IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programs – Eligibility, Fees, Selection.
Cadet Pilot Programs Explained – IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet; List, Details, Cost 2024
Today we will be looking at everything related to Cadet Pilot Programs in India, In the hyper-competitive world of Aviation, aspiring pilots in India have a well-organized route to take when starting their aviation careers via cadet pilot programs. This program is for candidates who have no experience in the aviation sector and want to his careers in aviation.These programs give cadet pilots strong training and skills to fly confidently. They are designed to meet industry needs, ensuring cadets are well-prepared for their aviation careers. Thanks to our years of experience helping students get into their programs of choice and thorough research this Article will cover everything, the Application Process, Requirements, Interview, and Cost Breakdown for all the Program providers like IndiGo Cadet Program, Air India FlyHigh Cadet Program, and SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program.
Table of Contents :
- Cadet Pilot Program
- Cadet Pilot Requirements
- IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
- CAE
- L3-Harris
- FTA
- Skyborne
- NZICPA
- INSIGHT Aviation
- Chimes Aviation Academy
- Salaries of Pilot in India (UPDATED!!)
- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
- Links to Useful Websites
Cadet Pilot Program
With how quickly the aviation market is expanding it was bound to happen that airlines are running low on pilots thus this new phenomenon of Cadet Pilot Programs has started to fill the void and give rise to a new generation of pilots that have been trained as per industry standards that have been set by the airlines.
Currently, three major programs are running that is the Indigo Cadet Pilot Programme which has several Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) that IndiGo has partnered with to provide several options to interested prospects and future pilots, other options include the newly launched FlyHigh Pilot Cadet Program by Air India and SpiceJets Cadet Pilot Program. These programs have been quite popular as they take an individual with zero aviation experience and turn them into competent pilots and handle every aspect of your training starting with your CPL then Type rating and concluding with induction into their fleet as a First Officer!
The main draw of these Cadet Programs is the direct induction into the airline without going through an airline vacancy, as with the Conventional Route. Each FTO will be open for admissions a few times every year and they will have to go through an initial screening before they can be accepted as a Cadet and given a Letter of Intent (LOI) which will enable the cadet to join the airline on successful completion of the program.
Cadets will also not have to worry about the paperwork and documentation as everything will be handled by your FTO. Most of the Programs also provide Accommodation and Food on Campus and have several modern amenities to make your stay during the training phase as smooth as possible.
Cadet Pilot Program Requirements:
Every Program has different requirements but a few of these are common among all of them-
- You must be an Indian national or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI Card Holder).
- You must be proficient in English both written and verbal, you might also be asked to take an English Language Proficiency Test since English is the language of Aviation.
- You must possess a Class 2 Medical at the time of registering, and be able to attain and maintain a Class 1 Medical.
Every application needs a one-time processing fee. Extra fees apply for each test taken before acceptance. All of the Programs have a Cooling Off period in case you fail to pass their Interview Stage thus it is very important to be well-prepared. If you have any doubts on how to clear the Interview and Tests conducted you can always Contact Us!
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Programs:
The largest Indigo Cadet Pilot Program is currently in India because of the sheer size of the operation and the large number of Cadet intakes every year. IndiGo has partnered with seven Flight Training Organizations(FTOs) to provide their Cadets with a wide variety of options, out of the seven only two FTOs do the majority of their training in India namely CAE and Chimes. We will be breaking down each FTOs Pros and Cons, Let’s look at all the FTOs that we can choose from-
- CAE
- L3-Harris
- FTA(Flight Training Adelaide)
- Skyborne
- NZICPA
- INSIGHT Aviation
- Chimes Aviation Academy
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Requirements:-
Since all programs are in partnership with IndiGo all of them have the same requirements which are-
- Age requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old.
- Citizenship and residency: Candidates must hold a valid passport and have the unrestricted right to live and work in India, along with the ability to travel worldwide without restrictions.
- Language proficiency: Proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is essential.
- Medical certification: Applicants must be able to acquire and maintain an Indian DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Educational qualifications: A minimum education qualification of 10+2 with a minimum score of 51% is required individually in each subject, including Physics, Mathematics, and English.
- Candidates without an Indian Class 1 medical certificate may apply for the IndiGo Programme with a Class II medical certificate, but they must obtain an Indian Class 1 medical certificate before starting the Programme.
(a) CAE Cadet Pilot Program:
CAE Aviation is a globally renowned provider of comprehensive aviation services, specializing in aircraft operations, training, and maintenance. CAE Gonidia has jointly ventured with NFTI( National Flight Training Institute) to provide the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program.
