What is the Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India?

When discussing becoming a pilot in India, a wow factor is attached to it. There is booming growth in India's aviation industry, so there is an increasing need for skilled commercial pilots who can serve the booming aviation sector for a long time. When one is thinking about becoming a pilot, one always thinks about the cost of the same.

If you want to become a commercial pilot in India, the total cost incurred in this process will be approximately 60 lakhs to 1.2 crores. At the outset, this might seem like a lot of money, but when one becomes a commercial pilot, one understands that every penny spent was worth it.

This blog will discuss the total cost of becoming a commercial pilot in India, the factors affecting the cost, and the qualifications for becoming a pilot in India.

To get a clearer picture, let’s consider the various components of the cost of a CPL in India.

Flight Training

Flight training is the most substantial expense when pursuing a commercial pilot license training.

• Required Flying Hours: The DGCA mandates that a person must have at least 250 flight hours to become eligible for a commercial pilot license. This ensures that pilots have enough experience before entering a commercial aircraft's cockpit full of passengers.

• Cost Estimates: Completing the required flying hours costs between ₹35 Lakhs and ₹45 Lakhs. This comprises the cost of fuel, aircraft rental, instructor fees, and other related expenses.

• Cost Per Hour: The costs of flying lessons can range from ₹5000-10,000 per hour. This cost can increase even further if you take this training on more advanced or complex aircraft.

Ground school training is a vital cog in pilot training. It covers the theoretical knowledge of all the subjects essential for flying.

It helps the students prepare for several aspects of aviation, such as navigation, meteorology, regulations, and aircraft systems. It is considered the foundation for safe flying practices and helps students comprehend the intricacies involved in aviation operations. The costs related to ground school in India range from ₹2 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs. This includes classroom instruction, study materials, and additional resources required for exam preparation.

Before starting flight training, pilots must pass all the medical exams to guarantee they match the fitness standards set by DGCA. There are two types of medical exams that one has to go through to become a pilot:

Class 1 Medical Exam: It is important for persons aspiring to obtain a commercial pilot license; it assesses a person's overall health and fitness. Class 2 Medical Exam: This type of medical exam is for private pilots, and its requirements are less stringent than those of Class 1 medical exam.

Associated Costs: These medical exams range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the capability and tests required.

After the completion of ground school and flight training, candidates must pass numerous examinations conducted by DGCA.

Overview: The examination comprises theoretical and practical assessments of flying skills and knowledge application.

Breakdown of Fees: Examination fees can vary but fall between ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 for all required tests. This comprises fees for written exams as well as practical assessments.

Once you have obtained your CPL, you might need further certification, called by the name of type rating, if you want to fly specific types of aircraft.

• A type rating is required to operate an aircraft, requiring particular training and a standard CPL course. Airlines often seek pilots with a particular type of rating to enable them to fly their aircraft.
• This additional training can cost a person around ₹15 Lakhs to ₹20 Lakhs, depending on the type of aircraft and training provider. It is vital for people who want to serve as pilots in commercial airlines.

Along with the major private pilot license cost in India, miscellaneous costs are to be taken into consideration as well:

• Accommodation Costs: If students must attend flight schools away from home, accommodation costs can be an added burden. This cost is dependent on the city from where you are taking aviation training, but on average, the accommodation cost can fall anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.

• Study Materials: Study materials are an essential part of the preparation for becoming a commercial pilot. The total cost of books and other online study materials can be between ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.

Considering all the costs incurred in commercial pilot training and the entire process of obtaining a commercial pilot license, the total cost in India falls in a bracket of ₹60 Lakhs to over ₹1 Crore.

Type of Training

Two main types of training are available in India for aspiring commercial pilots: conventional flight training and cadet programs. The former involves enrolling in a local flight school, while cadet programs are affiliated with airlines and provide structured pathways to employment. The latter have higher upfront costs but offer better job prospects.

