One way to make those dreams come true is to become a commercial pilot. It is also one of the most exciting and well-paid jobs in the aviation industry. A Commercial Pilot is a professional who has been trained to fly a commercial plane. It's a very specialized job where you learn how to control an airplane in all kinds of weather and make sure it's safe. In this job, you'll also learn how to read and understand reports from the weather office and lead the cabin crew and passengers. As a pilot, you are in charge of hundreds of people's lives and are responsible for getting them from one place to another.
 

How does a person in India qualify to become a commercial pilot?

 

If you want to become a pilot in India, it is necessary to have a CPL or a Commercial Pilot License. In addition to this, you should be medically fit. To determine this, you should pass the DGCA Class-I medical assessment. There are theory exams as well before you apply for the Commercial Pilot License. You also need to train from a reputed and DGCA-approved institution and complete 200 hours of flying. Additionally, there are some more things to keep in mind, as mentioned below -
 

A Stepwise Guide 
 

1. You must have passed 10+2 with maths and physics / Diploma equivalent.

2. In India, if you aspire to become a commercial pilot, you must have a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) from DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). There are some minimum requirements by DGCA that one needs to complete to have a CPL:

• ​​100 hours pilot in command (PIC)

• 250 nautical miles cross country check

• 40 hours instrument flight out of which 20 may be on a simulator

• 50 hours solo cross country

• 120 nautical miles check

• 15 hours multi-engine

• 300 nautical miles solo cross country

• 10 take offs and landings by night

These requirements can be fulfilled by a DGCA authorized flying school by enrolling for commercial pilot training course

3. Medicals: One needs to be 100% sure that they are medically fit to fly by clearing Class II and Class I medicials.

4. Theory Papers: Along with 200 hours of flying you need to pass the DGCA CPL theory exams and RTR exam as well.

5. After you are placed, there are some additional training and tests which vary from one airline to another

6. Initially, you start as a co-pilot and gain the necessary experience. There are advancements even after becoming a pilot. Your promotion from the rank of a pilot to that of a captain will be decided on the basis of your seniority and experience. Of course, each step of the way, there are written and practical exams to test your skills.

 

Important Characteristics for becoming a Good Commercial Pilot - The Five Cs
 

#1 Commitment

The most important quality to possess while studying aviation is dedication. If you want to have a career as a pilot, you have to have a strong desire to do it. It is not only challenging but also costly, cumbersome, and time-consuming. You can get through this ordeal, but only if you have the determination to do so. Self-motivation is another essential quality for a successful pilot to possess.

 

#2 Confidence

When it comes to so many aspects of life, confidence is essential, but this is particularly true when you are in charge of commanding a plane through the air. If you are monitoring a storm system on the radar, for instance, there will come a time when you will need to choose whether or not to land your aircraft, as well as figure out the most effective way to navigate around the storm. To make these kinds of choices, you need to have a lot of self-confidence.

 

#3 Communication

One of the most crucial skills for a pilot to have is the ability to communicate effectively with his or her fellow pilots, the cabin crew, and the technical team on the ground. As a result, all professionals in the aviation industry including pilots have a huge responsibility to improve their level of communication to minimize the risk of accidents

 

#4 Calmness and composure 

The ability to maintain composure and a level head is essential for pilots, particularly in critical circumstances. Even in the event that something unexpected does take place, a competent pilot is able to keep their mind clear and remain focused on piloting the aircraft. Maintaining your calm in the face of potentially life-threatening circumstances is essential to ensuring not just your own safety but also the safety of others around you throughout flying experiences.

 

#5 Fitness

Fitness for duty is one of the top safety focus areas, and it should address physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive facets that are important to a pilot's employment. Fitness for duty is mentioned among the top safety focus categories. Therefore, if you want to become a pilot, it is vital to both have a well-conditioned physical and a good mental state.