A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a license offered by DGCA allowing you to work as a pilot for an airline for commercial operation in india. Hence, the holder can fly for commercial purposes and earn money as a pilot, whereas a PPL holder doesn’t earn money as a pilot. This license is essential for anyone who wants to make a career in aviation, flying for airlines, charter companies, or other commercial operations.
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What is a Commercial Pilot License?
What a CPL is and how to get one if you want to become a pilot. you get complete details in this article. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is one of the licenses issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as per ICAO Annex 1. Aircraft Rules 1937. CAR SECTION 7. The process involves training, passing exams, and gaining flying experience. This CPL license opens career options in aviation, letting you work as a professional pilot.
You might have heard of a Private Pilot License (PPL). This license is a prerequisite to CPL. PPL allows one to fly for individual or sporting purposes. We have discussed the differences between the Different Pilot License you can obtain in India. You Can Check out our Older blog post.
The Eligibility for a Commercial Pilot License in India
Let us take a look at all the requirements you will need to fulfil to obtain a commercial pilot license in India –
| Requirement | Description |
| Age | Candidate must be at least 18 years old. |
| Education | Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) exam with Physics and Mathematics from Recognized board. National Institute of Open Schooling(NIOS) will also be considered. |
| Candidate must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of flight time. | Candidate must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of flight time. |
| Flight Training Hours | Candidate must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of flight time. |
| – This must include 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC). | |
| – Must be a citizen of India or an OCI card holder. Must be proficient in English. This applies to both written and spoken medium. Must have a clean criminal record | |
| – 10 hours of instrument flying instruction | |
| – 5 hours of flight simulator training | |
| Exams Cleared | Candidate must have passed DGCA written exams on aviation subjects. The subjects include: |
| – Air Navigation | |
| – Meteorology | |
| – Air Regulations | |
| – Technical General | |
| – Technical Specific (for the aircraft type you will be flying) | |
| Other Requirements | Candidate must have completed a minimum of 200 hours of flight time. |
DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical Test
You should do the DGCA Class 2 Medical Test after finishing 12th grade. This exam checks your health and physical fitness, which is necessary for a career in civil aviation. Passing this exam means you are healthy and fit to continue your training. It ensures you can train to become a pilot without any concerns. This is the important first step for Candidates who want to join the aviation industry and become an airline pilot.
To begin, register on eGCA portal. They will assist you through the process. It’s essential. Your tests must be conducted at a hospital certified by NABH. Or laboratory-certified by NABL.
DGCA Class 2 Medical Tests List.
- Chest X-Ray
- Blood Test
- Electrocardiogram Test
- Urine Test
- BMI Calculation
- Blood Pressure Test
- Eye Test (Visual Acuity, Color visibility, Refraction Test)
- Ear test (Audiometry Test & Ear Exam)
- Basic Medical Interview
Commercial Pilot License Cost in India:
The main cost of obtaining a Commercial Pilot License is going to be Flight Training. This cost can vary greatly based on the flying school you choose.
DGCA Class 2 Medical Test: The DGCA Class 2 Medical is a must For interested candidates. In the test, pilots undergo medical tests for vision, hearing, heart, and overall health to ensure safe flight. Class 2 Medical Test checks if Candidates are healthy. It’s required for Commercial Pilot License certification. This test costs around 5 to 6 thousand rupees, conducted by doctors approved by DGCA, the aviation authority.
DGCA CPL Exams and Fees: You will have to take six DGCA exams for a Commercial Pilot License in India. The cost of each will depend on the Submit Option. You can choose to take the exam, On-Demand or during regular DGCA attempts. All six DGCA Subjects exams can cost INR 10000 to INR 20,000. This excludes any transportation costs.
DGCA Exams Fees: You will have to take six DGCA exams for a Commercial Pilot License in India. The Fees of each will depend on whether you choose an On-Demand or Regular DGCA attempt. All six DGCA exams cost INR 10000 to INR 20,000. This excludes any transportation costs.
Flying Training Duration and Cost:
The commercial pilot License course lasts 8-10 months, with 80 hours of classroom sessions and 200 hours of training, Simulator Training, and Flying Training. This program prepares you to become a commercial pilot. However, a few extra hours might be needed due to additional checks and tests, which can increase the total cost. Most flying schools charge on an hourly basis. The Candidates must have INR 40 Lac for flying before joining the flight school.
Medical Tests: DGCA requires candidates who want to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to clear DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medicals. Both Medical costs range from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.
Approximate Cost of CPL: A student in India will spend around INR 35 Lakhs to INR 55 Lakhs for flying training This number will depend largely on the flying school. Approximately INR 45 Lakhs to INR 60 Lakhs is needed for a full CPL program.