So, deciding which training program best suits you is up to you. The cost of both programs differs, but it is very important to research the pluses and minuses of both and only then make a final call.

Location of the Flight Schools

The perks of living in megacities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc., and enrolling in a flight school there can be very beneficial. However, due to the higher costs of living and developed infrastructure, you will have to pay a lot more fees than a flight school located in Tier 2 or 3 cities.

Duration of the Course

The total length of the training program can also affect the overall commercial pilot license fees in India. Some programs provide accelerated training paths that might be more expensive but can lead to faster job placement, while others might take longer but offer more inclusive training.

While cadet programs might seem more expensive upfront because of their structured nature and possible job placements with airlines, they often offer valuable networking prospects that can lead directly to pilot jobs in India.

Many people wanting to become commercial pilots in India are looking for financial assistance because the fees for attaining a commercial pilot license are a bit higher. Here are some financing options available.

Bank Loans

Taking a loan from a bank to fund the commercial pilot training program is one of the most common options for people seeking financial assistance to cope with the cost of a CPL. Just as banks provide loans for houses, cars, etc., they offer loans for education, especially for becoming a pilot. A person must fulfil some criteria to become eligible to get a loan from the bank to fund the pilot training program. This might include being in the merit for class 12th, or some banks might also check the rep of the training institute.

Scholarships

Several organizations and flight schools provide scholarships based on merit or need. Exploring these prospects early can help decrease the burden of commercial pilot license costs in India. Some airlines in India sponsor cadet programs, which can also reduce the upfront cost for an aspiring pilot.

Payment Plans

Flexible payment plans offered by some flight schools allow students to pay tuition fees in EMIs rather than paying the entire amount in one go. This makes it a lot easier for aspiring pilots to come to terms with the expenses of tuition fees, training fees etc., when they are still undergoing training and the monetary flow is limited.

Aspiring pilots in India should meet more than a few key qualifications, such as education, age, medical, language proficiency, and flight training requirements.

Educational Qualifications

• One should have passed 12th standard with at least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics.

• He/ she should have a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board in these subjects.

Age Requirements

• A person should be at least 17 to apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL).

• A minimum of 18 years of age is mandatory to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Medical Fitness

• The DGCA mandates an aspiring commercial pilot to pass a Class 1 medical examination by DGCA-approved medical examiners.

• This assessment, done under this medical examination, comprises hearing ability, general health, vision and physical fitness.

Language Proficiency

• To become a commercial pilot in India, one must be proficient in Hindi and English. The latter is also considered the internal language of aviation.

• Based on the dynamics of the flight training school, aspiring commercial pilots might sometimes have to undergo an English proficiency test.

Flight Training Requirements

• One should complete at least 250 flying hours to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License.

• The training includes solo flying and instructors' instruction on several aviation manoeuvres.

Licensing Process

• An aspiring pilot must pass several examinations conducted by the DGCA.

• The subjects of these examinations include aviation meteorology, air navigation and air regulations.

• Passing the exams of these subjects is mandatory for aspiring pilots to follow their careers in commercial aviation.

The opportunities for commercial pilots in India are promising, and a substantial rise is expected in the future. As per the statistics of the International Air Transport Association, there will be around 7,000 more commercial pilots in India by 2027 than in 2023.

Becoming a pilot is a financially demanding journey that requires planning and commitment. The total cost in India varies from ₹60 Lakhs to over ₹1 Crore, depending on various factors, so aspiring pilots need to strategize financially before taking the plunge.

Air travel is expanding rapidly throughout India, and so are opportunities for pilots. With determination and research regarding training choices and finances, people could become successful commercial pilots and have fruitful aviation careers.

If you want the best preparation and training for becoming a commercial pilot in India, Flapone Aviation is an Institute where you should head. With experienced faculty and top-notch infrastructure, we give you all that is needed for you to become a successful pilot at a reasonable cost compared to others. So, what are you waiting for? If you are thinking of becoming a commercial pilot in India, think Flapone!