How to Join Flight Schools: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Pilot
Becoming a pilot is a dream that many aspire to achieve. The journey towards earning your wings starts with joining the right flight school. If you’re wondering how to become a pilot and what it takes to join a flight school, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential steps, requirements, costs, and tips to get started.
Understanding the Basics of How to Become a Pilot
Before you dive into the specifics of joining a flight school, it’s essential to understand the basics of how to become a pilot. Whether you aim to become a commercial pilot or simply want to obtain a private pilot license, the process generally includes:
- Meeting Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Medical Certification: Passing a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit to fly.
- Ground School Training: Learning theoretical aspects of aviation, such as navigation, regulations, and meteorology.
- Flight Training: Accumulating the necessary flight hours with an instructor to gain practical experience.
- Passing Examinations: Successfully completing written exams, practical tests, and interviews to obtain your license.
Steps to Join a Flight School in India
Now that you have a general idea of how to become a pilot, let’s break down the process of joining a flight school in India.
1. Research Different Flight Schools
The first step in your journey is to research various flight schools in India. Some of the most reputable institutions include:
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
- Bombay Flying Club
- CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
- NFTI (National Flying Training Institute)
- Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
Compare these schools based on their reputation, courses offered, training facilities, fees, and student reviews.
2. Meet Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Age: Minimum of 17 years for PPL and 18 years for CPL.
- Educational Qualification: Passing 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board. If you did not study these subjects, you can complete them through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
- Medical Fitness: Obtain a Class 2 or Class 1 Medical Certificate from an authorized medical examiner approved by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
3. Clear Entrance Exams
Some prestigious flight schools require candidates to clear entrance exams. For example:
- IGRUA Entrance Exam: Tests your proficiency in subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, and General Knowledge.
- Written Tests & Interviews: Other schools may have their own written exams and interviews as part of the admission process.
4. Choose the Right Course
Flight schools in India offer various courses depending on your aviation goals. The most common licenses are:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): Ideal if you wish to fly for recreational purposes.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Required if you plan to become a professional pilot.
- Multi-Engine Rating (MER): An add-on to your CPL allowing you to fly multi-engine aircraft.
5. Enroll in Ground School
Ground school is the theoretical part of flight training where you learn about:
- Navigation
- Meteorology
- Air regulations
- Aircraft systems
- Flight planning
Passing the written exam at the end of your ground school training is essential to proceed to the practical training phase.
6. Begin Flight Training
The most exciting part of your training journey is flight training, which includes:
- Dual Flights (with an instructor)
- Solo Flights (once you gain proficiency)
- Cross-Country Flights
- Instrument Training (for CPL aspirants)
Flight training costs in India range between ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh, depending on the school and the type of training.
7. Pass Exams and Obtain License
Once you complete your flight training and log the required flight hours, you need to:
- Pass a check-ride with an examiner.
- Clear the DGCA exam for theoretical knowledge.
- Obtain your official license from DGCA.
Cost of Joining Flight Schools in India
The cost of becoming a pilot in India varies significantly based on factors like school reputation, location, and course type. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh
- Multi-Engine Rating (MER): ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
Tips to Choose the Right Flight School
- Accreditation: Make sure the school is approved by the DGCA.
- Training Fleet: Check if the school has well-maintained aircraft for training.
- Experienced Instructors: Look for schools with qualified instructors who hold CPL or ATPL.
- Cost & Financial Aid: Compare fees and check for scholarship options if available.
- Student Reviews: Read reviews from past students to gain insight into the quality of training.
Conclusion
Learning how to become a pilot starts with joining a reputed flight school. Whether you aim to become a commercial pilot or want to pursue flying as a hobby, the right training institution can make all the difference. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, pass the entrance exams, and choose the best school that suits your needs and budget. With dedication and hard work, your dream of becoming a pilot can soon become a reality.
