Aviation

Candidates with spectacles can become pilots. Only if their corrected vision meets DGCA standards. The requirement is 6/6 vision in each eye with or without correction.

Color blindness is a disqualifying factor for CPL aspirants in India. Pilots must pass the Ishihara test or equivalent color vision tests to ensure they can distinguish navigation lights and signals. 

DGCA Class 1 medical examinations are conducted at DGCA-approved medical centers across India. These include government and private hospitals with DGCA-authorized medical examiners.

Some key centers are in Delhi (Indian Spinal Injuries Centre), Mumbai (Nanavati Hospital), Bengaluru (Apollo Hospitals), and Chennai (Air Force Medical Centres). Candidates must first clear a Class 2 medical before undergoing the Class 1 test.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory authority responsible for issuing and overseeing pilot licenses in India. It sets the eligibility criteria, conducts examinations, and ensures compliance with international aviation safety standards.

DGCA issues different types of pilot licenses, including Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It also monitors flying schools and enforces aviation regulations to maintain flight safety and operational efficiency.

The challenges in becoming a Pilot are mentioned below -

• High training costs (INR 30 Lacs to INR 1 crore for CPL).
• Strict medical requirements (regular medical check-ups).
• Limited job opportunities initially (high competition).
• Work-life balance issues (irregular schedules, long hours).
• Weather and safety risks (handling emergencies).
• Continuous learning & re-certifications (DGCA renewals, simulator training).

The factors affecting Pilot salaries are mentioned below -

• Type of airline (domestic vs. international).
• Experience level (co-pilot vs. captain).
• Aircraft type (narrow-body vs. wide-body).
• Number of flight hours logged.
• Location & airline demand.
• Union agreements & bonuses.

The remote Pilot jobs for drones are mentioned below -

• Aerial Survey & Mapping – Used in agriculture, construction, and mining.
• Filmmaking & Photography – Cinematic drone shots for movies and media.
• Disaster Management & Rescue – Assisting in relief operations.
• Defense & Surveillance – Border security and law enforcement.
• E-commerce & Logistics – Drone delivery for companies like Amazon.

The opportunities in government Aviation and Military Services are:

• Indian Air Force (IAF) – Fighter pilot, transport pilot, helicopter pilot.
• Indian Navy & Coast Guard – Naval aviators, search & rescue pilots.
• Airline Operators – Government airlines like Air India, Alliance Air.
• Airport Authority of India (AAI) – ATC roles, aviation management.
• DRDO & ISRO – Test pilots for defense and space missions.

The ground school subjects for Pilot Training are mentioned below -

• Aviation Meteorology (weather conditions and their impact on flying).
• Air Navigation (understanding flight routes and map reading).
• Air Regulations (DGCA and international aviation rules).
• Aircraft Systems & Engines (understanding aircraft components).
• Human Performance & Limitations (physiological effects on pilots).
• Radio Telephony & Communication (ATC communication procedures).

Flight training includes ground school. It also has practical flying lessons. Ground school covers aviation theory, air navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and flight regulations. Students also learn about radio communication and air traffic control procedures.

Practical training includes take-offs, landings, instrument flying, emergency procedures, and solo flights. Advanced training covers night flying, multi-engine aircraft operations, and simulator training to prepare students for commercial pilot roles.

Indian flying schools mostly use single-engine aircraft for beginner training. Multi-engine aircraft for advanced training. Common models include - Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 and Diamond DA-40 for basic training. For commercial pilot training multi-engine aircraft like - Piper Seneca and Diamond DA-42 are used. These aircraft provide hands on experience in flight controls, navigation and emergency handling before transitioning to larger commercial jets.