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How to Get a Commercial Pilot License in India

Captain Andy April 9, 2024

Table of Contents

Today we will look at What is a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). You have probably heard of this term being used often when trying to discover how to become a Pilot. People assume that CPL is a degree or a diploma, It is neither but a License that the DGCA issues.

Commercial Pilot License allows the Holder to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) as well as Co-Pilot of an airplane.

Pilots are required to hold a CPL issued by the DGCA to get a Job in all Indian Airlines. Thus, it is the most important step in the Journey for all Aviators. Holding a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) means you are a Pilot who is qualified to fly planes for Commercial purposes.

Getting your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) will teach you how to fly planes and also how to Navigate the skies. The aspirant needs to understand the Weather, learn about Aviation Laws, and how Aircraft work.

If you Have Doubts about getting a Commercial Pilot License in India then you can Contact Us. We will resolve your queries and Clear them!

Table of Contents :

Eligibility Requirement for Commercial Pilot License
Steps to get a Commercial Pilot License in India
Tests for Class 2 and Class 1 Medicals for Commercial Pilot in India
Clear the DGCA Exams for Commercial Pilot License
Commercial Pilot Course: Flying Training
Job Opportunities for Commercial Pilot in India
Salaries of a Commercial Pilot in India
Salaries of Flight Instructors with Commercial Pilot License (UPDATED!!)
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Eligibility Requirement for Commercial Pilot License :

These are the Requirements to hold a Commercial Pilot License in India –

You must be proficient in English both written and verbal.
You must possess a Class 2 Medical and Class 1 Medical
You should have scored at least 60% in your 10+2 from any recognized board. This includes NIOS with English, Mathematics, and Physics.
You must be at least 17 years of age.

Steps to get a Commercial Pilot License in India :

Let’s look at the steps to get a Commercial Pilot License In India in 2024 –

Get your Class 2 and Class 1 Medicals
Clear DGCA Exams
Complete 200 hours of Flying Training for a Commercial Pilot License

Which tests are done in DGCA Class 1 Medical Test for Commercial Pilot in India?

Getting your Class 2 examination done is a significant milestone on your journey to getting a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It is important to get it soon after finishing your 12th grade. The DGCA Class 2 Medical Exam helps examine the health and physical fitness of persons desiring to work as pilots. Successfully completing this exam allows you to proceed with your training without worries. To begin register on the eGCA portal. Contact DGCA-certified Class 2 Medical Examiner. who will guide you through the process? Your tests must take place at a NABH-certified hospital or laboratory.

Here is a list of all the DGCA Class 2 Medical tests done –

Chest X-Ray
Blood Test
Electrocardiogram Test
Urine Test
BMI Calculation
Blood Pressure Test
Eye Test (Visual Acuity, Color Vision, Refraction Test)
Ear test (Audiometry Test & Ear Exam)
Basic Medical Interview

Clear the DGCA Exam For Commercial Pilot License :

To attempt the DGCA exams, you need a Computer Number. A Computer Number is a unique identification number required to register for DGCA exams. To get a computer number, you need to visit the DGCA Pariksha Portal.

DGCA often rejects applications if even the smallest detail is not as per their guidelines. So the candidate needs to follow the guidelines given by DGCA properly. These guidelines are available on the USER MANUAL page of the DGCA Pariksha Portal.

If you are still unsure after reading the guidelines or have already had your application rejected we recommend contacting us. We have helped many students get their Computer Numbers.

Once you get your Computer Number you will appear for the exams. You will have to take a total of 6 exams and they are –

Aviation Meteorology
Air Regulation
Air Navigation
Technical General
Technical Specific
Radio Telephony Restricted(RTR [A]) – held by the WPC

For detailed information on DGCA Exams pls read the Article ” How to Become a Pilot after the 12th in India“.

Commercial Pilot Course: Flying Training

To earn a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL), you need to do the commercial pilot course from an appropriate flying institute. The aspirant has two alternatives for the flying training: the Conventional Pathway and the Cadet Pathway.
We have explored the Cadet Pilot Program in earlier postings. But we explain to you the Commercial Pilot License in this article.

Suppose you are interested in Cadet Pilot Programs. As it allow you to secure a job in an airline and complete your Commercial Pilots License. For such students, we cover the three largest and most popular Cadet Pilot Programs in India:

You need to do research on flight schools. We advise contacting them via their site or by phone. Consider important factors like ratings, costs, planes used, and location. School choice is vital for completing your Commercial Pilot License Training, you learn to fly single and multi-engine planes which establishes foundations for future jet flying careers. Compare each option carefully. Consider distance from home too. Striking the ideal balance ensures getting trained properly at fair pricing

Flight hour Details for CPL in India:

A candidate flies for 220 hours to get the CPL. The detail of the flight breakup is given below:

Total Flying Hours = 220 hrs

Actual Flying Time = 200 hrs out of which 185 hrs on Single-Engine and 15 hrs on Multi-Engine

Simulator Flying Time = 20 hrs out of which 10 hrs on Single Engine and 10 hrs on Multi Engine

Category	Requirement
Pilot in Command (PIC)	100 hours
Cross Country Check	250 nautical miles
Instrument Flight	40 hours (20 hours may be on a simulator)
Solo Cross Country	50 hours
Check (Nautical Miles)	120 nautical miles
Multi-Engine Flight	15 hours
Solo Cross Country	300 nautical miles
Night Takeoffs and Landings	10 takeoffs and landings by night

The candidate needs to complete the above Steps. Then he submits all the required documents to DGCA, and the DGCA issues a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for the candidate!

Job Opportunities for Commercial Pilot in India:

With a Commercial Pilot License, you can apply to all the Airlines in India. You can choose a Pilot Career, Airline Pilot, Charter Pilot, or even a Cargo Pilot. These are some of the Airlines that Hire CPL Holders –

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No.	Airline
1	IndiGo
2	Air India
3	SpiceJet
4	Vistara
5	AirAsia India
6	Alliance Air
7	Air India Express
8	Blue Dart Aviation
9	Quikjet Airlines

After passing the DGCA exam, you can become a Pilot instructor is also an attractive career option.

No.	Pilot Type
1	Coast Guard Pilot (Indian Coast Guard)
2	Ferry Pilot
3	Air Ambulance Pilot
4	Search and Rescue Pilot

What are the Salaries of a Commercial Pilot in India

The salaries of an Indian Pilot in 2024 are –

Junior First Officer – INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 +
First Officer – INR 2,35,000 to INR 2,75,000 +
Senior First Officer – INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,50,000 +
Captain – INR 4,50,000 to INR 6,50,000 +
Senior Captain – INR 6,50,000 to INR 8L+

Salaries of a Flight Instructor with Commercial Pilot License :

Salaries of Flight Instructors in 2024 are –

Assistant Flying Instructor – INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000 +
Flying Instructor – INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000 +
Deputy Chief Flying Instructor – INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 +
Chief Flying Instructor – INR 5,00,000 +

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?

A CPL allows the holder to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Co-Pilot of any airplane in commercial settings.

What are the eligibility requirements for CPL in India?

To be eligible for CPL in India, proficiency in English is a must. The candidate needs to pass the Class 2 and Class 1 Medical exam. Also, a minimum 60% score in 10+2 with English, Mathematics, and Physics is compulsory. The candidate should have attained a minimum age of 17 years.

What are the steps to obtain a Commercial Pilot License in India?

The pre-requisite is to Obtain Class 2 and Class 1 Medical certificates. Clearing the DGCA exams, and completing flying training to be eligible for a commercial pilot license in India.

How do I get my Class 2 and Class 1 Medical certificates?

Register on the eGCA portal, and undergo various medical tests. This includes chest X-rays, blood tests, eye tests, and a basic medical interview.

What are the subjects of DGCA for CPL in India?

Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR [A]) exams.

I've not yet started to clear the DGCA exam I don't know where to start my commercial pilot course?

The DGCA exams consist of 5 papers that encompass a variety of aviation topics. While not being extremely difficult we recommend taking the help of ground instructors. These ground instructors have completed their requisite flying training. As such, they will be able to impart the knowledge and experience much more easily and quickly. TCA provides DGCA commercial pilot course batches that will help you clear your DGCA exams.

What is the flying training requirement for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India?

Flight Training with a duration of 220 hours. This includes actual flight time, simulator time, solo cross-country flights, and night takeoffs and landings. These are prerequisites for a Commercial pilot license (CPL) in India.

What job opportunities are available for a commercial pilot in India?

Commercial pilots in India can apply for positions such as Airline Pilot, Charter Pilot, and Cargo Pilot. In addition, they can apply for Coast Guard Pilot, Ferry Pilot, Air Ambulance Pilot, Search and Rescue Pilot, or Flight Instructor.

Which airlines hire pilots with Commercial Pilot Licenses in India?

Airlines that hire commercial pilot license (CPL) holders include big names like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara. Apart from these AirAsia India, Alliance Air, Blue Dart Aviation, and Quikjet Airlines also hire pilots with CPL licenses.

What are the salary ranges for commercial pilots in India?

At the entry-level, they join as Junior First Officers: INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000+ per month. The move to First Officer with a monthly salary of INR 2,35,000 to INR 2,75,000+. Thereafter, a Senior First Officer generally draws a monthly salary of INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,50,000+ monthly. As the aircraft commander, they become captains with monthly emoluments of INR 4,50,000 to INR 6,50,000+. Then at the senior level, they move as Senior Captain in the bracket of INR 6,50,000 to INR 8L+ or even more.

Aviation Course Duration, Fee, & Schedule

DGCA CPL Ground Classes

4 months (Online/Offline)

Batch Start From 6th Jan & 10th Jan 2025

Clear your DGCA exams in 4 months

CPL Flight Training

CPL Flight Training(India/Abroad)

Batch Start From 10th Jan 2025

Complete your flying in 8 months

Cabin Crew Training

6 Months (Online/Offline)

Batch Start From 10th Jan 2025

Get Your Dream airline Job in 6 months

Student Reveiw

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