As a child, the view of beautiful cloudscapes and aircraft in the sky always made us think of becoming a pilot some day. Undoubtedly aviation is one of the most desired career stream in the world. Since you are reading this article, we are sure you have already made up your mind to become a pilot. All you need is thorough knowledge of theory subjects and sharp flying skills to fly in all the situations. CNJAA will help you lay a strong foundation for your dream aviation career.
Let us see a step by step process of how to become a pilot.
Step 1 - 10th or 12th Pass
You need to pass 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Maths to become eligible for Commercial Pilot License Training.
If you have done your 12th class from science stream with PCM group (Physics,Chemistry,Maths) then you can directly start with your training .
If you have passed 12th with PCB group (Physics,Chemistry,Biology) or from Arts, Commerce or from any other streams other than science, then you will have to clear these subjects from NIOS (National Institute Of Open Schooling) a medium for open schooling and distance learning .
NIOS conducts exams twice a year with choice to select your convenient exam centre. Once cleared with NIOS exam, further process for pilot training can be started.
However, It is a good idea to start the Ground School Training along with the preparation of NIOS exam in order to save your valuable time.
Step 2 - Class Medical
All candidates who are aspiring to become a commercial pilot have to appear for 2 types of medical. Class II and Class I.
Once you pass out from 12th you can do the Class-II medical to find out whether you are fit to fly or not. The list of the DGCA approved doctors for Class-II medical is there on the DGCA website.
Once you are declared fit then you can start the next step which is Ground School Training.
Step 3 - Ground School Training
Ground school training is theoretical study of the aviation subjects. There are today 6 aviation subjects which you have to pass to get a Commercial Pilot License.
They are as follows :-
Air Navigation
Technical General
Aviation Meteorology
Air Regulation
Technical Specific &
RTR (Radio Telephony)
Study of all these subjects is done in ground school training.
Lot of students do a common mistake of starting the flying immediately after the 12th result without doing the ground school training. This puts an extra burden on student of studying the theory papers as well as flying.
Since you have no idea about the aviation subjects, the practical flying exercises feels difficult and the performance degrades.
It is a good idea to study the aviation subjects in depth before you start the flying.
Step 4 - DGCA Papers
When you are doing the ground school training, the documentation process of Computer Number and Board Verification should be completed in the mean time to save time.
Once your computer number is issued, start appearing for the DGCA exams and clear all your DGCA papers.
Step 5 - Flying Training
Once you have cleared all your DGCA papers then you can start the flying training.
Before you start the flying training, get your Class-I medical done.
You have to complete 200 Hrs of flying training to get Commercial Pilot License.
When you reach at around 170:00 hrs of flying training get your ELP (English Language Proficiency) test done.
It is very important to choose the correct flying school for flying training to complete your training in time.
Good aircrafts and good instructors are the key factors for completing your flying in a healthy environment.
Students make a mistake of choosing the most cheapest flying school rather choosing a good flying school for their flying training and get stuck.
If you don’t select a good flying school then you might loose your precious time and money.
Step 6 - DGCA Documentation
Once you complete your papers and 200 Hrs of flying training then you become eligible to apply for CPL license.
You have to complete the DGCA documentation in the prescribed format and apply to DGCA for CPL license.
Once your license is issued then you can apply for a job.