pilot.
It is obtained after clearing a basic written exam testing a candidate’s knowledge of aviation fundamentals.
The license allows students to begin flight training.
- Enroll in a Flight Training Program
The next step is enrolling with a flight school accredited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India or its equivalent in other countries.
Training includes theory classes and practical flying hours, culminating in the issuance of a Private Pilot License (PPL) , then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) .
- Log Sufficient Flying Hours
A minimum of 200 flying hours must be acquired for a CPL.
Such hours are accumulated under careful supervision, during which the student pilot makes solo flights, cross-country flights, and night flying.
- Pass Exams conducted by DGCA or FAA
Applicants for the CPL must pass theory as well as practical exams conducted by regulatory agencies.
These tests are meant to check the knowledge of the student pilot regarding air regulation, meteorology, navigation, and aircraft systems.
- Obtain a Type Rating :
Once a CPL is acquired, pilots must complete Type Rating Training to determine their expertise about the specific aircraft types, such as Airbus A320
Boeing 737, which entails training completion for employment in commercial airlines.
- Get Experience
Most airline pilots enter as co-pilots or first officers in regional airlines or charter services. Experience and further qualifications can lead to captain positions.
Airline Pilot Program Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Eligibility and selection criteria for airline pilot programs also help ensure that candidates have the aptitude and physical fitness for this challenging profession.
The main requirements are these:
1. Educational Qualifications
- Successfully pass 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English.
- Minimum 50% aggregate score (which varies from institute to institute).
- Should be able to converse in the English language and also act by the regulatory rules.
2. Medical Fitness
- Pass Class 1 Medical Exam.
- Should have at least one eye 6/6 and another 6/9 (correctable to 6/6).
- No significant physical disabilities or chronic illnesses.
3. Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years to enroll in training.
- Minimum age: 18 years to obtain a CPL.
4. Selection Process
- Aptitude tests to assess problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Psychometric tests to evaluate mental resilience.
- Personal interviews to gauge communication and teamwork abilities.
Other Related Information : How to Join the Indian Air Force as a Pilot After 12th
Top Colleges for Airline Pilot Courses
One of the most important decisions before becoming a pilot is choosing the right flight school.
The following are some of the best Institutions where complete flying training is provided:
Top Flight Schools in India
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA), Chandigarh
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautical Sciences, Kerala
- Capt. Gopi Aviation, Bengaluru
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Flight Training, Pune
- Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore
Leading Flight Schools Worldwide( international)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA
- Oxford Aviation Academy, UK
- CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Canada
- Singapore Flying College, Singapore
- Flight Safety Academy, USA
These colleges provide the most advanced training, well-experienced trainers, and best placement support.
Pilot Program Fees of Airlines
This is rather very expensive to become an airline pilot.
Some of the major expenses are given as follows:
National
- Student Pilot License SPL–₹1–2 lakhs
- Private Pilot License PPL–₹6–8 lakhs
- Commercial Pilot License CPL ₹25–40 lakhs
International
The total cost for completing the flight training abroad is around $70,000–$100,000 and depends upon the country and the flight school.
Extra Costs-
Type Rating Training: ₹8–15 lakhs in India or $20,000–$30,000 abroad.
Medical examination, DGCA exams, and licensing fees.
Living charges, especially for international students.
Scholarships and loans are available for deserving candidates to offset some of these costs.
Average Salary for Airline Pilot Program Graduates
Airline pilots command generous salaries, which are commensurate with the responsibility and expertise demanded in the position.
In India
- Entry-level co-pilot: ₹6–12 lakhs per annum.
- Experienced captain : ₹40–70 lakhs per annum.
Internationally
- Entry-level co-pilot: 40,000–70,000 per annum.
- Experienced captain: 150,000–200,000 per annum.
Determinants of Salary
- Type of aircraft (domestic vs. international fleets). Experience and seniority. Region or country of employment.
Conclusion
Becoming an airline pilot is not easy, but it is an extremely rewarding career.
A pilot bears the mass responsibility of ensuring the safety of passengers while traveling through complex flight systems and diverse weather conditions.
Starting early after completing the 12th grade, aspiring pilots are strictly eligible to undergo rigorous training and make significant investments in finance.
Choosing the best flight school, understanding the costs involved, and building a strong foundation in technical and soft skills are crucial steps toward making your dream a reality.
The challenge may be immense, but the world awaits, combined with the excellent financial rewards of such aventure. And if you love flying, there has never been a better moment to take off on this thrilling career path!
