How to become a pilot?

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Author: DR.N.V. Srinivasa Rao      Post Date: 22 May 2023        
We are seeing a tremendous increase in the number of air passengers. Many private players are coming and operating flights. Now almost all cities in India are connected directly or indirectly by air. So the requirement for pilots is increasing. Pilots are highly trained professionals. A pilot should be alert and should concentrate on his job while on duty. Based on the seating capacity of the aircraft, the lives of so many people sitting in the aircraft will be in the hands of the pilot. Sometimes we hear about the alertness of the pilot which averted major accidents. In my view, a pilot should have peace of mind while operating a flight and should not have anything else on his mind.

Types of Pilots:

The following are the various types of pilots.
1. Pilots who fly planes and transport customers are called airline transport pilots. Our passenger flights are operated by these pilots only.

2. Private Pilots: People who are having their flights can appoint pilots for their flights and they are called private pilots. How we employ drivers for our cars, the owners of aircraft can appoint these pilots so that they can fly them anywhere they want.

3. Airforce pilots: These are the pilots who work in the air force of Indian Defence. They will fly armed aircraft and work for the defence of the country.

4. Instructors: Some pilots after some years of experience may join flying institutes and train the upcoming pilots.

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility criteria for a person to become a pilot are as follows.

1. The candidate should complete 17 years of age.

2. The candidate should complete his 12th class or equivalent examination in English, physics, chemistry and mathematics. Generally, many institutes ask for 50% marks as a minimum. But this percentage may vary from institute to institute. These days some organisations are asking for graduation.

3. Students who have not studied MPC can study as private candidates or through NIOs and qualify while getting trained.

4. Candidate should produce a medical certificate and physical fitness certificate before joining.

How To become a pilot:

There are two ways to become a pilot.

1, Civil Aviation: To become a pilot in civil aviation one should have a commercial pilot certification from a certified authority. In India, the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation in India is the authority that can give these certificates. Many training academies around the world will offer training to interested persons. The eligibility criteria are as mentioned above.

The following are some of the training institutes:
1. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
2. Bombay Flying Club
3. Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology
4. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
5. National Flying Training Institute

The candidate should complete a minimum of 200 hours flying in the flying institute. Then clear the examination and get the commercial pilot licence from DGCA.

2. Indian defence forces: To become a pilot, one should join the air force by clearing the NDA examination. One can attend the NDA examination after completing the 12th class or equivalent examination. Once the NDA examination is cleared there will be a two-stage interview and then a pilot aptitude test. Once cleared all the staged candidate has to undergo a medical examination and once found suitable, the candidate will be given training.


Skills Required:

In addition to the above a person having the following skill sets may be required for a pilot.

1. Technical skills that are essential for operating an aircraft.

2. The person should be able to think logically and should be able to take decisions based on the situation.

3. The person should be aware of the existing environmental conditions and situations around

4. Good communication skills.

5. The person should be able to focus and concentrate on his job and should be a disciplined individual.

6. The person should be mentally stable.

7. The individual should have leadership qualities.

I strongly believe that a person with the above skills will only excel in the profession.
Author: Hakimuddin Kuwakhedawala      Post Date: 27 May 2023        

Introduction


Becoming a pilot is a dream shared by many individuals who are fascinated by the exhilaration of soaring through the clouds and exploring the world from above. While the journey towards becoming a pilot requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for aviation, it is a rewarding and fulfilling career path. In this article, we will outline the essential steps to guide you on your path to becoming a pilot.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals


The first step in your journey to becoming a pilot is to set clear goals. Determine the type of pilot you want to be, whether it's a commercial airline pilot, private pilot, or military pilot. Research different pilot careers to understand the requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities associated with each path. Setting specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.

Step 2: Research Aviation Regulations and Requirements


Aviation regulations and requirements vary from country to country. It is crucial to research and understand the specific requirements set by the aviation authority in your jurisdiction. Some common prerequisites for becoming a pilot include:

  • Age: Most countries require pilots to be at least 18 years old to obtain a private pilot license. However, the minimum age for a commercial pilot license is typically 21.

  • Medical Fitness: Pilots must undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet the physical and mental fitness standards set by the aviation authority.

  • Education:While a college degree is not always mandatory, having a solid educational background, especially in subjects like mathematics and physics, can be beneficial.

Step 3: Choose the Right Flight School


Choosing the right flight school is crucial in your journey to becoming a pilot. Research and compare different flight schools based on their reputation, quality of training, aircraft fleet, instructor qualifications, and cost. Visit the schools personally, if possible, to get a feel for the environment and speak with current students or instructors to gather insights.

Step 4: Obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL)


The private pilot license is the first milestone on your path to becoming a pilot. The PPL allows you to fly aircraft for recreational purposes. To obtain a PPL, you must:

  1. Complete the required flight training: This involves a minimum number of flight hours, which may vary depending on the aviation authority. Flight training typically covers basic flight manoeuvres, navigation, emergency procedures, and more.

  2. Pass a written exam: Study the aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, and other relevant subjects to prepare for the written exam.
  3. Pass a practical flight test: Demonstrate your proficiency in flying by completing a practical flight test conducted by an authorized examiner.

Step 5: Advance to Commercial Pilot Training


If your goal is to become a commercial pilot, you will need to advance beyond the private pilot license. The requirements for a commercial pilot license (CPL) typically include:

  • Flight experience: Accumulate a minimum number of flight hours, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction. This often includes specific flight time requirements during day and night, cross-country flights, and instrument flying.

  • Additional ground training: Expand your knowledge in areas such as advanced navigation, aviation weather, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and human factors.

  • Written exam and practical flight test: Similar to the PPL, you will need to pass both a written exam and a practical flight test to obtain your CPL.

Step 6: Build Flight Experience


After obtaining your commercial pilot license, it is crucial to gain flight experience to enhance your skills and increase your employability. Consider opportunities such as flight instructor positions, aerial surveying, cargo operations, or regional airlines to accumulate the flight hours required for more advanced roles.

Step 7: Pursue Advanced Certifications or Ratings


To broaden your career prospects and increase your earning potential, consider pursuing advanced certifications or ratings. These may include instrument ratings, multi-engine ratings, flight instructor ratings, or type ratings for specific aircraft models.

Conclusion


Becoming a pilot is an exciting and rewarding journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a love for aviation. By setting clear goals, researching requirements, selecting the right flight school, obtaining the necessary licenses, and gaining flight experience, you can turn your dream of soaring through the skies into a reality. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key as you embark on this thrilling career path.
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