How to Become a Pilot in Mumbai – Training, Costs & Requirements (2025)
Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is not just India’s financial hub—it’s also a place where dreams quite literally take flight. Every day, countless Mumbaikars look up at the busy skies over the city, watching aircraft depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, imagining themselves in the cockpit, commanding those powerful machines. If you are one of them, the journey from the ground to the captain’s seat begins with proper training, licensing, and dedication.
For aspiring pilots from Mumbai, the path is both exciting and challenging. You’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria, pass rigorous medical tests, study for DGCA exams, complete hundreds of flying hours, and develop the professional skills airlines demand. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, the right guidance can make all the difference in turning your dream into reality.
This is where Top Crew Aviation steps in. If you are a native of Mumbai—or even someone studying or working here—you have direct access to one of the most trusted names in pilot training guidance. Top Crew Aviation offers structured DGCA ground classes, assistance with medicals and documentation, and pathways for both India-based and international flying training, including popular destinations like South Africa. They even provide scholarship opportunities for eligible students, helping to make your aviation dreams more affordable.
By training with an institute that understands the unique challenges and opportunities for Mumbai-based aspirants—whether it’s planning around monsoon flying limitations, preparing for competitive airline selections, or managing the financial aspects—you set yourself up for success from day one.
So, if you’re from Mumbai and have the passion, discipline, and determination to fly, your first step should be understanding the complete process—and connecting with experts like Top Crew Aviation who can guide you every step of the way.
Pilot Pathways in India
There are three common routes to a professional cockpit:
- Modular CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) Route
- Study DGCA ground subjects, pass the DGCA exams, complete medicals, then do flying training (in India or abroad), clear the Radio Telephony (RTR-A) exam, and obtain FRTOL and CPL.
- Flexible and often the most cost-effective.
- Integrated CPL Program
- A structured, full-time course that bundles ground and flying training in one package (India or abroad).
- Faster but usually more expensive.
- Airline Cadet Programs
- Airline-designed pathway with specific training partners.
- Highly structured, strong airline alignment, but typically the costliest and very competitive.
Most Mumbai students follow the modular route or an integrated program abroad for speed and better weather. Cadet programs are great if you clear the assessments and can fund them.
Minimum Eligibility
- Age: 17+ to start flight training; 18+ to get a CPL.
- Education: 10+2 (Physics & Math). Commerce/Arts students can qualify via NIOS or sit for Physics & Math through recognized boards.
- English: Functional proficiency; ICAO English assessment later.
- Passport: Essential if you plan to train abroad.
- Background: Clean record and valid ID documents for eGCA.
Medical Requirements
You must be medically fit to fly. There are two levels:
Step A — DGCA Class 2 Medical (Do this first)
- Book through eGCA portal with an approved Class 2 examiner.
- Tests include basic physicals, vision, hearing, BP, and blood/urine investigations.
- Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks for appointment/results.
- Estimated cost: ₹6,000–₹8,000.
- Tip for Mumbai: Choose examiners/labs with fast reporting; keep digital copies of reports ready for eGCA uploads.
Step B — DGCA Class 1 Medical (For CPL)
- Conducted at DGCA-empanelled centers.
- Includes ECG, chest X-ray, audiometry, ophthalmology, BMI evaluation, and more.
- Estimated cost: ₹8,000–₹15,000 (varies by center/tests).
- When: Either after Class 2 or closer to your flying phase (but do it early to avoid surprises).
Vision note: If you wear glasses, it’s usually fine within DGCA limits. Keep your spectacle prescription and prior records handy.
DGCA Ground Subjects & Exams (How to Clear Them Smartly)
Core subjects for CPL:
- Air Regulations
- Air Navigation
- Meteorology
- Technical General (Airframes/Engines/Systems)
- RTR(A) – Radio Telephony (run by WPC/DoT, not DGCA, but essential for FRTOL)
Study approach that works for Mumbai students:
- Join a reputable ground school (in-class or online) with strong DGCA exam prep.
- Build a 90-day cycle per subject if you’re working or in college; quicker if you can study full-time.
- Practice question banks and numericals (especially for Navigation & Met).
- Keep eGCA registrations, exam windows, and hall tickets sorted well in advance.
