pilot course provides comprehensive training in aviation, covering theoretical knowledge, practical flying hours, and medical assessments. Completing the course qualifies candidates to pursue careers as commercial airline pilots. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a license offered by DGCA that allows students to act as aPilot in Command of any aircraft and get paid for that.
A CPL holder can perform flying work in single and multi-engine airplanes, and fly aircraft even act as a co-pilot in aircraft. CPL course is all about operating the aircraft in the air that includes general flying, aircraft testing, skill tests as per DGCA requirement.CPL training has become very popular among the students who have the desire to fly an aircraft and learn every discipline of the pilot course which has increased the number of aviation schools and flight clubs in India. An aspiring candidate can enroll in the pilot course by appearing in various exams or sometimes it can be merit-based for some institutions. After the completion of the CPL course, the candidates have to complete a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of one-year training, to further apply for a job in government and private airlines where they are paid to fly as a pilot, transporting cargo and passengers, and perform other operations that include aerial surveying and search and rescue.
Commercial Pilot License Eligibility
CPL is the most demanding career in the field of aviation. To join pilot course, the student must have fulfilled the following eligibility criteria:-
- The candidates appearing or passed his/ her 12th examination in Science stream with PCM / 3 years engineering diploma from a recognized board/university.
- The age limit must be minimum 17 years or above at time of joining pilot course.
- Students must be medically fit as per the Medical standards of DGCA.
Commercial Pilot License Course Duration
CPL course duration of 8-10 months that includes 80 hours for academic sessions on ground and 200 hours on flying training. There are three stages in pilot course: Ground Training, Simulator Training, and Flying Training. The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course is related to operating aircraft and providing a successful journey to their passengers. CPL offers a tremendous career opportunity in aviation and today CPL graduates earn handsome salary in India and abroad as well.
CPL Course Syllabus
Pilot course course serves a deep knowledge of aircraft functions and operating systems of the aircraft. There are various subjects that are covered in the CPL syllabus which are decided by DGCA, with the main purpose of emphasizing the understanding of all the concepts. Some of them are as follow:-
- Air Regulations
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Navigation
- Technical General
- Technical Specific
- Radio Telephony
Training Modules in the Pilot Course
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Ground Training Sessions and Technical Knowledge
- The Pilot Course provides a strong foundation in essential aviation theory, including aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, and air regulations.
- Technical knowledge covered in the Pilot Course includes aircraft systems, performance calculations, and emergency procedures.
- Simulator training is also part of the CPL Course, allowing trainees to develop and practice flight skills in a controlled, safe environment.
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Flying Hours
- Solo Flights: Trainees in the Pilot Course gain confidence and independence by performing solo flights.
- Supervised Flying: Hands-on flying experience under the guidance of an instructor.
- Cross-Country Flying: The CPL Course includes cross-country flights, teaching navigation between airports and route planning.
- Night Flying: Night flying hours are part of the Pilot Course, helping trainees develop proficiency in navigation, lighting procedures, and instrument use in low-visibility conditions.
Each of these modules ensures that the CPL Course comprehensively prepares candidates for a career in commercial aviation.
Medical Tests and Physical Fitness for CPL Pilot Course
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Mandatory Medical Evaluations During the Pilot Course
- The Pilot Course requires candidates to undergo comprehensive medical examinations to assess their overall health and fitness for flying.
- Medical evaluations include vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and neurological assessments to ensure candidates meet aviation standards.
- Regular check-ups throughout the CPL Course monitor fitness levels, ensuring candidates are medically fit for a career in aviation.
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Physical Fitness Standards and Requirements for a CPL Candidate
- The Pilot Course sets specific physical fitness standards that candidates must meet to qualify for a CPL.
- Physical requirements focus on stamina, reflexes, coordination, and stress management, as these are crucial for handling the demands of a commercial pilot’s role.
- Meeting these fitness standards throughout the Cpl Course is essential for progressing toward certification as a commercial pilot.
CPL Licensing Exam and Certification
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Preparing for the CPL Licensing Exam Through the Pilot Course
- The CPL Course includes extensive preparation for the CPL licensing exam, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Candidates are trained in subjects like aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft operations to ensure they meet licensing standards.
- Mock exams and simulator sessions in the Pilot Course help candidates build confidence and readiness for the official CPL exam.
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Certification Steps Upon Successful Course Completion
- After completing the Pilot Course, candidates undergo final assessments to qualify for CPL certification.
- This process includes logging the required flying hours, passing medical evaluations, and successfully clearing the CPL licensing exam.
- Upon meeting all these requirements in the CPL Course, candidates are awarded a Commercial Pilot License, opening doors to professional roles in commercial aviation.
These exam and certification steps are essential for CPL candidates to become certified pilots and pursue careers in the aviation industry.
CPL Career Opportunities
The Indian aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth, creating ample opportunities for aspiring pilots. Airlines, which provide air transport for passengers, are continually hiring Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders to operate their aircraft. Completing a pilot course equips students with the skills and qualifications needed to pursue these positions. Today, Indian airlines offer excellent career options for those who have successfully completed a cpl course and obtained their CPL. After earning this license, a pilot can apply for jobs in top Indian airlines, opening doors to a rewarding career in aviation.
Top National Recruiting Airlines:-
- Alliance Air
- Luwang Air
- Air Deccan
- Blue Dart Aviation
- Pinnacle Air
- Spirit Air
- Supreme Airlines
- TajAir
- Titan Aviation
- Ventura AirConnect
- Air India
- Jet Airways
- IndiGo
- SpiceJet
- GoAir
- AirAsia India
- Vistara
- And many more...
The pilot course opens doors to various rewarding job profiles, each offering numerous opportunities and an excellent lifestyle. After completing the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), students can pursue careers in the following roles:
- Airline Pilot
- Captain
- Commuter Pilot
- Co-Pilot
- Chief Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- First Officer
- Experimental Test Pilot
Pilot Course Admission Process
To get admission to commercial pilot license course, the candidate has to follow the CPL Admission Process:-
- To join pilot course, a candidate should fill the form of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test (AME AVIATION CET).
- After qualifying AME AVIATION CET Exam, students can get admission to top flying schools or institutions based upon his/her All Maharashtra Rank(AMR) scored in AME AVIATION CET.
Commercial Pilot License Fee Structure
The commercial Pilot License course fee is based on institutes infrastructure, training facilities, faculty, and other facilities. The fee structure varies from institute to institute. The average fee for a pilot course ranges from 20 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs depending on the institutes.
Commercial Pilot Licence holder Salary
After successful completing pilot course candidate will get cpl license. Commercial Pilot License holder salaries vary from company to company and also depend upon the skill set including the experience one holds as a CPL. Commercial Pilot License holder’s salary is tentatively INR 10 Lakhs to 15 Lakhs per annum depending upon skillset. There are following facilities provided to pilot apart from salary:-
- Commercial License Holder works 1000 hours in a year
- Free pick up from home and free drop
- free food
- Free stay in 5-star hotels.
- Buying things in a duty-free shop.
- Free tickets to travel any place in the world
- Prestige in society- at least in India
- And many more.
