Pilot
About
✈️ Who is a Pilot?
A Pilot is a trained professional who flies aircraft safely, including commercial planes, cargo planes, or private jets. Pilots are responsible for navigation, aircraft operation, safety of passengers, and timely travel.
🎓 Courses to Become a Pilot
1. Undergraduate Courses / Training
🎓 Commercial Pilot Training (CPL – Commercial Pilot License) – 18–24 months, includes flying hours, simulator training, and ground school
🎓 BSc Aviation / BSc in Aeronautics – 3 years, focus on aerodynamics, navigation, aircraft systems, and aviation safety
2. Postgraduate Courses / Advanced Training
🎓 MSc Aviation / Aerospace Management – Focus on airline management, air traffic operations, and advanced aviation systems
🎓 Type Rating / Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) – Advanced license for flying large commercial aircraft
3. Short-term / Certificate Courses
📜 Private Pilot License (PPL) – For recreational flying or as a step toward CPL
📜 Simulator & Instrument Training – Specialized courses for cockpit instrumentation and advanced flying skills
Eligibility
✈️ Eligibility for Pilot Courses / Licenses
1. Private Pilot License (PPL)
🎓 Educational Qualification: 10+2 / Higher Secondary pass in any stream
🏫 Minimum Marks: Generally 50% aggregate
🌍 Age Limit: Minimum 17 years
💼 Other Requirements: Must obtain Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
🎓 Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
🏫 Minimum Marks: Usually 50% in PCM
🌍 Age Limit: Minimum 17–25 years (varies by country)
💼 Other Requirements:
Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
Good eyesight and hearing
English proficiency
3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
🎓 Educational Qualification: Must hold a CPL with flying hours
🏫 Minimum Flying Hours: Usually 200–250 hours of solo flying
🌍 Age Limit: Minimum 21 years
💼 Other Requirements: Class 1 medical certificate, airline training, and DGCA / FAA / EASA license clearance
4. BSc / Undergraduate Aviation Courses
🎓 Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
🏫 Minimum Marks: 50–60% aggregate (varies by college)
📝 Entrance Exams: Some colleges conduct their own aptitude / entrance tests
🌍 Other Requirements: Medical fitness and basic English proficiency
Job Roles
💰 Career Opportunities & Scope
Work in commercial airlines, cargo airlines, charter services, private jets, and helicopter services
Career growth: First Officer → Captain → Chief Pilot → Flight Operations Manager → Airline Executive
Opportunities abroad in Gulf countries, Europe, North America, and Asia
Competitive salary with perks, travel benefits, and global mobility
✈️ Flight Operations Roles
🧑🏫 Training & Instruction Roles
🛫 Aviation Operations & Management Roles
Exam Details
📝 Pilot Entrance Exams & Selection Tests
| Exam / Test | Eligibility | Format | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ DGCA Pilot Aptitude Test | 10+2 Science (PCM) for CPL applicants | Computer-based / psychometric / simulator-based | Selection for pilot training at DGCA-approved flying schools in India |
| ✈️ CPL (Commercial Pilot License) Ground & Flight Tests | Completion of flying hours and training | Written exams, simulator test, and flight test | Certification to operate commercial aircraft |
| ✈️ Airline Selection Tests | CPL / ATPL holders | Psychometric test, simulator test, technical interview | Recruitment by airlines for First Officer or Captain positions |
| ✈️ ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) Exam | CPL holders with minimum flying hours | Written, simulator, and flight test | Certification for flying large commercial aircraft (senior pilots) |
| ✈️ University / Aviation College Entrance Exams | 10+2 Science for BSc Aviation | Written / online aptitude & English | Admission to aviation degree programs and pilot training academies |
| ✈️ International Pilot Exams (FAA / EASA) | Varies by country | Written, simulator, medical | Required for pilots planning to work abroad |
💡 Key Points About Pilot Exams
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics for CPL; graduation for some advanced courses
Medical Fitness: Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate is mandatory
Skills Tested: English comprehension, mathematics, physics, reflexes, decision-making, situational awareness
Stages for Commercial Pilots:
Ground School / Theory Exam – Air navigation, aerodynamics, meteorology, aviation regulations
Simulator & Flight Test – Practical flying skills assessment
Airline Recruitment Tests – Aptitude, technical knowledge, psychometric evaluation
