Commercial Pilot

Flying high

Introduction:

Commercial pilot is an exciting career for those with an adventurous bent of mind. Apart from being highly lucrative, it is more attractive because one can travel to many places. Commercial pilots should have thorough knowledge about air navigation, meteorological reports and sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provides recognition to the institutes to conduct training to pilots.

Eligibility:

1. Aspirants aged minimum 16 years must have completed 10+2 in science stream to possess a Student Pilot License (SPL). After procuring a SPL one must register at any of the flying clubs recognized by the DGCA.
2. To register, candidates must produce a security clearance certificate, medical certificate and bank guarantee. Subsequent to registration, students are questioned orally on various subjects such as Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Air Navigation and Engine to gauge their knowledge. Students are given SPL on successful completion of this examination.
3. The next step is obtaining the Private Pilot License (PPL). It is a 60-hour training of which 15 hours are dual flights, i.e., flying with the instructor. This is followed by 30 hour solo flying. Subsequent to this you must complete a five-hour cross country flight. On successful completion of flying candidates should take up the PPL exam. It comprises subjects such as Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aircraft Engines and Seamanship. Candidates must have completed 17 years of age to appear for this exam and have a minimum educational qualification of 10+2. A medical Fitness Certificate from the Armed Forces Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) is mandatory.
4. It is only after obtaining the PPL candidates are eligible for Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It required 250 hours of flight, which is inclusive of the 60-hour PPL flight. A medical fitness test, which is held at New Delhi, is mandatory. Examination papers comprise subjects such as Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Technical, Planning and Radio Communication and Wireless Transmission. For professional assignments a CPL is a must.
5. Those possessing attributes such as physical fitness, stamina, punctuality, commitment, sense of responsibility, patience would be suitable for this profession.

Jobs and careers:

The liberalized policies of the government has paved for private players to enter into airlines business. This has opened up many opportunities for commercial pilots. Apart from this, one can also find employment in the government sector.