Are you looking for a career that is full of adventure and excitement? Have you ever dreamed of piloting a plane? If so, becoming a pilot after 12th grade may be the perfect career for you!
This blog post will discuss what it takes to become a commercial pilot and an IAF pilot after 12th grade, including the steps to take and the qualifications needed.
We will also discuss how to become a pilot after 12th, how long it takes to get your wings, what sort of salaries you can expect, and how to find the right flight school. So if you’re ready to take to the skies, read on to learn more about becoming a professional pilot after 12th grade!
Different Ways to Become a Pilot after 12th
If you are looking for a career full of adventure and excitement, then IAF and Commercial Pilot are perfect. Both require considerable knowledge and skill, but different options are available in each field.
- Indian Air Force (IAF): To become an IAF pilot after 12th grade, you must qualify to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). Aspirants can also be air force pilots by joining Short Service Commission (SSC).
- Commercial Pilot: Becoming a commercial pilot requires following the steps provided below:
- Attend Ground School or Aviation Degree / Diploma
- Appear for CPL Exam
- Complete the required Flight hours & Pass the medical examination
- Obtain Commercial Pilot Licence from DGCA after completion of pilot courses
- Find Employer/ Freelance jobs/ Operate Charter service
Related: 05 Easy Steps to Join Indian Air force After 12th
Entrance Exams for Pilots after 12th
To become a pilot after 12th, you may study and clear one of the following entrance exams. Please read the eligibility criteria before applying for the exams.
- NDA: National Defence Academy conducted by UPSC
- AFCAT: Air Force Common Admission Test conducted by Indian Air Force. (Graduate Level)
- CDSE: Combined Defence Services Exam conducted by UPSC. (Graduate Level)
- NATS: National Aptitude Test in Architecture conducted by COA.
- EASA: European Aviation Safety Agency Licensing Examination.
- IGRUA: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi Entrance Test (IGRUAT) conducted by IGRUA.
- CPL: Commercial Pilot License Examination conducted by a Flying School.
- AME CET: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test conducted by Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Related: 13 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs
Pilot Training institutes in India & Abroad
The following flying training institutes are available if you want to learn to fly. You will get training from certified flight instructors in these institutes. These institutes offer various aviation courses.
- National Cadet Corps, India: This institute provides basic aviation training and Flight Operations, including ground classes, orientation flight, recreational flying and more.
- Flytech Aviation Academy, India: Offers, Commercial Pilot Training Courses in Bangalore, including Airline Pilot Training Courses and Helicopter Pilot Training Courses.
- Emirates Aviation University: Emirates Aviation University is based in Dubai. It offers various pilot training courses for aspiring pilots, from Associate degrees to Professional Pilot Licences, Cabin Crew & Air Traffic Control Training Programs & MORE.
- Real Flight Academy: Real Flight Academy is based in the United Kingdom. It provides CAT A/B PPL Theory & Practical courses as well as Private and Commercial aircraft & Helicopter Pilot programs with multiple airlines simulator exams and rigorous preparation methods with experienced staff support from around the globe.
- American Flyers: American Flyers is a more than 80 years old institute. And provides FAA-approved professional pilot certification programs across the USA; different courses cover all stages of private pilots license to commercial pilot licenses for both single engine & multi-engine aircraft with FAA-approved simulators, complete aircraft maintenance support & safety gears etc.
- FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is one of the oldest and top aviation training centres worldwide, providing flexibility to join the course at your location or their main campus. They offer a complete range of training programs -Initial, Recurrent or Specialised advanced flight training for pilots, cabin crew, Aircraft mechanics, and Dispatcher courses.
- Bombay Flying Club: Bombay Flying Club has been a distinguished flight school in Mumbai, India since it was established in 1928. Bombay Flying Club, with experienced instructors, has gained the trust of students, private jet operators and commercial airlines. A range of courses catering to Private Pilots License (PPL). We have developed many courses for commercial pilots license (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating. Get trained with up-to-date equipment, certified flight simulators and quality material. We offer facilitated financial assistance and FAA ground certification preparation classes, and regularly update background checks to ensure our students get the best training needed for the aviation industry.
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademy (IGRUA) is located in Fursatganj, Uttar Pradesh. IGRUA is one of India’s foremost flight training centres and amongst the most respected in the world. Established in 1985 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, IGRUA offers training to aspiring pilots who wish to pursue a career in aviation. The Academy provides an intense 13-month integrated course program that covers theoretical education, pre-flight and flight training at its purpose-built airfield.
Finding the Right Flight School
Choosing the right flight school is crucial for your success as a pilot after 12th grade. You must choose a school with experienced instructors and resources to help you attain your goals as quickly as possible.
To find the right school for your needs, you should consider its location, cost, reputation, and qualifications of its staff members.
Additionally, check if they offer support services such as visa assistance and financial aid to help make your studies easier or smoother. Furthermore, visit different flight schools in India before committing so that you make an informed decision!
How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India After 12th?
- Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation: To become a commercial pilot, a candidate must pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in aviation from any recognised university.
- Get Your Pilot Licence: After completing your degree program, the student needs to obtain their Private Pilot License (PPL). The candidate must have at least 20 hours of flying experience before getting their licence.
