How do I become a pilot after 12th : A Complete Guide
Becoming a pilot is dream career of many students from childhood. Its a career full of adventure, travel and big responsibilities. If you are searching for ‘how to become a pilot after completing your 12th’, then you are at the right place. We will cover all the steps from zero to hero journey of becoming a pilot after 12th.
Educational Requirements
Firstly you need to complete your 12th grade with science stream with mathematics and physics to start your journey of becoming a flying guy with minimum marks of 50% in the subjects for enrolling in flying schools.
Choosing the Right Pilot Training Course
There are two types of courses to become a pilot.
1. PPL (Private Pilot Licence)
2. CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)
You can fly private aircrafts after PPL. On the other hand CPL is for commercial airlines jobs. Students generally have the goal for CPL as a career.
- Integrated CPL Program : It is a structured course which include the ground schooling and training hours for flying an aircraft. It lasts for 18 to 24 months.
- Modular CPL Program: It offers flexibility. You can complete ground school and flying hours seperately.
Apply to a Pilot Training Academy
After deciding the course you want, you have to apply for a flying school. Some of popular flying schools are here in India and abroad:
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA)
- Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
- CAE Oxford Aviation Academy (international)
You can compete your CPL courses in the popular flying schools. You need to clear some specific entrance exams, interviews and medical tests.
Clear Medical Examinations
Before getting a pilot licence, you must have to clear a Class 1 Medical Examination which is conducted by a DGCA- approved medical examiner. The purpose behind the exam is to test your physical and mental health, eyesight and hearing abilities. It ensures that you are all fit for the pilot role.
Obtain a Student Pilot Licence (SPL)
You will firstly get Student Pilot Licence (SPL) to start training for flying an aircraft as a student pilot. There is an instructor with whom, you have to spend some hours to learn the flying actually. You will also complete some solo flights before moving on to advance level. Isn't it amazing?
Ground School Training
Basically it's a part of your training which include some theoretical subjects like:
- Air Navigation
- Meteorology
- Technical Knowledge of Aircraft
- Aviation Regulations
It is mandatory to pass the DGCA exams in these subjects to move forward in your pilot career.
Flying Hours and Practical Training
This part of your pilot is very interesting. To get your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), you have to complete approx 200 flying hours which include dual flights (with instructor), solo flights and cross country flights. You get real world experience of flying during this training period.
Obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
You can apply for a CPL after completing your ground level exam and the flying hours. You will face a final exam including written test, oral test and a practical flying test. You will be certified as a commercial pilot after passing the exams. Now you are ready to live your dream career.
Apply for Jobs in Airlines
Now you are ready to take off from the flying track. You have a CPL as your degree which describes that you are eligible. Now apply to the airlines jobs. After an interview and some technical tests, you will become a pilot finally.
Some major airlines in india are:
Keep eyes in job openings and your networking can also help you to secure your position as a pilot.
Continuing Education and Licence Renewals
You need to learn continue after getting your dream job. Also you have to renew your license after every few years. Also you have to clear Medical tests time to time, since it is essential for maintaining your flying status.
Challenges of Becoming a Pilot and How to Overcome Them
- Financial Investment: The pilot training and the education is very costly as we all know that. Scholarships and loans can make the burden easy.
- Medical Fitness: You must have to be healthy after becoming a pilot. Regular exercise and checkups are necessary. Must maintain your diet.
- Intense Competition: This field is very competitive now a days. You must need to work with dedication and continuous learning is also necessary for securing a successful career.
FAQ'S
1. What should I study after 12th to become a pilot?
Must have physics and mathematics in 12th. Without the subjects there is no entrance for you in the flying schools.
2. What is the qualification for a pilot?
12th grade with physics and mathematics, medical tests and entrance tests for flying schools.
3. Is 12th marks important for pilots?
You must have minimum of 50% in physics and mathematics.
4. Which exam for pilot?
You need to clear DGCA exams in india and FAA exams in US. Also many flying schools have their own entrance tests.
5. Is pilot a good career?
Its all depend on thought process and interests. It includes adventure, travels across the different countries, a god level experience, high salaries, experience new cultures, high responsibilities and continuous training.
6. Is the pilot exam very difficult?
Yes it is. You must require dedication and hard work. DGCA exams, you need to clear.
7. What is the salary of pilot exam?
1.5 lakhs to 6 lakhs inr per month. It depends on experience and the companies of airlines you work for.
8. How much is the Indian pilot's salary?
2 to 3 lakhs inr per month. It depends on experience and time. It increases with your seniority.
Be ready to fly
Also Read: How to become a lawyer in India?