How to Get a Commercial Pilot License in India
- Choosing the Right Ground School: Check the First Eligibility according to DGCA instructions, and search for a flight training school. Join the aviation institute and Pass the DGCA CPL Exam. Air Navigation and aviation meteorology are critical subjects of the theory classes. Air Regulations, Technical Specific and Technical General are similarly important subjects.
- DGCA Subjects For CPL: You will need to clear all six DGCA Subjects written exams. The candidates study how aeroplanes and their various parts operate. They learn about the systems that make planes fly.
Air Regulations
Aviation Meteorology
Air Navigation
Technical General
Technical Specific
Radio Telephony
Choosing a DGCA Approved Flight School
Candidates must choose a Flight Training School approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for Commercial Pilot License Training, and Start the 200-hour Hour Flight Training. Look deeply into the reputation and track record of the school, the experience of instructors and the quality of the fleet. Also, consider the safety record of that particular institution.
- Flight Training:
In the beginning, you will practice with the Flight Instructor (FI). Once confidence is built up and requirements are cleared, you will be cleared for solos.
- Then you must complete a minimum of 200 flight hours. This will include the following:
- 100 hours of solo flight time.
- 100 hours of solo flight time.
- 50 hours performing cross-country flights.
- 5 hours performing flights by instruments.
- 5 hours of flight, between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
- Skill Development: You will train to achieve skill and confidence in different manoeuvres, landings, take-offs, approaches and also emergency procedures to help you maintain professionalism in your work.
- Documentation: Please submit your flight logbook and necessary documents. Remember to include your medical Class 1 and 2 certificates and ground training certificates after completing Commercial Pilot License Flight Training. Ensure you possess a valid FRTOL or FRTOL(R) and RTR(A).
- Issuance of Commercial Pilot Licence: the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) will be issued by DGCA once you successfully meet all requirements This takes 30-60 days.
The Career Opportunities for Commercial Pilot License holder in India
The Indian Aviation Industry is booming with rapid growth. Airlines offer air transport for passengers. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders are hired to fly aircraft. Many Indian airlines provide excellent opportunities for pilots. You have more options after the CPL is issued.
- Co-Pilot
- Chief Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Airline Pilot
- Captain
- Commuter Pilot
- First Officer
- Experimental Test Pilot
- Flight Instruction:
Note:- Qualified pilots who have gone through aviation academies or technical training schools can work as flight Instructors in one of the aviation academies. Flight Instructors do the great work of guiding the next wave of future pilots.
Commercial Pilot Salary in India
The salary of a commercial pilot varies depending on the airline company and Flying experience. Each airline has its own pay scale and benefits. Some airlines offer higher salaries than others. Experience and seniority also play a role in determining a pilot’s earnings.
Mid-level pilots, with 5 to 10 years of experience, see a substantial salary increase. Airline companies offer ₹26 and ₹30 lakh salary.
For instance, a pilot with six years of experience flying for IndiGo might earn around ₹28 lakh per year.
Senior-level pilots, with over 15 years of experience, can earn from ₹50 lakh to over ₹1 crore annually. Senior captains or commanders on international routes often receive salaries at the higher end of this range. Airlines like Air India and Vistara offer some of the highest pay for these experienced pilots.
Read More:- How to Become a Pilot After 10th
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Question: What is the difference between a Commercial Pilot License and a Private Pilot License in India?
Answer: In India, DGCA grants CPL licenses to people flying professionally to transport passengers or ATPL to fly cargo at airlines. PPL authorizes the aspirant to fly but not for remuneration. With CPL, you can take up an aviation career for remuneration.
Question: What is the minimum requirement for a Commercial Pilot License in India?
Answer: In India, the bearer of CPL must be at least 18 years old. Also, he or she should have Passed 10+2 in Physics and math. The aspirant also needs a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate. He needs to complete the overall flight training program. DGSA sets the last stage of theoretical education which the aspirant needs to pass.
Question: What is the cost of getting a CPL in India?
Answer: The cost of obtaining a CPL in India varies due to flight training duration, accommodation, exam fees, and medical tests. On average, students invest between 40 to 60 lakhs. This covers flying training, ground school, living costs, and exam fees.
Question: What are the job Options and career opportunities for commercial pilots in India?
Answer: In India, there are numerous career options for commercial pilots. First Officers collaborate with major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India. Additionally, opportunities exist in cargo airlines like Blue Dart, or as an in-flight instructor.
Question: How to get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India and which steps must you follow?
Answer: There are a few steps for getting Cpl. Pass The DGCA Exam subjects for CPL. Gain flying training 200 hours and skill development. Check the documentation and Submit it to DGCA. After issuance of the Commercial Pilot Licence, You can apply for a Job.