How To Become A Pilot After 12th

Applying for a pilot position in the aviation industry is more than just a job; it is a prestigious role carrying great power and responsibility, as pilots are entrusted with ensuring the safety of all passengers. In India's flourishing aviation sector, airline staff includes pilots, flight attendants, technical personnel, and more.

Due to the current demand, there is no better time than now for someone to pursue pilot training after completing grade twelve, especially since some students choose to skip traditional high school altogether before embarking on this career path.

What Does Being a Pilot Mean?

Being a pilot involves much more than simply controlling an aircraft. There are numerous essential responsibilities and potential benefits associated with this profession.

Pilots have the opportunity to travel extensively and immerse themselves in the cultures and traditions of various countries, making it an exhilarating career choice. They encounter diverse experiences during their employment.

Pilots, especially in the commercial aviation sector, often enjoy substantial earning potential due to attractive compensation packages that may include allowances and incentives.

The aviation industry's ongoing demand for pilots ensures job security and opportunities for career advancement.

Pilots can pursue employment with international airlines as well as regional carriers, thereby contributing to airport development in different countries and creating additional job opportunities.

Licence and Certification to Become a Pilot

• PPL: A private pilot licence (PPL) allows the holder to fly private planes and smaller jets. They can't fly commercial planes. They fly private planes for the rich and the government.
• CPL: The commercial pilot licence (CPL) is the most coveted credential for aspiring pilots who have completed high school. Only individuals holding a valid CPL can fly large airline commercial planes.
• ATPL: ATPL is the highest level of aviation certification. With the licence, pilots can fly commercially as Captains or First Officers. If you want to fly a Boeing 787 or Airbus A330, the ATPL is your ticket. In addition to flying, the ATPL requires leadership, passenger safety, and complicated system navigation in high-stakes situations. The licence turns pilots into captains.
• A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): CFI is a professional pilot who is permitted by aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, to conduct flight training to pupils.
• A Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL) certification enables pilots to operate multi-engine aircraft for remuneration or hire, broadening their career options and flying skills in sophisticated multi-engine aircraft.

Training and Experience

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recognized the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy as an approved flight school for aspiring pilots. Here, students undergo rigorous training sessions where they learn the fundamentals of aviation and acquire some real flying time. As they advance, they are given flight hours as a reward for passing DGCA-conducted exams and earning different licences (200 hours is required for a CPL). Passing these tests and the pilot entrance exam after 12th is a stepping stone to becoming a certified pilot, which means becoming proficient and obeying aviation standards.  

Cost of Studying Pilot Courses

A number of factors, such as the desired licence type, the selected university, training expenditures, etc., determine the total cost of the pilot course. Courses leading to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) typically cost between INR 15 and 40 lakhs (approx.). Classroom instruction, flight simulator time, and classroom instruction all cost this much.

Prospective pilots should budget for not only tuition but also licence fees, which have the potential to rise sharply. The cost will determine whether you want a PPL, CPL, or ATPL licence.

In addition, students need to plan ahead for housing, living expenses, study materials, and exam fees. These additional expenses can differ based on factors such as the school's location, the hostel chosen, and the user's lifestyle, which may cost INR 5-10 Lakhs per year abroad. 

Types of Pilots

• Charter Pilot

Commonly called an "Air Taxi," this pilot takes passengers to predetermined locations. You can work with existing charter airlines or start a private charter business.

• Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots fly smaller aircraft for minor airlines, transporting people and goods over shorter distances. Because this vocation keeps you closer to home and requires fewer overnight travels, it is popular among younger hopefuls.

• Corporate Pilot

Flies smaller turboprops and jets for private companies or people, most often to help transport corporate executives to meetings.

• Fighter Pilot

Often called a Military Pilot, this career path prepares individuals to fly military aircraft for the Air Force or the Army and transport riders and freight. Combat in the air also involves fighter pilots.

• Airline Pilot

An airline pilot is somebody who flies a plane that transports people and goods regularly over longer distances and on a set schedule worldwide. This is the ideal profession for pilots.

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Steps to Become a Pilot

Becoming a pilot requires a lot of dedication, training, and meeting specific requirements. Here's how to become a pilot after 12th:

• Educational Qualifications: Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Physical Fitness: Physical fitness should meet medical standards set by aviation authorities.
• Choose a Path: Decide whether to become a commercial, private, or military pilot.
• Enrol in a Flight School: Register at an aviation authority-recognized flight school or academy.
• Flight Training: Take comprehensive flight training sessions to give you hands-on flying experience.
• Ground School: Finish theoretical coursework that covers principles of aviation, regulations, and safety procedures, among others.
• Obtain Licences: Work towards getting necessary licences, depending on your career goals, such as a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Accumulate Flight Hours: Gain more flight hours to be eligible for advanced licences and ratings, which require a minimum number of hours.
• Pass Examinations: Pass both written and practical exams conducted by aviation authorities.
  

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for Pilot Job

To be selected for a position as an aircraft pilot, one must meet specific requirements and follow a guided entrance process. The detailed eligibility criteria for the pilot entrance exam after 12th is as follows:

• Finishing school education up until 12th standard which should include physics, chemistry & maths.
• Passing medical tests meant for evaluating physical fitness according to standards set by aviation regulatory bodies.
• Gaining licences and certifications is required by enrolling in approved flight training schools.
• Having good communication skills together with problem-solving abilities.
• Showing high-level spatial awareness capability combined with multi-tasking under pressure in time-constrained situations.
• Being flexible enough to accommodate irregular work hours/days off imbalances imposed by different working environments, such as airports, etc.

Post Study Work Opportunities

Completing a pilot course opens up numerous career paths in the aviation industry. Below is a list of some relevant job titles with average salaries and lifestyle information:

• Commercial Airline Pilot
• Charter Pilot
• Flight Instructor
• Corporate Pilot
• Cargo Pilot
• Agricultural Pilot
• Helicopter Pilot 

The aviation industry offers diverse roles, each with its unique challenges and rewards. The salaries are generally high, reflecting the level of skill, training, and responsibility involved in these roles.

The path to becoming a pilot after completing your 12th grade is a journey filled with dedication, hard work, and a passion for the skies. It's a career that not only promises the thrill of flying but also offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards.