What comes to mind when you consider becoming a pilot?
Perhaps the thrill of flying in the air-thousands of feet above the ground, traveling through clouds that feel like heaven, or getting a chance to explore different places and cultures.
Probably! However, being a good commercial pilot takes a lot of skills and responsibilities.
If you are wondering how to accomplish this, this blog is just for you!
In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of becoming a commercial pilot and the roles and responsibilities that can help you choose the right career path for yourself!
What is a commercial pilot?
Let us first understand what a commercial pilot is!
A commercial pilot is responsible for operating aircraft and transporting
passengers and freight. Depending on your career choice, you can either work for private airlines, or you may choose to fly private jets, choppers, and non-passenger aircraft.
To become a commercial pilot, you must pass the written and practical exams, obtain a private pilot’s certificate, and complete a specific number of hours of supervised flying.
Now that you’ve seen what it takes to be a commercial pilot let’s look at how you can professionally turn your dream of becoming a pilot into a reality by following the steps required for your education and qualifications.
How to Become a Pilot: The Indian Context
Before flying an aircraft, you need to fulfill several requirements to become a commercial pilot!
Here we have listed some of them for your reference:
- Education requirements:
The first criterion is having 10+2 with maths and physics as the main subjects. However, if you have not studied science before, you can still be eligible by enrolling in bridge courses in these subjects.
- SPL:
Once you fit the educational criteria, you need to obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL). To obtain SPL, you need to be 18 and join a DGCA-approved flying school. Once that is done, you need to pass the written test, go through an oral interview, and fulfill medical fitness requirements to qualify for an SPL.
- PPL:
Once you have got the SPL, it’s time to get a Private Pilot License (PPL). To become a qualified private pilot, you must fly for approximately 60 hours, including solo and dual flights with an instructor. Moreover, you need to pass a written exam and a practical flying test conducted by the DGCA.
- CPL:
Finally, you can opt for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), when you have got SPL and PPL. This is the final stage of completing the total flying hours of 200 hours, which include night flying, instrument flying, and cross-country flights.
CPL includes subjects like radio telephony, navigation, weather, aviation regulations, and other skill sets.
- Medical Certificate:
When obtaining a pilot license, you need to pass the medical test is the last step in becoming a commercial pilot. You must pass the physical and mental fitness tests and obtain a class 1 medical certificate from DGCA-authorized medical examiners.
With proper instruction and supervision, you can clear these examinations and become a commercial pilot.
Roles & Responsibilities of a Commercial Pilot
Now that you’ve understood how to become a pilot let’s look at the various tasks and responsibilities of being a commercial pilot, guaranteeing every flight’s safe and effective operation.
The duties of a commercial pilot extend beyond simply operating an aircraft. This position entails accepting accountability for efficiently operating flights and guaranteeing passenger safety along with some others.
To give you a sense of what the job entails, here are some of the primary duties and responsibilities:
- Pre-flight planning –
Pre-flight planning requires the pilot to check the weather, determine the best routes, check the fuel level, and ensure all safety procedures are followed before taking off.
While flying an airplane, you must keep an eye on the instruments, control the navigation system, and continuously communicate with the ATC to stay informed about the weather.
- Passenger safety:
Being a pilot, you also need to ensure the safety of everyone traveling with you. In the event of an emergency or other unfavorable circumstance, how you handle them is crucial as they put all of their trust in you.
Following your safe arrival at your destination, you must provide a thorough report on the flight, the airplane, and whatever services may be required. You must also alert the management and ground personnel of any technical issues.
Salary and Lifestyle of a Pilot
Becoming a commercial pilot demands quite a bit of both time and money. However, the advantages are just as fantastic as the field!
A pilot’s average salary is determined by parameters such as the type of airplane, number of working hours, and level of expertise. Although the salaries may vary from place to place worldwide, a commercial pilot’s monthly earnings should be between 1.5 to 1.6 lacs in India.
Apart from the salary, there are additional benefits to working in this business, including complimentary or discounted travel, health benefits, and the opportunity to visit many national and international places while on the job.
The job involves unpredictable working hours, jet lag, and managing multiple jobs simultaneously. A pilot must be mentally and physically prepared to fly to be alert and concentrated.
How InfinFly Can Help You Become a Pilot
With a deep understanding of the life of a commercial pilot, Infinifly is here, ready to help you begin your journey toward your ambition and be the guiding light you need.
InfinFly is your reliable partner in transforming your aviation dreams into reality. InfinFly specializes in pilot training and career counseling and helps aspiring pilots like you at every level of their journey.
InfinFly offers experienced support for gaining your Student Pilot License (SPL) as well as carrying out the challenging requirements for your Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Our holistic packages include guidance on how to clear medicals, prepare individuals for tests, and access to the best educational facilities.
At Infinifly, we assure students have the proper training to meet the criteria set by the DGCA and excel in their careers.
Additionally, we also offer assistance in job placements at some of the top airlines and aviation companies.
Infinifly helps you achieve your license and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your career. Let Infinifly be the first step towards your success!