The majority of the training is done in India at NFTI, the flying school has a large fleet of 12x Single Engine Diamond 40 aircraft and 2x Multi Engine Diamond 42 and operates out of Birsi Airport Gonidia. Let us look at the assessment procedure-
Cadet Pilot Program Assessment Procedure
The first stage is the online Assessment Test which includes Computer-based tests that assess pilot aptitude, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and spatial awareness. This might seem complicated but in reality, these are very basic tests it will definitely help if you know someone who has cleared these tests that is why we recommend joining a Cadet Pilot Program Course before applying for any Programs.
The second stage is commenced only after you clear the first stage, you will be invited to participate in a group activity assessment. A panel from IndiGo will monitor this session. It aims to evaluate your communication skills and teamwork skills.
The final stage involves a one-on-one interview with the IndiGo selection panel.
Upon completing all assessment stages and clearing them successfully you will be officially given a Letter of Intent(LOI) which is a document that shows that IndiGo will hire you as a Junior First Officer after successful completion of the Cadet Program and Induct you into either their Airbus A320 fleet
Cadet Pilot Program Training Breakdown
Upon commencement of training, no time is wasted in Phase 1 of training you will have 4 months of Ground Classes, which aim to cover all ground subjects such as Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Air Regulation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony. If you have already cleared your DGCA Exams before joining you will not be given an exemption from attending and paying for the ground classes as they are compulsory. Following that your CPL training will take another 14 months which includes flying as well as simulator training in which you will complete the 220 hours required to attain a DGCA CPL in India.
| Training | Duration | Total Duration |
| Ground Theory | 750 Hrs. | 4 months |
| Total Flight Training – DGCA CPL(Single & Multi-Engine) | 200 Hrs. | 14 months |
| Simulator Training | 30 Hrs. |
Phase 2 of Training involves the Airbus A320 Type Rating which can be done in India, Malaysia or Thailand and takes 70 days.
| Training | Duration | Total Duration |
| Ground School JIT & MCC | 5 Days | 70 Days |
| Simulator | 32 Hrs. | |
| Ground School A320 TR | 12 Days | |
| CPT | 36 Hrs. | |
| Simulator | 44 Hrs |
DGCA Exams, Weather Disruptions, Visa Applications, Licensing, etc can increase the Program duration.
Cadet Pilot Course Fee / Cost
The Program cost is broken down into CPL and Type Rating, CPL Training costs Rs 42 Lakhs + Taxes and TR costs USD 31500 + Taxes, All in all with current conversion rates we estimate the course will cost at least 90 Lakhs this fee also includes transportation during your Phase 1, Uniforms, Training Material and 24/7 Medical Nurse at Campus. Do note that Accommodation, Food, Medical Costs, DGCA Exam Fees, and License Charges are not included.
Accommodation is provided on campus with modern amenities like WiFi availability, a Gymnasium, a Sports Complex, Badminton Courts, a Cafeteria, and a Cadet Lounge.
(b) L3-Harris Cadet Pilot Program:
L3-Harris is a world-renowned aviation training solutions provider leader that deals with both Military and Commercial Oriented Training. L3-Harris provides a Cadet Pilot Program for Air India and a Recruitment partner with several European Airlines which is a testament to their excellent track record.
The entirety of the Program will be done Overseas out of which the CPL Phase is done in their L3-Harris Flight School, Orlando, Florida which is based in Orlando-Sandford International Airport which receives up to 300 days of Sunny Weather which will enable break-free flying, the training will be done on Single Engine aircraft Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR20, and Multi Engine Piper PA44.
The Assessment Procedure is the same as CAE and is the same among all the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programs with minimal differences.
Cadet Pilot Course Training Breakdown:
Once you have cleared the Assessment Procedure Successfully, the First Phase commences, The first phase provides the required training to obtain a US FAA CPL with Multi-Engine (ME) and Instrument Rating (IR) and the conversion from a US FAA license to an Indian CPL will be done in India at a partner training organization that is arranged by L3Harris.