Top Crew Aviation runs DGCA-aligned ground classes and fast-track batches with mentoring, mock tests, and exam planning. If you’re starting from zero, ask for their “foundation + DGCA” plan.
Read Also – 100% Scholarship for DGCA Ground Classes – Enroll Now
Flying Training: India vs Abroad
Training in India
- Pros: Local regulations from day one, no foreign exchange hassles, stay closer to family.
- Cons: Weather/ATC congestion can slow hours; slots may be limited.
Training Abroad (popular: South Africa, USA, Canada, Eastern Europe)
- Pros: Consistent weather, higher aircraft availability, quick hour-building, strong English radio phraseology exposure.
- Cons: Visa, travel/living costs, currency risk, later DGCA conversion steps if you do a foreign CPL.
Smart Hybrid for Mumbai students
- Do DGCA ground + medicals in Mumbai, then fly abroad for faster hours on modern fleets, and return to complete DGCA checks/conversions (if needed) and airline prep. This balances time, cost, and quality.
Top Crew Aviation supports both India and South Africa routes, helps with documentation, scheduling, and post-training DGCA processes.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Career Fit & Budgeting
- Understand commitments (time, money, discipline). Create a funding plan (family funds, loan, scholarship tests).
- Class 2 Medical → Computer Number
- Get Class 2 fit, register on eGCA, apply for a Computer Number (needed to sit DGCA exams). Keep your documents crystal-clear and consistent (name, DoB, parent names).
- Ground School + DGCA Exams
- Enroll in a structured program.
- Aim to clear Regulations, Met, Navigation, Technical General within 4–6 months (or faster on an intensive plan).
- Class 1 Medical
- Complete and keep it valid before or during your flying phase.
- Choose Flying Academy (India or Abroad)
- Evaluate fleet (Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 etc.), simulator availability, instructor ratio, weather, maintenance standards, and training culture.
- Lock in a written training schedule and fee plan.
- Start Flying (PPL → CPL)
- Logbook discipline from Day 1.
- Do consistent sorties; avoid long gaps.
- RTR(A) Exam (Radio Telephony)
- Conducted by WPC/DoT. Two parts: Part I (written) and Part II (viva/practical).
- Clearing RTR(A) is essential to get FRTOL endorsed on your license.
- Skill Tests & Paperwork
- Cross-country, instrument time, night flying, and check rides as per DGCA requirements.
- Submit logbook, certificates, and forms via eGCA for CPL issue.
- Get FRTOL + CPL Issued
- After documents, fees, and verifications, your CPL with FRTOL is granted.
- Airline Prep & Type Rating (Post-CPL)
- Airline written tests, psychometrics, SIM assessments.
- Type Rating on a specific aircraft (e.g., A320/B737) typically follows selection or can be done independently.
Hours & Experience Requirements (Snapshot)
- Total Flying: Typically 200 hours for CPL issue in India (breakdown includes PIC, cross-country, instrument, and night).
- Instrument Time: Combines actual and simulator time within permissible limits.
- Revalidations & Recency: Keep medicals, ratings, and recency current; plan finances for periodic check rides.
Cost Breakdown (Realistic 2025 Ranges)
Your final spend depends on location, speed, academy, and currency. These indicative ranges help you plan:
Pre-Flying (Mumbai)
- Class 2 + Class 1 medicals, tests, reports: ₹10,000–₹25,000
- Document attestation, eGCA fees, Computer Number admin, misc.: ₹5,000–₹15,000
- Ground school (full DGCA suite): ₹80,000–₹2,00,000 (depends on format, batch, add-ons)
- Exam fees, mock tests, material: ₹10,000–₹25,000
Flying (India)
- 200 hours flying + sim + briefings + test fees: roughly ₹55–85 lakh (wide range due to fuel, location, fleet, pace).
- Living/transport near base (6–12 months): ₹3–8 lakh
Flying (Abroad)
- 200 hours equivalent package: roughly ₹45–75 lakh (depends on country, rates, exchange).
- Visa, tickets, insurance, living (6–10 months): ₹6–14 lakh
- DGCA conversion on return (if you did a foreign CPL): ₹1.5–4 lakh (exams, skill tests, admin)
RTR(A) & FRTOL
- Coaching + attempts + travel/misc.: ₹15,000–₹60,000
Post-CPL: Type Rating