- Obtain Medical Certificate: Once the student has obtained their PPL, they need to get a medical certificate from an authorised medical examiner approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This certificate is necessary to fly solo as it tests the student pilot’s vision and hearing abilities, and physical condition.
- Acquire Commercial Training: After obtaining PPL and Medical Certificate, it’s time for students to obtain commercial training that meets all standards set by DGCA. This training requires at least 35 hours of flight time, depending on one’s area of expertise.
- Pass Commercial Pilot Exam: After fulfilling all training requirements, now it’s time for candidates to appear and pass the commercial pilot exam conducted by the DGCA. Passing this exam will make them eligible for obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
- Get Job Opportunities: Once you have achieved your ATPL, you are now allowed to apply for job opportunities available with various airlines across India and around the world!
How to Become an Indian Air Force Pilot After 12th
- You must clear the NDA exam to become an Indian Air Force Pilot after 12th. NDA stands for National Defence Academy, held twice a year jointly with the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). To be eligible to appear in the NDA exam:
- You should have passed Class 12th from a recognised school/institution with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Age should not be more than 19 years before appearing in the NDA exam.
- You must also have Indian nationality as per the criteria laid down by UPSC.
- Pass SSB Interview: The first and foremost step to get into the Indian Air Force is by clearing the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. This interview is conducted twice a year and includes two stages: a psychological test and a group discussion round.
- Clear Medical Examinations: After clearing the SSB interview, candidates can take part in medical examinations conducted by IAF, which include eyesight, physical strength and psychological tests, and drug tests to check their readiness for induction into IAF.
- Complete Flying Training: Once you successfully complete all steps mentioned above successfully, now it’s time for you to complete your flying training at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. This training will include classroom sessions covering aerodynamics, instrument flying and aircraft operation, and actual flight training sessions with combat aircraft like MiG-21s and MiG-29s.
- Complete Advanced Flying Training: After completing your flying training at AFA, you will be eligible for advanced flying training from Indian Air Force Pilot School at Bidar or Udhampur. You will get training on operational tasks like aerial combat manoeuvres and interception strategies using high-performance aircraft like Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs or Mirage 2000’s fighter jets.
- Gain Further Experience & Upgradation: After receiving your wings certificate from the IAF pilot school, it’s time to gain further experience in specific combat duties and operations.
Salary of a Pilot:
The salary of a pilot within the Indian Armed Forces is based on their rank, experience and qualifications. The starting salary at the pilot training school is Rs 15000 per month, while experienced pilots can earn up to Rs 100000 per month.
Incentives are also available for pilots who complete particular milestones such as successful sortie completion or mission objectives met. Other allowances may include housing and medical coverage depending upon their rank and placement with the Indian Armed Forces.
FAQs about How to become a pilot after 12th?
Q1. What kind of qualifications do I need to become a pilot?
You must fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria to become a pilot after the 12th. The qualification includes passing the 10+2 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) exam with 50% marks or equivalent equivalency and successful selection in the Indian Air Force entrance exam. It would help if you also had good physical health and an average height that is between 162 cm to 190 cm (inclusive of height relaxation for reserved categories). Must also meet vision standards as per IAF guidelines.
Q2. Does the aviation institute provide scholarships for aspiring pilots?
Most aviation institutes in India provide scholarships for aspiring pilots. Generally, eligible candidates must meet criteria such as merit-based academic performance, income-based family background or involvement in aviation activities such as flying clubs and engineering colleges. Scholarships are provided by governments, private organisations and organisations of repute for promising pilot aspirants who can demonstrate commitment towards their dream of pursuing a career in the aviation industry.
Q3. How Long Does It Take To Become A Pilot?
The amount of time it takes to become a commercial pilot depends upon your experience and qualifications:
• It typically takes 3–4 years for a student with no prior flight experience to complete their training and get their license.
• If a student has prior flight experience, they may be able to finish their training in 2–3 years and obtain their license as an airline transport pilot more quickly than someone with no experience at all!
Q4. What Are The Different Types Of Pilot Licenses?
There are several types of pilot licenses, which vary based on the aircraft type being flown and the requirements of that particular license:
• Private Pilot License (PPL): This is a basic license for flying recreational, non-commercial passenger flights for pleasure.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This license allows pilots to fly aircraft for commercial purposes such as charter flights and cargo transport.
• Instrument Rating: This rating allows a pilot to fly in restrictive weather conditions using only instruments instead of visual control.
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): This is the highest license level available and is required to fly over 12,500 lbs or large commercial planes.
Q5. What is the difference between a Private Pilot License and a Commercial Pilot License?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a basic license for flying recreational, non-commercial passenger flights for pleasure. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) allows pilots to fly for commercial purposes such as charter flights and cargo transport. The CPL requires more extensive training and higher flight hours than the PPL.
Q6. Which careers are the alternatives to a pilot?
Alternatives to being a pilot include working as an air traffic controller, an aerospace engineer, an aviation technician, a flight dispatcher, a pilot instructor and a mission specialist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, piloting an aircraft is a challenging and rewarding career. It requires extensive training, dedication, and skill. There are various types of pilot licenses that accommodate different levels of expertise and flight hours and different aircraft. There are also several alternative jobs in aviation that do not require a license. For anyone looking for an exciting and dynamic career in aviation, becoming a pilot is certainly worth considering.