Type Rating for Pilots in India: Cost, Airlines, Eligibility & Career Benefits – 70Knots Aviation
India’s aviation industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. With rising passenger demand, expanding domestic and international routes, and massive aircraft orders from Indian airlines, the need for qualified and type-rated pilots in India has increased significantly. For commercial pilots, obtaining a Type Rating is no longer optional—it is a crucial step toward airline employment and long-term career growth.
If you are an aspiring airline pilot or a CPL holder aiming to fly advanced commercial aircraft, understanding type rating for pilots in India, its cost, eligibility, airline requirements, and career benefits is essential. 70Knots Aviation, a trusted aviation training and pilot consultancy, provides expert guidance to help pilots choose the right type rating and prepare for airline recruitment.
What Is Type Rating for Pilots?
A Type Rating is an aircraft-specific certification that authorizes a pilot to operate a particular type of aircraft. Under DGCA regulations, commercial pilots must hold a valid type rating to fly large, complex, and multi-crew aircraft used by airlines.
Aircraft That Require Type Rating
- Airbus A320 / A320neo
- Boeing 737 / 737 MAX
- ATR 72
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Airbus A330 / A321
Without a valid type rating, pilots cannot be deployed on airline operations, regardless of their total flight hours.
Importance of Type Rating in India
Most Indian airlines prefer or mandate type-rated pilots, especially for narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. A type rating demonstrates a pilot’s proficiency in aircraft systems, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols.
Key Benefits of Type Rating
- Mandatory for airline employment
- Enhances flight safety and operational efficiency
- Improves airline selection chances
- Reduces training costs for airlines
- Familiarizes pilots with airline operations
With proper planning and expert guidance from 70Knots Aviation, the type-rating journey becomes structured and efficient.
Type Rating Cost in India
One of the most common questions pilots ask is about the cost of type rating in India. The total expense depends on several factors, including aircraft type, training location, simulator availability, and regulatory authority.
Estimated Type Rating Costs (India & Abroad)
Airbus A320 Type Rating
- Cost: ₹12 lakh – ₹14 lakh
- Most popular type rating in India
Boeing 737 Type Rating
- Cost: ₹12 lakh – ₹14 lakh
- Preferred for certain international airlines
ATR 72 Type Rating
- Cost: ₹12 lakh – ₹18 lakh
- Ideal for regional airline operations
Note: Costs may vary based on training partner, simulator hours, country of training, and airline-specific requirements.
70Knots Aviation helps pilots select DGCA-compliant, cost-effective type rating programs through trusted training partners.
What Is Included in Type Rating Training?
Type rating programs are highly structured and regulated, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive simulator training.
Type Rating Training Covers
- Aircraft systems and limitations
- Normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures
- Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)
- Fixed-base and full-motion simulator sessions
- Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT)
- Skill test and license endorsement
The objective is to prepare pilots to operate complex commercial aircraft with confidence and precision.
Eligibility Criteria for Type Rating in India
To enroll in a type rating program, pilots must meet DGCA and airline eligibility standards.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
- Frozen ATPL (preferred by airlines)
- Valid English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- Required flight hours (aircraft & airline specific)
70Knots Aviation evaluates each pilot’s profile individually before recommending the most suitable type rating path.
Type Rating and Airlines in India
Different Indian airlines operate different aircraft fleets, making type rating selection a strategic decision.
Airline Type Rating Preferences
IndiGo
- Airbus A320 / A320neo
- Type-rated and non-type-rated pilots (intake based)
Air India & Air India Express
- Airbus A320 / A321
- Boeing 787 / 777
Akasa Air
- Boeing 737 MAX
Vistara
- Airbus A320
- Boeing 787
Alliance Air & Regional Airlines
- ATR 72
70Knots Aviation keeps pilots updated on airline hiring trends and in-demand aircraft types.
Self-Sponsored vs Airline-Sponsored Type Rating
Self-Sponsored Type Rating
- Pilot bears full cost
- Faster entry into airline recruitment
- Greater flexibility across airlines
Airline-Sponsored Type Rating
- Cost partially or fully covered
- Bond or service agreement required
- Limited availability
Currently, self-sponsored type rating is the most common route for Indian pilots due to competitive hiring conditions. 70Knots Aviation assists pilots in choosing the best option based on career goals.
Career Benefits of Type Rating for Pilots
A type rating is not just a certification—it is a career accelerator.
Major Career Advantages
- Higher employability with Indian and international airlines
- Faster induction into airline operations
- Access to modern jet aircraft
- Higher salary potential
- Global flying opportunities
- Strong professional credibility
Airline simulator assessments and interviews often favor type-rated pilots.
Salary Prospects After Type Rating
While salaries vary by airline and experience, type-rated pilots generally earn more.
Estimated Salary Range
- First Officer (India): ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakh/month
- Captain (Post-Upgrade): ₹6 – ₹10 lakh+/month
- International Airlines: Higher pay depending on region
A financially rewarding aviation career often begins with the right type rating.
Why Choose 70Knots Aviation for Type Rating Guidance?
70Knots Aviation is a trusted aviation consultancy specializing in pilot career planning.
What 70Knots Aviation Offers
- Personalized career counseling
- DGCA-compliant type rating guidance
- Airline interview preparation
- Simulator assessment support
- Long-term pilot career planning
Their expert-led approach helps pilots avoid costly mistakes and align training with airline demand.
Common Mistakes Pilots Make While Choosing Type Rating
- Selecting aircraft with limited airline demand
- Ignoring DGCA or airline requirements
- Choosing unapproved training organizations
- Misalignment between type rating and career goals
70Knots Aviation eliminates these risks through strategic planning and industry insights.
Future of Type Rating in India
India is expected to add hundreds of new aircraft over the next decade, particularly narrow-body fleets like the A320 and B737. This expansion will create continuous demand for type-rated pilots in India, making now the ideal time to invest in type rating.
Conclusion
For aspiring airline pilots, Type Rating in India is a defining career milestone. While the investment is significant, the long-term benefits—airline employment, higher salaries, and global opportunities—make it worthwhile. With professional guidance from 70Knots Aviation, pilots can choose the right aircraft type, manage costs wisely, and align training with airline requirements.
Whether you are a newly licensed CPL holder or an experienced aviator, the right type rating can unlock a successful and rewarding airline career.