The pilot is a fantastic career choice for anyone. The job comes with the perks of a high salary package, social respect, and the opportunity to travel the world. In addition, patriots can give their contribution to national security by joining military aviation. Wondering how you can be a pilot? In this article, we’ll explain the procedure and requirements to become a pilot.
What are the types of pilots?
The three major types of pilots are airline private, private pilots, and military pilots. The first one transports people and goods for private airlines. Private pilots are independent pilots who people can hire to fly their private jets. Military pilots are air force pilots trained under them to carry out functions for the defence ministry.
What are the requirements to become a pilot?
The most critical requirement to become a pilot is to complete a 10+2 education with a science background. You can also get admission to a flight academy with a commerce background. However, such academies are few. The eligibility criteria to be a pilot is-
- Age must not be less than 17 years
- Must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry as subjects
- A medical certificate from the respective authorities
- Vision should be 6/6
How to become a pilot?
You can take two routes to become a pilot, namely- civil aviation and Indian Defence forces. In the first route, one can take admission to a flight academy offering required courses after finishing 12th. Admission can be on the basis of entrance exams, or marks scored in 10+2. In the second route, one must crack the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam at the said academy. Under the government, students who crack this exam undergo rigorous training for three years.
Step 1: Get a bachelor’s degree
The first step of becoming a pilot is to get a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution such as the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy and the Bombay Flying Club. The fees for commercial pilot training programs range from INR 15-20 Lakhs.
If you crack the NDA exam, you go through training at the NDA academy and then get flight experience.
Step 2: Acquire flying experience
Every pilot must have a required number of flight training hours to qualify as a pilot. For a private commercial licence, 250 hours whereas, for an airline pilot, 1500 hours of flight time is needed.
Step 3: Get a pilot’s licence
The next step is to give a written assessment of flying abilities and a physical examination to get a pilot’s licence. A pilot’s licence is quintessential in landing a job as a pilot.
Step 4: Complete additional tests and training
Many airlines require additional psychological tests as a precondition for employment. You can also do additional flight time or regional flight experience, which is beneficial in the long run.
Conclusion
Pilots are reputed members of society serving as the backbone of civil and military aviation. To become a pilot, you can take one of two routes: commercial licence education or NDA training, by cracking an entrance exam. Bachelor’s degree must be followed by flight time training and a licence assessment.
