What Is the Biggest Myth About Becoming a Pilot in India?
Dreaming of flying high and becoming a pilot is common among students in India. The idea of traveling the world, sitting in the cockpit, and commanding an aircraft excites thousands of young minds every year. But sadly, many students give up on this dream before they even begin.
Why?
Because of one big reason: misinformation.
There are many myths and false beliefs about the pilot profession that confuse students and parents. The biggest one is the idea that “only rich people can become pilots.” This myth has held back so many talented and hardworking students who thought flying was only for the wealthy. In reality, that’s not true.
Yes, becoming a pilot does require training and investment, but it is possible for students from middle-class backgrounds too — with the right planning, guidance, and support.
And that’s where Top Crew Aviation comes in. As one of India’s leading pilot training institutes, Top Crew Aviation helps students understand the truth about aviation careers and provides complete training support — from counselling to cockpit.
In this blog, we’ll bust the biggest myth about becoming a pilot in India, along with two more common misconceptions. If you’re dreaming of a career in aviation but feel unsure about the cost, eligibility, or qualifications, this blog is for you.
Let’s clear the air and show you how you can become a pilot — no matter your background.
The Biggest Myth: Only Rich People Can Become Pilots in India
This is the most common myth that stops thousands of students in India from following their dream of becoming a pilot.
Many people believe that becoming a pilot is only for the rich — that you need to come from a wealthy family to afford the high costs of pilot training. While it’s true that aviation training involves money, the idea that only rich people can become pilots is completely false.
Let’s break it down.
How Much Does Pilot Training Actually Cost?
In India, the cost of getting a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) usually ranges from ₹35 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs. This includes:
- Ground school training
- Flight simulator training
- Actual flying hours (200 hours minimum)
- DGCA exams and fees
- Medical tests and licensing
This amount can sound big — but it’s similar to what students spend on engineering, MBBS (private), or studying abroad.
So, Do You Need to Be Rich?
No, you don’t.
You just need the right guidance and financial planning.
Thousands of Indian pilots today come from middle-class families. They didn’t have crores of rupees — they had passion, determination, and a good support system.
Here’s how many students manage the cost:
Ways to Afford Pilot Training (Even If You’re Not Rich)
- Education Loans
Most banks offer loans for pilot training, just like they do for college degrees. Institutes like Top Crew Aviation even help students apply for and get these loans approved. - Flexible Payment Plans
You don’t have to pay the full amount at once. Training is done in stages — ground school, simulator, flying — so you can pay step-by-step. - Scholarships & Sponsorships
Top Crew Aviation provides scholarships upto 50 lakhs and Some airlines, state governments, and aviation bodies offer scholarships to meritorious or financially needy students. Top Crew Aviation keeps students informed about such opportunities. - Study Abroad for Better Value
Some students choose to complete part of their training in countries where flying hours are cheaper (like South Africa or the USA). Top Crew Aviation offers guidance and tie-ups for international flying schools. - Earn While You Learn (in later stages)
After getting a CPL, some students work as flight instructors while preparing for airline jobs. This helps recover training costs faster.
A Career That Pays Back Fast
Pilot training is not an expense — it’s an investment.
Once you become a First Officer with an airline, you can start earning between ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakh per month. After gaining experience, you can become a Captain, where salaries go up to ₹5 to ₹10 lakh per month.
Most pilots recover their training costs within 2–4 years of working. After that, it’s a high-paying, respected, and stable career.
How Top Crew Aviation Helps Aspiring Pilots
At Top Crew Aviation, students from all backgrounds are welcomed and supported. The academy understands that money is a concern, so they provide:
- Loan assistance with banks and NBFCs
- EMI and phased payment options
- Cost-effective training partnerships in India and abroad
- Job preparation and airline interview coaching
- Transparent fee structure – no hidden charges
Whether you’re from a small town or a big city, from a wealthy family or a middle-class one — if you have the passion to fly, Top Crew will help you reach the cockpit.
Read Also – Best Air Hostess Training In India – How To Find
More Myths That Stop Students from Flying
There are several myths that confuse students and stop them from even trying to become a pilot. After clearing the biggest myth — that only rich people can become pilots — let’s now bust two more very common myths that often cause unnecessary fear or confusion.
Myth 1: You Need an Aviation Degree to Become a Pilot
This is a very popular myth, especially among parents and students just starting to explore the aviation field.
Many people assume that you need to do a B.Sc. in Aviation or some special college course to become a commercial pilot. But the truth is simple:
You do not need an aviation degree.
You just need to be 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics.
Then, complete your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training from a DGCA-approved flying school.
That’s it. No aviation college degree is required.
In fact, most airline pilots in India and around the world don’t have aviation degrees. What airlines care about is your:
- CPL license
- Total flying hours (minimum 200 hours)
- DGCA exam results
- Simulator and communication skills
- Medical fitness
At Top Crew Aviation, students are guided through each step of this process. From your DGCA ground school preparation to flight simulator training and real flying hours — Top Crew makes sure you are industry-ready, even if you’re just out of school.
So don’t waste time thinking you need to spend 3–4 years in an aviation degree program. Focus on your CPL training and become a pilot faster.
