Who is a Pilot?

Highly trained professionals who go through in-depth training for flying various kinds of aircraft are known as pilots. There are different specialization courses available for different types of aircraft. From learning to operate various types of aircraft such as passenger aircraft, goods aircraft, and mail aircraft, pilots are also responsible for maintaining the internal mechanisms of aircraft. There are different types of pilots based on what kind of streams and subjects, candidates pursue.

• Airline Transport Pilots – Those pilots who fly commercial planes by private airlines and transport customers are called airline transport pilots.
• Private Pilots – The ones who can afford a private jet, prefer to have private pilots who can fly them around at any time required.
• Sport Pilots – Sports Pilots are required to fly under 10,000 feet and mostly stay within a certain range.
• Flight Instructors – They work under a training institution where their job is to train other aspiring candidates on how to fly.
• Air Force Pilots – Trained under the country’s air force, they are experts in flying the armed jets and work under the defense ministry.

Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in any of the Aviation courses, you will be required to fulfill eligibility criteria as set by the institute or academy. Enlisted are the eligibility requirements to become a pilot after the 12th in India:

• Your age should not be less than 17 years to begin training
• You must have scored 50% in 10+2 which may vary as per the Institute requirement
• You must have studied MPC subjects [Maths, Physics, and Chemistry] along with English at the intermediate level
• If you are a non-science student, you may pursue the required subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling or as a private candidate from the respective state board
• You will need a medical certificate issued by the required authorities.

Step-by-Step process of becoming a Pilot in India?

Before providing you with a detailed guide on how to become a pilot after the 12th, let’s first give you an overview of the two routes you can take to become a pilot in India which are as follows:

Civil Aviation

(Taking the Non-Military Route through Commercial Pilot Training Programmes)

To take this route to become a pilot, you need to gain a commercial pilot certification from a certified authority which is the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation in India. As a commercial pilot, you will be flying a specific aircraft for an airline and many training academies around the world offer varied programs in Commercial Pilot Training and the essential eligibility requirement for the same is that the student must have completed 10+2 with science stream from a recognized board of education [more on this in the next section]. Here is a list of top flying schools across the globe that you must consider:

• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
• Flight Safety Academy
• Pan AM International Flying Academy
• Singapore Flying College
• CTC Wings, Europe

To explore training programs for this route, check out our blog on Commercial Pilot Courses!

Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

If you are willing to clear the competitive entrance exams for Indian Defence Forces, then taking the Airforce route to become a pilot is the suitable one for you. The shortlisted candidates from the rigorous admission process are trained for 3 years at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Here is the admission procedure to get into the Indian Defence Forces:

Pilot Entrance Exam After 12th – The pilot entrance exam after the 12th in India is the NDA Exam. By qualifying for the NDA exam, you can join the flying branch of IAF. It is a math-based and general ability exam comprising English, Geography, History, General Knowledge, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and Current Events as the main subjects.

SSB Interview – There are two stages of the interview:
1. Officer Intelligence Test & a Picture Perception and Discussion Test
2. Psychological tests are taken by a psychologist followed by group tasks and then a personal interview

Pilot Aptitude Test – Consists of written and machine tests to assess the candidate’s ability to read instruments as well as their mental strength and how efficiently they can perform in different circumstances.
This test must be cleared in the first attempt otherwise you will be deemed ineligible for the flying branch and can not apply again.

Medical Examination – The candidate’s height, weight, and eyesight are thoroughly examined.
Requirement

Step-by-Step Process of how to become a Pilot after 12

Stage 1: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree

An airline pilot requires a bachelor’s degree in any subject, whereas a commercial pilot usually needs a high school diploma or equivalent. Some of the flight schools are part of 2-4 year colleges/universities offering the desired aviation or aeronautics degree, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Pilot Courses after 12th

Opting for a Commercial Pilot Training [CPL] program after 10+2 is yet another way to become a pilot after 12th. For this, you will be required to clear an entrance exam, interview, and a medical test as set by the institute. The fees of Pilot Training courses after the 12th ranges from INR 15 Lakhs to 20 Lakhs and can also vary if you plan to study abroad. Here are the top institutes for Pilot Training courses after the 12th:

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
• Bombay Flying Club
• Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology 
• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
• National Flying Training Institute

Through NDA Exam

In India, the coveted NDA exam is a golden opportunity for those who want to become a pilot after the 12th. Upon completing the 3 years long course, you also have to attend flying training. Thereafter, you will work as a permanent commission officer.

Other Essential Details on How to Become a Pilot After 12th:

• It is necessary to clear the class 2 medical of DGCA
• Join an aviation institute
• Fly at least 200 hours
• Clear the exams
• Get the CPL certificate

Stage 2: Get the Flying Experience

If you are aspiring to become a pilot then, you are required to achieve a certain number of flight training hours to earn a license. The training hours depend upon the desired type of pilot program. For instance, for a commercial pilot’s license, 250 hours of flying is needed, and 1,500 hours of flight time for an airline pilot. Formal training equips you with basic education, however, to gain in-depth knowledge and experience, you can hire a personal instructor or even join the military for exposure. 

Explore MBA in Aviation Management

Stage 3: Earn a Pilot’s License

The first step is to complete the required number of hours of flight experience, followed by a written assessment exhibiting your flying abilities and clearing the physical test. The key is to be confident and prepared. The list of major pilot licensing issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in each country is as follows:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)
• Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL)
• Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL)
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFL)

In the US, certification is regulated by the FAA, while Transport Canada issues licensing in Canada. In most European nations, including the UK, Switzerland, Greece, France, and many more, licensing is furnished by the National Aviation Authority. 

Further, based on the type of pilot you want to become, the age requirements for a license will vary.

• Student Pilot License – 16 years
• Private Pilot License – 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License – 18 years

Stage 4: Complete Additional Training and Tests

A lot of airline companies require pilots to take aptitude and psychological tests as a precondition for employment. Once placed, pilots undergo further weeks of training and flight experience to get a hang of an adventure as co-pilots. Securing a prior experience with a regional airline company is always beneficial in the long run if you later plan to join a major airline. 

Stage 5: Advance as an Airline Pilot

Leaping from pilot to the rank of a captain completely depends on seniority and experience. You will have to clear additional FAA written and practical exams to obtain more flight ratings. You can continue learning and exploring the changes in the industry. Enriching seminars and webcasts are extended by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) for mastering and growth. 

Where to Pursue Pilot Courses after 12?

These are some of the globally recognized colleges, universities, and academies catering to providing foundational and technical skills essential to building your career as a professional pilot:

• Purdue University
• University of North Dakota
• Ohio State University
• San Jose State University
• Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
• Academy College
• Hallmark University
• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
• Rio Salado College
• Heroism Flight Academy
• Flight Safety Academy
• Singapore Flying College
• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

Best Indian Colleges

To study and train for a Pilot in India, here are some of the most renowned colleges in the country.

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
• Bombay Flying Club
• Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology 
• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
• National Flying Training Institute
• Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited
• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy
• Indigo Cadet Training Program 
• Government Aviation Training Institute
• Puducherry Thakur College of Aviation
• Government Flying Club 
• Orient Flying School
• Institute of Aviation and Aviation Safety