| Training | Location | Duration |
| DGCA Ground School | India | 3 months |
| CPL with Multi-Engine Add-On | Sanford, Florida | 16 months |
| Flight License Conversion | India | 1 month |
After the Successful Completion of the First Phase, the Second Phase commenced which involves getting the Airbus A320 Type Rating which can be either done in the USA or Thailand
| Training | Location | Duration |
| DGCA A320 Type Rating | USA or Thailand | 2 months |
The total duration of the program is estimated to be 20 months but can take longer.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programs Fee:
The Program Fee is an estimated Rs 1.2 Cr – 1.3 Cr and includes-
- Ground Classes,
- CPL training in Florida,
- Conversion of CPL in India and
- Type Rating in USA or Thailand
- Equipment,
- Uniforms
- DGCA Exam Fees,
- USA FAA CPL Exam Fees,
- Flight Ticket Costs To and From India, the USA, and Thailand
(c) FTA(Flight Training Adelaide) Flight Training Institute:
Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), situated in Australia, is a flight training institute offering some of the best pilot training programs. Established in 1982, FTA is best known for its modern facilities, which include a fleet of modern aircraft and advanced simulators. These are used for courses from ab initio flight instruction to ab initio airline pilot training. They are a recruitment partner with Qantas Airlines the Flag Carrier for Australia and offer Cadet Pilot Programs for other airlines like Cathay Pacific, JAL, Star Lux, and China Airlines.
All the flying training for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programs is done at either their Adelaide or Toowoomba Campus. Their fleet mainly consists of Single Engine Diamond DA 40 and Multi-Engine DA 42.
Their Assessment Procedure is similar to CAE the only difference is that there is an additional stage where you will have to clear the CUT-e Assessment by FTA which is a test designed to gauge Aptitude and Understanding. We recommend joining the TCA FTA Cadet Pilot Program to ensure you can clear all tests and will not face any issues during the Assessment Procedure and Ground School Phase.
Pilot Training Breakdown
FTA has a training regimen that involves cadet travel to two countries. The program has four distinct phases:
Phase 1: In India, cadets learn DGCA ground theory and undergo examinations.
Phase 2: Cadets transition to Australia, where they pursue their CASA CPL, along with training in Single-Engine Instrument Rating (SECIR) and the Multi Engine (ME) Rating.
Phase 3: Back in India, cadets start the DGCA Licence conversion flying.
Phase 4: The program ends in India with Airbus A320-type rating training, preparing cadets for advanced aircraft operations
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Course Cost India:
The Program fee is estimated to be Rs 1.22 Cr + or AUD 225000+ and when compared to other FTOs Flight Training Adelaide seems like an excellent choice as Accommodation and Food are provided for every stage of your training.
Flight Tickets To and From between the countries are not included but Cadets will be able to use FTA corporate discount rates.
Let’s Look at everything that is included in the Course Fee for FTA IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program-
Phase 1 – Licence Conversion Ground Theory (India) Course Duration: 3 months
- Licence Conversion Ground Theory
- Training materials
- Accommodation for 3 months
- Meals for 3 months
- 1st attempt at all ground theory tests
- License fees
- Tax included
Phase 2 – CPL, SE CIR & ME Module (Australia) Course Duration: 46 weeks
- Training materials
- Uniform
- English Language Test
- Overseas Health Insurance
- CASA medical license
- Accommodation for 46 weeks
- Meals for 46 weeks
- 1st attempt at all flight and ground theory tests
- License fees
- Landing fees
- 24-hour access to the internet
- 24-hour access to the gymnasium
- 24-hour student welfare support
- Australian Government Goods and Services Tax included
Phase 3 – Licence Conversion Flying Module (India) Course Duration: 2 weeks
- Training materials
- Accommodation for 2 weeks
- Meals for 2 weeks
- Transport from accommodation facilities to the training centre
- 1st attempt at all flight tests
- DGCA Class 1 Medical Renewal
- Tax included
Phase 4 – Type rating (India) Course Duration: 38 days
- Training materials
- Accommodation for 38 days
- Meals for 38 days
- 1st attempt at all flight and ground theory tests
- 24-hour student welfare support
- Type Rating DGCA Conversion Fee
- Transport from accommodation facilities to training facilities
- Tax included
(d) Skyborne Cadet Pilot Program:
Based in sunny Vero Beach, Florida, Skyborne Airline Academy is yet another FTO that operates out of Florida. They have an excellent track record and reputation as the training partner for Delta Airlines one of the Legacy Airlines in the USA and other airlines like Endeavor, Envoy, and Skywest.
All the flying done for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program will be done exclusively on their large 50 + Aircraft Fleet of Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, Arrow, and Seminole Aircraft. The campus is located close to Vero Beach Regional Airport where you will be flying from.
Skyborne follows a similar Assessment Procedure as the other Programs
