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How to Become a Co-Pilot in India – Eligibility, Courses, License & Salary Details

Captain Andy April 18, 2025

Co-piloting in India is an exciting and rewarding job, especially for those who are enthusiastic and passionate about aviation. Co-pilots play an essential part in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flights. If you’re looking to become a co-pilot in India, This guide will provide you with all the necessary information, including salary expectations, licensing requirements and training programs, cost and career options. If you’re beginning your aviation journey or are looking to advance your aviation career to the next step, this guide will show you the steps to become co-pilot.

Before we discuss the steps to becoming co-pilots, let’s examine Co-Pilot meaning and roles.

Co- Pilot means:

A co-pilot, also known as a First Officer, can be described as the person who is second in command of an aircraft. The role of a co-pilot goes beyond simply sitting beside the captain. They help the captain steer the plane and are taught to handle situations if anything goes wrong. Their tasks include piloting the plane, keeping track of instruments, communicating with air traffic control, and ensuring that all safety rules are observed. When the captain is in charge of the flight, the co-pilot plays a crucial part in keeping the flight secure. When the captain is incapacitated( unfit) for some reason, the co-pilot steps in and takes full charge of the aircraft

In India, where air traffic is increasing quickly, co-pilots are needed to ensure secure and efficient flights. They don’t just assist the captain but make each flight successful.

After understanding the role of a co-pilot, it is essential to explore the course requirements for this position. This paragraph will discuss the necessary course requirements to become a co-pilot.

Now that we understand the requirements for a Co-Pilot course, let’s explore the step-by-step process of “How to become a Co-Pilot in India.”

How to Become a Co-Pilot in India

If you’re thinking about how you can become a co-pilot in India, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Complete Your 10+2 Education

Some airlines may favor the graduate, but it is not compulsory to graduate. The first step is to complete your higher secondary studies (10+2) by completing Physics, Mathematics, and English. If you’ve never taken a course in Physics or Math, you can enroll in intermediate courses to satisfy the standards.

Step 2: Pass the Class 1 Medical Examination

You must be healthy to fly. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires that you take a medical examination. This medical examination included your hearing, eyesight, and overall health examination to confirm you can safely fly an aircraft.

Step 3: Enroll in a DGCA-Approved Flight Training School

After you’ve met the educational and medical requirements, you should attend a DGCA-approved flight school. They will provide you with theory and practical techniques.

Step 4: Get a Student Pilot License (SPL)

Before you can begin flight training, you must obtain the Student Pilot License (SPL). This is a precondition for a basic aptitude test and a medical exam. SPL lets you begin your flight training with supervision.

Step 5: Get a Private Pilot License (PPL)

Once you complete the basic training, you can apply for a Private Pilot License (PPL). It requires 40-50 hours of flight time and pass written tests. However, a PPL permits you to fly for private purposes, not commercial reasons.

Step 6: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To be a co-pilot You must obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). To get this license, you need to:

At least 200 flying hours.
Pass the DGCA exam on theory topics such as navigation, meteorology and technical knowledge.
Participate in simulator training to prepare to simulate actual flight situations.
Pass a skill test administered by DGCA.

Step 7: Complete Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating Training

Co-pilots must be experts and trained in flying multi-engine aircraft and managing various weather conditions. Multi-Engine Rating (MER) and Instrument Rating (IR) training will ensure you can safely operate an aircraft under all conditions.

Step 8: Secure a Type Rating for Specific Aircraft

Once you have a CPL, you’ll have to complete the type-rating course to be able to fly specific types of aircraft. The training will help you understand the control systems of the aircraft you’ll fly, including those of the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Step 9: Apply for a Co-Pilot Job

You can apply to airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Vistara if you have a CPL or type-rated rating. The hiring process includes testing your skills in a simulator, tests for technical proficiency, and interviews. When you are hired, you’ll begin as an officer in the junior ranks and move up to senior first officer.

Step 10: Gain Experience and Become a Captain

One must complete 1500-220 flight hours to become a captain. As you grow in experience and improve your training, you will eventually be able to move from co-pilot to captain.

In the above, we’ve covered the essential steps to becoming a Co-Pilot in India. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of the course.

