Pilot Training in India: Eligibility, Cost, and Job Prospects
To become a pilot is an aspiration career providing adventure, fame, and worldwide opportunities. As India’s aviation sector develops swiftly, there’s never been a more favorable moment for you to start your pilot training process. India provides state-of-the-art flying schools, veteran instructors, and DGCA-approved courses at a mere percentage of the worldwide. As one of the top pilot training institutes in India, at 70 Knots Aviation, we feel privileged to assist you in making your first daring flight.
The requirements, fees, and job opportunities for flying training in India are all discussed in this article. So, let’s get started!
Why Choose Pilot Training in India?
India is an inexpensive way of becoming a competent pilot since it has very good training facilities that meet international standards. The aviation industry in India is rapidly developing, which creates plenty of job opportunities. At 70 Knots Aviation, we give you the greatest guidance and tools possible so you may excel as a pilot trainee and confidently start your aviation career.
Eligibility for Pilot Training in India
If you want to become a pilot and want to apply for pilot training in India, you need to check the below listed following eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualifications:
- You should have done Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects during your 10+2 (high school) studies.
- Another option is a graduate degree in engineering or science.
Age Requirements:
- If you want to get a Student Pilot License (SPL), you should be a minimum age of 17 years.
- If you want to get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you should be at least or over 18 years old.
Medical Fitness:
- It has to be a Class 2 medical certificate for SPL, and a Class 1 certificate for CPL.
- It keeps you physically and mentally fit to fly.
Language Proficiency:
You must be proficient in the English language since it is the international language of aviation.
At 70 Knots Aviation, we assist you in navigating through the eligibility process to ensure you qualify for all the required criteria to make a smooth beginning to pilot training in India.
Types of Pilot Licenses You Can Pursue
There are various kinds of pilot licenses available for you to pursue in India, each specific to various career tracks in aviation:
Student Pilot License (SPL):
This licensing is the very first step towards getting closer to your aviation career. Obtaining this, you become eligible to get trained under a licensed instructor to make further progress in your career.
Private Pilot License (PPL):
If you obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL, you are made eligible to fly privately for commercial or non-commercial reasons. You may fly aircraft with passengers, but you cannot be remunerated.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
This is the most popular license for commercial pilots, which allows you to receive compensation for flying. It involves rigorous training and flying time.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
For those who want to be captains of commercial aeroplanes, this is the highest type of license, involving thousands of hours of flying experience.
Duration and Curriculum
The length of your pilot training varies with the license type and your dedication. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training in India usually takes 18–24 months. The following is a curriculum breakdown:
| Stage | Details | Duration |
| Ground School | Classroom training covering aviation theory, navigation, meteorology, air law, etc. | 4–6 months |
| Flight Training | Hands-on flying with a certified instructor, covering solo flights, cross-country, etc. | 12–16 months |
| Simulator Training | Virtual training for emergency scenarios and complex maneuvers. | 1–2 weeks |
At 70 Knots Aviation, we offer a structured and thorough curriculum aimed at giving you all the skills you will need in your flying profession.
Cost of Pilot Training in India
The kind of license, the flight school, and other expenses like boarding, flying time, and exam fees all affect the cost of pilot training in India. An approximate breakdown of the expenses related to obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India is provided below. Keep in mind that while some institutions may charge for each component separately, others may include everything in a bundle.
| Cost Breakdown | Details | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Ground School Fees | Includes academic sessions on aviation theory, navigation, etc. | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Flight Training | Cost of flying hours required for CPL (usually 200 hours). | ₹20,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 |
| Simulator Training | Costs for using flight simulators for practice. | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Examination Fees (DGCA) | Fees for theory and practical examinations conducted by DGCA. | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
We at 70 Knots Aviation make sure you get the best out of all the investments that you have made to see yourself in the pilot’s uniform. We want to make you feel worthy of your hard work and training so that you can make a fruitful career in the aviation industry and stand with pride.
Job Prospects After Pilot Training
There are numerous domestic and international employment options available to you after completing your pilot training in India. Numerous airlines and charter firms are always in need of qualified pilots due to the increasing aviation industry. Here is a summary of possible employment opportunities:
- Commercial Airlines: Commercial pilots are increasingly in demand with the growth of airlines in accordance. Indian major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, along with foreign operators such as FedEx, UPS, and American Airlines, regularly recruit pilots.
- Charter and Cargo Airlines Flights: These airlines provide several alternatives for more flexible flight schedules. Pilots can seek employment for several positions with local charters and airlines such as Blue Dart.
- Flying teacher: After gaining some experience, you may also choose to teach novice pilots how to fly by working as a flight teacher for a flying school.
At 70 Knots Aviation, we have helped our alumni land jobs with leading airlines and aviation firms worldwide.
Conclusion
Being an Indian pilot gives you great opportunities at reasonable prices, along with top-class training courses and a flourishing aviation sector. You may take to the skies and discover a wonderful future in the field of aviation with proper training. In order to assist you in pursuing your aviation ambitions, 70 Knots Aviation makes an effort to give you the best training and career advice.
