How much does it cost?

One of the most frequent questions I get is about the cost. So let me start by addressing the elephant in the room-  becoming a commercial pilot is an expensive affair! Depending on the type of program you choose- Conventional Cpl or a Cadet program-  the price could range anywhere from 30 lakhs to a whopping 1 Crore+!!! So then it all comes to one’s preference. On one hand cadet programs cost a lot of money, but your job is secured to the most part and on the other hand conventional cpl costs a fraction of the cadet programs, but doesn’t assure you of any job. 

What is a cadet program?

Another question that I constantly get is-‘what is a cadet program?’

So what is a cadet program? 

Simply put, it’s a  CPL,Meir,TR Program with an assured job.*

So how does it work? 

You undergo a set of selection processes and upon successful completion, you get called for an interview with that particular airline. The interview panel usually comprises of one or more people from HR , along with one or more senior Captains of that airline. The type of questions that gets asked during an interview usually varies from Airline to Airline. At the time of writing this post, there are only 3 cadet programs in India - Airasia, SpiceJet & Indigo Airlines’ program.  Each of those airlines have tie ups with the worlds’ best flight schools namely- CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, FTA etc.

                                                       The initial selection process is conducted by the flight school and it usually puts to test a candidate’s psychomotor, psychometric,decision making capabilities and multitasking abilities. It is usually accompanied by a test for English and Math skills in the form of either a computer based test or an actual written test. It is almost always multiple choice based questions and the number of questions varies for each Flight school.

Phases:(Generally, for up to date information kindly check the respective programs’ website)

1. Cpl, Meir & Uprt**

2. Ground classes (DGCA)

3. Type rating in either the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, depending on the Airline.

The order of this will vary according to the training partner and airline chosen. 

Note: 

All opinions expressed here are subject to change. Contact the training partner for current information.

Also, this is just an overview of cadet programs, for detailed information check the links.

Type rating location is subject to availability of slots and hence can vary.

* Job assurance is subject to successful completion of training program along with the performance of the candidate.

**UPRT is only a part of your syllabus if training in the US.

Class 2/Class 1 medicals- What are they? How do I obtain them?

If you've read my previous post, you'll know by now that the basic medical requirement to apply for programs is a class 2 and class 1 has to be obtained before course commencement.

What is a Class 2 medical?

Pilots have to be in pristine health all the time. Why? well, the lives of passengers and fellow crew at your hands (LITERALLY!) So we have to get ourselves routinely evaluated from authorized doctors/hospitals. For first time applicants, Class 2 medical is the initial medical that has to be obtained.  

You can find a list of DGCA approved doctors in this following link:  

http://dgca.nic.in/medical/class2-ind.htm

STEPS:

• Use the above link to find a doctor who is closest to you (City/area.)
• Next, Contact the doctor. I know this sounds condescending, but the fact is that each doctor has their own methodology to go about the whole process. So the best information will be obtained from them.
• You will probably get an appointment in a couple of days, you'll be required to carry passport size photographs/ digital copies, along with your original 10th and 12th certificates and photocopies.
• The list of tests that will be carried out can be obtained from your respective doctor.
• cost? Well, this is going to vary from Doctor to Doctor and will be informed upon enquiring with the doctor.

Once you get checked out, if everything is fine you will get what is known as Form-35. 

This isn't your medical per se, your doctor sends all the reports to the DGCA, which will be reviewed by a panel of their doctors and then approved. It used to take at least a month to get it by post.

What is a Class 1 Medical?

For exercising your rights as a pilot in India, you require a class 1 medical. Well, what is it? It's pretty much the same as a class 2 medical- Just way more thorough. Once class 2 Medical has been obtained with an application/case number attached, you can apply for a class 1 medical. The class 1 medical can only be obtained from these locations:

Govt:

• Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), Subroto Park,New Delhi 
• Medical Evaluation Cell (East) 2. 5 Air Force Hospital,  Rowriah, Jorhat (Dist)  Assam
• Medical Evaluation Centre (MEC), Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Indian Air Force, Vimanpura Post, Bangalore

Civil

• Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai
• Apollo Hospital, Chennai

LINK: http://dgca.nic.in/medical/c1exam.pdf

Note: Go through the link and follow the procedures listed for getting an appointment. Keep reviewing the DGCA website for more current procedures/ locations.

Form 35 Class 1 Medical

Form 35 class 2 medical

Basic requirements to become a Pilot in India

As I've mentioned before this is one of the first questions I get asked on a regular basis. So let me break it down for you.

Basic Requirements:

• 10+2 With a minimum of  51%(55% in some cases) in Physics, Maths, and English*
• Must be at least 18, Max 30/32**
• Must be a citizen of India/ hold an Overseas Citizenship of India
• Be fluent in English - both written and verbal

* This criteria will be overlooked if you have a graduate degree in Physics, Maths or Engineering with a minimum of either 51% or 55% (this range is as per the requirements for different airlines.)

** The max age range again depends on the Airline

Medical Requirements:

•  Must hold a valid Class 1 Medical without limitations*

* At least Class 2 while applying for programs and will be required to obtain class 1 before course commencement

NOTE:

Even though the minimum marks required are only 51% or 55%, I would recommend getting much higher than that. Now, if you're already done with the exams and have only those %s, you can definitely get selected. Getting more marks is just a recommendation.

Why this blog?

"Hey, Varun! How can I become a pilot in India?"

"Hey, Varun! I've just completed my 12th,can I become a pilot in India?"

"Hey, Varun! What are the steps in becoming a pilot?"

"Hey, Varun! Do I need a degree to become a pilot?"

Hello everyone, the above questions are some of the most common questions I get asked on a day to day basis. As much as I love replying to each and everyone of you, with the busy schedule of back to back flights and ground classes I end up taking too long to reply to you guys. That's why I decided to start this blog--to help answer some of the questions I get asked about most and then some. So stick around and let's help Indian aviation grow together  :)

Varun Narayanan