How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

Have you always wanted to be a pilot and fly over or travel to many different lands? Becoming a pilot in India can be both exhilarating and a little demanding. It is a trip that you will have to prepare for, be committed to, and find the right guidance to be prepared for it. The duration from starting off to getting your wings depends on the type of license you aim to achieve, such as a Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), as well as other factors which include your training, medical clearance, and exam timings. At 70 Knots Aviation, we guide budding pilots through every aspect of their flight training – from medical testing to ground school, training, and even the final certificate of license issuance.

Now, let’s break down the process and timelines to help you plan your journey to the skies.

Types of Pilot Licenses in India

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) governs pilot training and issues various licenses depending on whether you want to become a pilot for fun or for a career in aviation. The different license types are:

• Student Pilot License (SPL): The first step, allowing you to begin flight training.
• Private Pilot License (PPL): For flying recreationally (cannot be used for paid jobs).
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): The key license for becoming a professional pilot (airlines/charters).
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): The highest qualification needed to become an airline captain.

We at 70 Knots Aviation offer courses for PPL, CPL, and ATPL licenses, so you are covered with all regulatory requirements and the experience of flying.

Duration Breakdown for Each License

The time it takes to become a pilot varies based on the license:

1. Student Pilot License – 1 to 2 Months

Earning your SPL is the first step and takes about 1-2 months. You’ll start with a Class 2 Medical Exam (1-2 weeks), followed by submitting documents for DGCA approval (1-2 weeks). Once cleared, you’ll complete 5-10 hours of basic flight training (2-4 weeks), learning take-offs, landings, and aircraft controls.

2. Private Pilot License – 6 to 12 Months

A PPL typically requires 6-12 months of training. This includes 1-2 months of ground school (covering air regulations, navigation, and meteorology) and 60+ hours of flight time (4-8 months), split between dual instruction, solo flights, and cross-country navigation. The final DGCA skill test and license processing take another 1-2 months.

3. Commercial Pilot License – 12 to 18 Months

Once you have your PPL, you can expect training for your CPL to take from about 12 to 18 months in duration. This will involve approximately 2 or 3 months of advanced ground school, after which you will accumulate 200 flight hours, with that process taking you approximately 10-14 months. Some of the types of flying to expect will include instrument flying, night flying, and cross-country flying. The DGCA skill test and license issuance add 1-2 months.

4. Airline Transport Pilot License – 3 to 6 Years

An ATPL requires 1,500 flight hours, which takes 3-6 years post-CPL. Most pilots log these hours as co-pilots for airlines or charter companies (and in general, co-pilots log 500 to 700 hours a year). You will also have to complete 14 ATPL theory exams (3 to 6 months) and a type rating (6 to 12 months) on commercial aircraft. The total duration depends on job opportunities and flight hour accumulation speed.

As one of India’s premier DGCA-approved flight training academies, 70 Knots Aviation helps students complete training faster with structured schedules and effective learning.

Factors Affecting Training Duration

Several factors influence how long it takes:

• Flight School Quality: Academies with good aircraft availability can help you log hours faster.
• Weather Conditions: Frequent delays can extend training.
• Exam Scheduling: DGCA tests sometimes have waiting periods.
• Financial Readiness: Ensure you can fund training without breaks.

Choosing the right academy is crucial. We at 70 Knots Aviation minimize delays with optimized training schedules.

Stages of Pilot Training

Becoming a pilot involves multiple stages. At 70 Knots Aviation, our experienced instructors and well-maintained fleet ensure you progress smoothly through each stage.

1. Medical Certification

The first step is clearing the DGCA Class 1 Medical Exam, which tests your vision, hearing, and overall fitness. This exam is mandatory for obtaining a CPL or ATPL and usually takes 1-2 weeks to complete.

2. Ground School

You’ll study essential subjects like Air Regulations, Meteorology, and Navigation in classroom sessions. This phase typically lasts 2-3 months and includes passing DGCA written exams. Our structured ground school at 70 Knots Aviation helps you grasp concepts efficiently.

3. Flight Training

You will start learning the basic maneuvers before moving on to cross-country navigation and advanced night flying. You’ll log a total of 200 flight hours for CPL, and training will take place over a time span of 10-14 months. You will be guaranteed safe and effective flight training with our fleet of new aircraft and experienced flight instructors.

4. Written & Skill Tests

Lastly, you will complete DGCA theory testing and a practical flight test training for your license. This phase will take about 1-2 months, depending on the availability and scheduling of the exams. With 70 Knots Aviation, you will receive dedicated assistance to be successful in these exams.

Career Progression After CPL

After earning your CPL, your career path includes:

• Type Rating (2-3 months) – Train on specific aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737).
• First Job Options – Become a flight instructor, charter pilot, or airline co-pilot.
• ATPL & Airline Captain – Requires 1,500+ flight hours and additional exams.

70 Knots Aviation also provides placement assistance, helping graduates secure jobs with leading airlines. We have alliances with Air India Express, Indigo, Akasa Air, Air India, Spicejet, and many more airlines.

Conclusion

In India, obtaining your commercial pilot license generally takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 years and can be longer or shorter, contingent upon your training and other factors. Obtaining your commercial pilot license becomes much easier when you have an organized school, experienced instructors who have accomplished the same goals themselves, and an airplane that is reliable to train in and travel in.

So, if you’re ready to take off into an exciting aviation career, start your journey with 70 Knots Aviation today! Explore our courses and take the first step toward the cockpit.