Co-Pilot Course Requirements in India

To become a co-pilot in India, you must undergo much training. Here’s what you should learn about the training requirements:

Flight School: The first step is joining an accredited flight school in DGCA. These schools teach aviation concepts, allow students to practice flying, operate various aircraft, understand aviation laws, and learn to navigate.
Flight Hours: You must log specific flight hours to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). In general, you’ll need at least 250 hours of flight time. These flight hours will help you develop the required skills and experience to become co-pilot.
Simulated Training: Co-pilots are also required to complete simulation training on flight simulators. These training sessions allow you to practice flying in different weather and emergencies.
Ground School: Ground school is a key element of your education. In this part, you’ll learn about aviation theories, aircraft systems, weather patterns, and air regulations. The knowledge you acquire prepares you for flying in the real world and the tests you’ll need to pass to obtain your license.

Co-Pilot Course Cost in India

Co-piloting requires making a significant investment. The cost of the training process can differ based on the flight school, location, and the individual’s situation. Here’s a summary of the estimates of expenses:

Flight Training

The flight training course is the costlier portion of co-piloting course. It ranges from Rs35 lakh to Rs45 lakh. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires at least 200-250 flying hours to qualify as a CPL. It covers the cost of renting an aircraft as well as instructor fees, fuel and other expenses.

Ground School

Ground school teaches the skills+ needed to become a co-pilot. This type of training usually costs between Rs2 lakh and Rs3 lakh.

Medical Examinations

Pilots in training must take medical examinations, which include classes 1 and 2 tests. The cost of medical examinations typically is between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000.

Examination and Licensing Fees

The DGCA requires that applicants take several tests to earn CPL. CPL. The cost for these exams could vary from Rs10,000 to up to Rs20,000.

Additional Expenses

Cost of living and accommodation If you have to relocate to attend your classes, the monthly cost varies from Rs5,000 up to Rs15,000, depending on the location.
Study Materials: Books and other educational resources usually cost between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000.

Total Estimated Cost:

In a complete analysis including all the components, the total cost of getting the CPL with all the components, the total cost for obtaining a CPL in India generally ranges from Rs40 lakh to Rs55 lakh. However, the price could differ based on the flight school, your location and other factor.

If the course is quite expensive, what about the salary and benefits? Let’s explore the earning potential and perks of being a Co-Pilot.

Co-Pilot Salary in India

The compensation of a copilot in India is contingent on the experience of the pilot as well as the airline and the kind of aircraft. Here’s the breakdown:

Entry-Level: Rs1.5-Rs2.5 lakh per month
2-5 Years of Experience: Rs3-Rs5 lakh per month
Senior Co-Pilots: Rs5-Rs7 lakh per month

Co-pilots who fly internationally frequently receive additional benefits, including bonuses and allowances for accommodation.

Well, we hear about the potential and benefits of being Co-Pilot, let’s explore the career growth and opportunities in India.

Career Growth and Opportunities for Co-Pilots

India is expanding rapidly in the aviation sector, which means a growing demand for co-pilots. Here’s how you can move forward in the field.

Make Your Dream Come True With
Top Crew Aviation

Gain Experience as a Co-Pilot: Once you join any airline, you’ll work as a co-pilot, under the captain’s direction. Here, you will develop your ability to manage communications and assist with making decisions.

Log More Flying Hours: To be a captain, you must complete between 1500 and 2,000 hours of flight time. Every hour of flying, you are closer to becoming an officer.

Earn Advanced Certifications: To progress on the path, obtaining certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is necessary. ATPL is the highest rank, which is considered the highest certification a pilot can earn, and opens the doors to higher-ranking jobs.

Become a Captain: Once you’ve gained enough experience and completed the minimum flight hours, you could become a captain, where you’ll have full charge of your aircraft and make the final decision.

Senior Roles: After years of experience, you can also try to be a senior position, like checking pilot or training captain, to advance your career within aviation further.

Conclusion

So, how do you become a co-pilot in India? It takes to enroll in pilot school certified by DGCA , dedication, patience, the proper licenses, medical certifications, appropriate flight training, and meeting the requirements of the regulatory authorities. Institutions such as Top Crew Aviation provide excellent instruction to ensure your success.

The aviation industry in India is growing, and the demand for co-pilots will only increase, opening up new opportunities. You could build an enjoyable job in the aviation industry with dedication and perseverance. Keep your eyes on the prize, learn, and you’ll soon be flying high as a pilot in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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