How to Become a Commercial Pilot?
Learn the essential steps, qualifications, and career opportunities to become a successful commercial pilot in India
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Commercial Pilot
"Being a commercial pilot is not just about flying; it's about responsibility, precision, and passion for the journey."— Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 pilot.
Commercial pilots usually start as airline pilots and must hold at least a commercial pilot's license. They can operate commercial flights, emergency missions, firefighting operations, aerial cinematography, and agricultural dusting. Most flights involve a two-pilot crew: the captain, who leads, and the copilot, who assists. Pilots plan trips meticulously, perform preflight checks, and coordinate with air traffic controllers for weather updates and flight path approvals. During the flight, the captain and copilot alternate flying duties, and after landing, pilots document the flight and aircraft status.
Steps to Become a Commercial Pilot:
Step-1
Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, with a focus on subjects like mathematics and physics.
Step-2
Enroll in a flight school and complete training to earn your PPL, which provides the foundation for more advanced flying.
Step-3
Choose a reputable flight school accredited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India for specialized training.
Step-4
After gaining sufficient flying hours and completing advanced training, pass the CPL exams, including written and practical tests.
Step-5
Depending on your career goals, you may need additional certifications such as an Instrument Rating (IR) or Multi-Engine Rating (ME).
Step-6
Accumulate the required flight hours by working as a flight instructor, banner tow pilot, or in other entry-level flying jobs.
Step-7
With your CPL and flight experience, apply for jobs with airlines, charter companies, or other aviation sectors to start your career as a commercial pilot.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.) |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | A degree in B.Sc, B.Tech, or a relevant diploma is required. An M.Tech in Aviation can enhance qualifications. |
| Postgraduate Degree | Not mandatory, but an M.Tech in Aviation can be beneficial for advanced roles. |
| Entrance Exams | Valid scores in entrance exams such as JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, or specific college exams are needed. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade from any board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC), with a science background necessary for aviation.
- Must achieve a valid score in entrance Exams after 12th such as JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, or specific college exams. Some colleges also conduct their own entrance tests.
- A degree in B.Sc, B.Tech, or a relevant diploma is required to become a commercial pilot.
- An M.Tech in Aviation can be beneficial for advanced learning and career growth.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Commercial Pilot:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Commercial Pilots must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of FAA regulations and international aviation laws. | Knowledge of aircraft engines, navigation systems, and flight controls. |
| Ability to interpret weather data and understand its impact on flight operations. | Skills in planning flight routes, including fuel calculations and navigation, are essential. |
| Understanding the principles of flight and aerodynamic forces is crucial. | Proficiency in using navigation tools and charts for accurate flight paths. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Stress Management | Situational Awareness |
| Pilot Proficiency | Decision-Making |
| Communication | Problem-Solving Skills |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Commercial Pilot.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Commercial Pilot:
With the necessary qualifications as a Commercial Pilot, you'll have numerous opportunities available. You can explore various projects and branch out into different fields.
Test pilots fly new or upgraded aircraft to ensure safety and effectiveness, offering design feedback. Many work for aviation agencies or the military and require a deep understanding of aircraft and personal attributes suited to the role. Training is available at commercial or military test pilot schools.
Astronauts are trained to operate spacecraft and conduct research in space. Their work involves extensive preparation and collaboration with scientists to study the effects of low gravity and other space phenomena.
Pilots fly planes to transport people or cargo, working for commercial airlines, companies, or privately. They can fly various aircraft, including helicopters, commercial jets, or transport planes, depending on their specialty.
Private pilots fly aircraft for individual clients, including business leaders and celebrities. They often have more career flexibility and personal connections with their clients.
Air traffic controllers manage aircraft movements to ensure safe and efficient operations. They provide pilots with landing instructions, weather updates, and handle emergencies, with some requirements waived for those with relevant training, such as military experience.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Commercial Pilot:
Commercial Pilot can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| IndiGo | Spicejet | Air India |
| Jazz Aviation | First Student | Air Asia |
| CACI International Inc |
Colleges offering courses for Commercial Pilot:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun | School of Management, Dr DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai |
| HITS Chennai - Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science | SJES College of Management Studies, Bangalore |
| International Institute for Aerospace Engineering and Management, Jain University, Bangalore | Indian Institute of Knowledge Management, Chennai |
| Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences, Coimbatore | Institute of Clinical Research India, Ahmedabad |
| Avalon Business School, Visakhapatnam |
End Note
Becoming a commercial pilot is an exciting and demanding journey, but with dedication and the right guidance, you can achieve your dreams. For personalized advice and support, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer for Career counselling after graduation. We're here to help you navigate your path to a successful aviation career.
In this Career Outline
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