Pilot Training

Getting Job after completing CPL depends on the present market needs. Nowadays, airlines have started looking towards type rated candidates. Some airlines have also switched to training the candidates through their own cadet pilot programmes. There are some airlines who actually hire candidates who have a commercial pilot license and the selection process includes:
1. Technical Exam
2. Compass Test
3. Interview
4. Medicals
5. Induction. Some airline also put Psychometric test and group discussion, as a part of their selection procedure. Others who look for candidates with Type Rating on certain fleet like Airbus or Boeing or ATR, for simulator check and interview followed by medicals. You may target vacancies for CPL holders, which are comparatively less in numbers when compared to those of type rated pilots. So, after CPL, you may have to go for type rating depending on which airline you are targeting and of course, the decision shall also be influenced by the current market. So, extra expenses after CPL is of getting type rated on any particular fleet to get a job and that depends on the current market needs.

Student Pilot License (SPL)
There are no pilot courses in India. Usually its just study material and exams to pass. The exam is conducted by flying clubs and covers papers in:
- Air Regulations
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Navigation Air Technical
Eligibility:
- Age of 16 years
- Class X pass
- Medical certificate of fitness
- Security clearance
- Bank guarantee of Rs.10,000
Selection
An oral test is taken every month, followed by a medical. Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), Subroto Park, New Delhi & Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), Vimanpura Bangalore, are the final authorities for medical fitness. Once candidates clear the medical fitness test, they get the SPL and need to pass the Pilot Aptitude Test. Private Pilot License
After SPL, the instructor accompanies the flier to actually teach the practical side of flying. This dual flight lasts 15 hours, though you need to clock in 60 hours, of which 20 hours need to be solo. Theory Exam Topics:
- Air Regulations
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Navigation
- Aircraft Engines
- Seamanship
Eligibility:
- 10+2 and Medical fitness certificate from AFCME or IAM
- Minimum 17 years of age
- approximately. Rs. 1000 for an hour of flying. Commercial Pilot License
Further flying of 129 hours to a total of 250 hours will grant you a CPL. Education Eligibility :
- XII (Physics and Maths)
- Right now the PPL Licence needs flying experience in the last 3 years
- Eligible Age: 18 - 30 years
Medical Fitness: As granted by AFCME, New Delhi / IAM, Bangalore
Written Exam Testing:
- Air Regulations
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Navigation
- Technical
- Planning
The exams are held 6 times a year. Actual flying experience required:
- 250 hours of total flying time (150 hours solo, 25 hours cross country)
- 10 hours of instrument flying
- 5 hours of night flying
Promotions usually come based on experience and vacancies only. Training never ends though. You must prove yourself proficient through tests thrice a year. The highest licence is the Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) granting flying privilege to every type of aircraft. The licence must be renewed every 6 months.

For application, you should have a computer number. Computer number is nothing but a file number which is created by DGCA to recognize all your records. You should first visit any DGCA approved doctor for class 2 medical. Who shall forward your documents to DGCA and hence your file number shall be created. After the file number is created. You can apply directly in DGCA for appointment of class 1 Medical. You may fill in required dates and centre for the same. Although allotment is completely based on availability and ease of doing the medical at that particular facility. Class 1 initial medical is issued by AFCME approved by DGCA. Although the refreshers can be done at private doctors approved by DGCA. Hope the things are clear now!