Career as a Pilot
Flying an aircraft is an adventurous career option. However, one needs to be focused and concentrate on the job as you will be responsible for flying hundreds of passengers from one destination to another.
How do I reach my goal !Step 1: Science is a must in 10 2 with English, Physics and Mathematics as core subjects
Step 2: You have to get at least 50% in your 10 2 board exam to be eligible for a pilot course
Step 3: Undergo pilot training in DGCA approved institutes
Step 4: To get a commercial pilot license it is mandatory to complete 200 hours of flying and clear theory papers. One has to undergo a medical fitness test which is a very tough one.
Step 5: You get further training on the job by working as a co-pilot before becoming a captain
Do you have it in you- Physical and mental fitness to fly long hours
- Ability to take split second decisions
- Mental strength and courage to face challenges as that of a hijack to flying in bad weather
- Mastery over machines and equipments
- Technical bend of mind
PerksThough starting salaries for commercial pilots might be less for fewer flying hours behind their experience, a co-pilot can expect to get around Rs 80.000 to Rs 1.5 lkh per month. Senior pilots can earn more than Rs 2 lakh per month depending upon the airline. Other than the salary the perks also include flying to new countries and places and meeting new people.
Pros and Cons of a Commercial PilotPros- Good starting salary
- Exciting job that takes you to new places and countries
- Lots of opportunities within India as the aviation sector is getting a boost
Cons- Very high training cost which can be anything between Rs 15- Rs 20 lakh
- Fatigue might set in after long hours of flying
- Staying away from family for long periods
- High risk job as you are responsible for the lives of many people
Pilot Training Institutes- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Uttar Pradesh
- Flying Training Institute, Behala, Calcutta
- Government Aviation Training Institute, Civil aerodrome, Bhubaneswar
- Karnal Aviation Club, Kunjpura Road, Karnal, Haryana
- Government Flying Club, Aerodrome, Lucknow
- School of Aviation Science and Technology, Delhi Flying Club Ltd, New Delhi
- State Civil Aviation, UP Govt Flying Training Center Kanpur and Varanasi
- Rajasthan State Flying School, Sanganer Airport, Jaipur
- Govt Flying Training School Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore
- Andhra Pradesh Flying Club Hyderabad Airport, Hyderabad
- Assam Flying Club, Guwahati Airport, Guwahati
- Bihar Flying Institute, Civil Aerodrome, Patna, Bihar
Entrance Exam for admission to Pilot Training Schools:The test comprises English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Where to workWith the aviation sector getting a boost from the Government in India, commercial pilots are in great demand. You can find work as a commercial pilot in various private airlines and government airlines.
You can also fly in other countries like the UK, US, France provided you obtain a flying license from the country you wish to work in.
