Dreaming of cruising through the clouds and commanding the skies as a pilot? The journey from completing your 12th-grade education to becoming a licensed pilot in India involves a series of milestones, including DGCA exams, medical evaluations, and extensive flying training. Let’s break down the essential steps to guide you on this exhilarating adventure.
1. Educational Foundation:
Complete your 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. These subjects lay the groundwork for the complex principles you’ll encounter in aviation. A minimum of 17 years is required to start your pilot training in India.
2. Apply for Computer number and EGCA ID:
Computer Number is Unique Id allotted to a candidate after his application of Computer Number is approved by CEO, DGCA.
How to apply for a Computer number
How to apply for a Egca ID
3. Class 2 Medical Examination:
Class 2 DGCA Medical is the most basic and the first step toward a pilot’s career. It’s required for you to get an SPL (Student Pilot License) and to join a flying school. A class 2 DGCA medical certificate is required for a private pilot license as well as for commercial pilot training. The holder of a medical certificate shall be mentally and physically fit to exercise safely the privileges of the applicable licence.
4. Class 1 Medical Examination:
After getting CLASS 2 DGCA Medical Assessment from DGCA you can apply for DGCA CLASS 1 Medical. It is only done in DGCA Medical Centers. You can apply directly on the eGCA Portal to book an appointment for DGCA Class 1 Medical.
How to apply for Class1 Medical on eGCA ID.
A class I medical certificate is required for commercial Pilots.The holder of this scientific certificate will be mentally and physically in shape to exercise thoroughly the privileges of the relevant licence.
5. DGCA Exams:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) exams are a crucial part of the journey to become a licensed pilot. These exams evaluate your theoretical knowledge in various subjects essential for safe and proficient flight operations. Topics include
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Navigation
- Air Regulations
- Technical General
- Technical Specific
This exams are of 100 marks and You have to score 70 marks to pass this exam. Success in these exams demonstrates your understanding of aviation principles and regulations.
6. Radio Telephony Restricted (Aero):
The WPC (Wireless Planning and coordination) wing of the Ministry of Communication, Government of India conducts this examination and issues the RTR(A) license in India.The international professional license RTR(A) or Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) required for the use of communication equipment in an aircraft is the prerequisite for issue of pilot license in many countries. In the United States this license is not required for domestic flying. The RTR (Aeronautical) exam consists of following two parts.
- Part 1: Practical test in Regulations and Procedures (Transmission)
- Part 2: Oral Exam (VIVA) in A) Regulation and Procedure B) Radio principles and practice
7. Flight Training:
Research and choose a flight school approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Begin your practical flight training, where you’ll log a specified number of hours (200 hours) in the cockpit under the guidance of experienced flight instructors. Mastering take-offs, landings, and various maneuvers is crucial during this phase. In India, There are some minimum requirements by DGCA that one needs to complete to have a CPL:
- 100 hours pilot in command (PIC)
- 250 nautical miles cross country check
- 40 hours instrument flight out of which 20 may be on a simulator
- 50 hours solo cross country
- 120 nautical miles check
- 15 hours multi-engine
- 300 nautical miles solo cross country
- 10 take offs and landings by night
- Instrument Rating
8.ELP Exam:
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducts the English Language Proficiency (ELP) test for pilots to evaluate their language skills according to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).The ELP test for pilots in India ensures that they possess the necessary English language skills to communicate effectively in aviation-related situations.
The ELP test consists of an oral examination conducted by an authorized ELP examiner, who engages the pilot in conversation, asks questions, and assesses their language proficiency based on the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale. The scale ranges from Level 1 (Pre-elementary) to Level 6 (Expert). It is a requirement for various pilot licenses in India, subject to DGCA regulations.
After all the process written above, Submit your documents to DGCA for the issue of your CPL.
Embarking on the path to becoming a pilot demands commitment, perseverance, and a passion for aviation with First Cockpit. The journey is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to turn your childhood dream of flying into a lifelong career.