Complete Guide to Becoming a Commercial Pilot

Your comprehensive roadmap to joining the aviation industry and soaring high in the skies as a professional pilot

What is a Commercial Pilot?

A Commercial Pilot is a licensed aviator who operates aircraft for compensation or hire. They fly passengers, cargo, or perform specialized aviation services for airlines, charter companies, cargo carriers, and other aviation organizations.

Commercial pilots must hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and maintain strict medical and proficiency standards throughout their career.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safe operation of aircraft
  • Pre-flight inspection and planning
  • Weather analysis and route planning
  • Communication with air traffic control
  • Emergency procedures and safety protocols

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Indian Citizenship required

Education

12th with Physics and Mathematics (min 50%)

Age Limit

17-32 years for commercial pilot license

Vision

6/6 vision (correctable) and color vision normal

Additional Requirements

English Proficiency: ICAO Level 4 minimum
Medical Certificate: Class 1 Medical valid

Pilot License Types & Training

Student Pilot License (SPL)

6 months
40 flying hours
₹8-12 lakhs
Basic training license for learning fundamentals

Private Pilot License (PPL)

6-12 months
40 flying hours
₹15-25 lakhs
For private flying, not commercial operations

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

18-24 months
250 flying hours
₹35-50 lakhs
Required for commercial airline operations

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

3-5 years
1500 flying hours
₹60-80 lakhs
Highest level license for airline captains

Medical Requirements

Class 1 Medical Certificate from DGCA
Normal color vision and depth perception
Good cardiovascular health
No history of serious mental illness
Normal hearing ability
Height: 157.5 cm to 193 cm
BMI within acceptable limits
No substance abuse history

Key Study Areas

Air Navigation
Aviation Meteorology
Aircraft Technical
Air Regulations
Aviation Medicine
Radio Telephony
Flight Planning
Aircraft Systems

Top Flight Training Schools in India

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)

Fursatganj, UP
Government
18 months

CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

Gondia, Maharashtra
Private
18 months

Bombay Flying Club

Mumbai
Private
12-18 months

Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology

Secunderabad
Government
18 months

Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics

Ahmedabad
Private
18 months

Wings Aviation Academy

Pune
Private
18 months

Career Progression & Salary Structure

Trainee Pilot

0-1 year
₹1.5-3 lakhs/month

First Officer

1-5 years
₹3-8 lakhs/month

Senior First Officer

5-8 years
₹8-15 lakhs/month

Captain

8-15 years
₹15-25 lakhs/month

Senior Captain

15-25 years
₹25-35 lakhs/month

Chief Pilot/Training Captain

25+ years
₹35-50 lakhs/month

Training Process Timeline

1

Medical Examination

Obtain Class 1 Medical Certificate from DGCA authorized medical examiner

2

Ground Training

Complete theoretical subjects and pass DGCA written examinations

3

Flight Training

Complete required flying hours with certified flight instructor

4

Skill Test

Pass practical flying test with DGCA examiner

5

License Issue & Job Search

Receive CPL and begin applying for airline positions

Essential Resources & Links

Official Websites

DGCA Official Website
Regulations, medical requirements, and licensing
IGRUA
Leading government pilot training academy

Career Tips

  • Maintain excellent physical and mental health
  • Build strong English communication skills
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Stay updated with aviation technology
  • Consider additional ratings and endorsements