How to Get a Commercial Pilot License in India
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!
