Aviation

To upgrade from CPL to ATPL, a pilot must accumulate 1,500 flight hours, including 500 hours of cross-country flying and specific multi-engine experience.

In addition to flight hours, pilots must pass DGCA ATPL theory exams, complete an Instrument Rating (IR), and undergo a Type Rating course for a specific aircraft. ATPL is required to become a Captain in commercial airlines.

Instrument Rating (IR) is a qualification that allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning they can operate aircraft in low visibility, bad weather, and without visual references.

IR is mandatory for commercial pilots and is included in CPL training. It ensures pilots can handle adverse conditions and navigate using flight instruments alone.

A Multi-Engine Rating (MER) is an additional certification that allows pilots to operate aircraft with more than one engine.

MER is not mandatory for a CPL, but most airlines prefer candidates with multi-engine training. It enhances job prospects and is essential for progressing to airline careers and ATPL certification.

Pilot training consists of three main stages:

1. Ground School: Covers aviation theory, air regulations, meteorology, and aircraft systems.
2. Simulator Training: Introduces cockpit procedures and flight simulations.
3. Flight Training: Includes solo flights, cross-country navigation, night flying, and instrument training until the pilot reaches 200 flight hours for CPL eligibility.

Flight hours refer to the actual time a student spends piloting a real aircraft, which counts toward the 200-hour requirement for a CPL.

Simulator training, on the other hand, uses advanced flight simulators to train pilots in handling emergency situations, navigation, and instrument flying. Simulators are crucial for practice but do not count as real flight hours for a CPL.

DGCA medical tests are conducted at DGCA-approved medical examiners and designated Air Force Medical Centers across India.

For Class 2 medical tests, candidates can visit DGCA-listed private doctors, while Class 1 medicals are conducted at Indian Air Force Centers like AFCME (New Delhi), IAM (Bengaluru), and MEC (Mumbai). Appointments can be booked through DGCA's official website.

Certain medical conditions can disqualify a candidate from obtaining a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate, which is mandatory for pilots.

Disqualifying conditions include heart diseases, epilepsy, severe diabetes, psychiatric disorders, color blindness, and hearing impairments. Candidates with controlled medical conditions can apply for a review, but conditions affecting cognitive or motor skills are generally not permitted.

The DGCA Class 2 Medical Exam is the initial medical check-up required before starting pilot training. It includes basic health assessments such as vision, hearing, blood tests, and ECG.

The DGCA Class 1 Medical Exam is mandatory for obtaining a CPL and includes more advanced cardiovascular, neurological, and ophthalmological tests. Class 1 medicals must be conducted at DGCA-authorized medical centers and are valid for one year.

The duration to complete pilot training and obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years, depending on weather conditions, institute schedules, and student performance.

This includes ground school training (6–8 months), simulator training, and flying hours (200 hours for CPL eligibility). The time can extend if there are delays in exams, medical clearances, or DGCA approvals.

The ideal age to start pilot training is 17 to 18 years, as most flying schools accept students at 17 years for a Student Pilot License (SPL). However, a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) can only be obtained at 18 years.

Starting early allows students to gain experience and complete the necessary flight hours quickly. However, candidates in their 20s and early 30s can also pursue pilot training successfully.