A pilot is a person who has the knowledge and skill of navigating an aircraft such as airplanes and helicopters. The thrill of flying around impresses a lot of people and being the person behind the control wheel makes all the difference. Many of us at some point of time have always fancied a pilot and wished to become one and now it’s great to see becoming a pilot is becoming popular among youngsters and is opted a career option by both men and women.
As the first step towards becoming a pilot you should know all the kind of licenses you can go for. You have a variety of license available such as Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot.
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A PILOT
The minimum requirement for becoming a pilot in India is to have studied physics, chemistry and mathematics as core subjects in your high school and must have secured at least 50% in these subjects. If you want to go for the post of student pilot then you must have a student pilot certificate, age of 16 years and should have a good command over English language. For the position of private pilot you should be 17 years old and in addition to good understanding of English language must have necessary ground and flight training requirements as required by the federal aviation regulations. For becoming a commercial pilot or a flight instructor, you should be 18 years old and rest of the requirements are same as that for private pilot. For Airline Transport Pilot; most ATP applicants must be 23 years old, but certain pilots may obtain a restricted ATP certificate at age 21.
ENTRANCE EXAMS AVAILABLE FOR PILOTS
or the people who wish to become a pilot and also have interests in the joining the defences of our country can definitely join Indian Air Force as a pilot. Candidates can get the license by directly applying to National Defence Academy (NDA), by being an active member of the National Cadet Corps society and Air Wing Senior Division’ C’ Certificate holder by taking up the Short Service Commission. The scheme allows one to be a part of the Indian Air force for just 14 years or even apply through Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE).
Right Skill = Bright Future
Some entrance exams for which you can appear are:
- Air Force Common Admission Test AFCAT (SSC): This exam is conducted by Short Service Commission annually. This scheme allows you to serve for 14 years in army. For this examination, you must have to complete your graduation from courses like BE or B.Tech. If you qualify this exam, you will be sent for 74 weeks training at Air Force Academy.
- Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE): This exam is conducted under UPSC in the months of February and September every year. The selection process happens in four rounds: written test, SSB interview, Pilot aptitude test, and Medical examination.
- National Defence Academy (NDA): Unmarried male candidates below 20 years who have cleared their 12th exams in the Physics and Mathematics Stream can attend the exam. If the candidates successfully get through all these tests, they will be trained for three years at the National Defence Academy.
- National Cadet Corps (NCC): Candidates who are part of the NCC Air Wing Senior Division “C” can try to enter the Air Force through Special Entry. Apart from holding the Air wing Division ‘C’ certificate, the applicant should have completed graduation in a course that has physics and mathematics as the main subjects. If you are able to clear all the requirements and examinations then you will be trained as pilot in Indian Air Force.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
You can become a commercial pilot at any age but for airline pilot, as a fresher your age should be equal to or less than 36 years. And for becoming a part of Indian Army there are certain strict physical and visual requirements like:
For MEN – Height and weight – 162.5 cms with correlated weight, Leg Length: Min – 99 cms. Max – 120 cms. Thigh Length: Max – 64 cms. Sitting Height: Min – 81.5 cms. Max – 96 cms. Other than these height and weight measurements, you must have a 6/6 vision.
FOR WOMEN- Height and weight- 162.5 cms with correlated weight, Leg Length: Min – 99 cms. Max – 120 cms. Thigh Length: Max – 64 cms. Sitting Height: Min – 81.5 cms.Max – 96 cms, followed by 6/6 vision.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
The aspirant should have had a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering, aircraft operations, aviation, or any other similar field. For the NDA exam, candidates must pass the class 10th with 50%. Students from any other course related to Science background have to complete their courses related to aviation and apply for the job. Having a commercial pilot license is a must. It is necessary to have specific hours of ground training. Two hundred fifty hours of ground training is necessary to be certified as a pilot.
Which Skill Should You Master?
SOME COLLEGES FOR AVIATION IN INDIA
CONCLUSION
I hope that article have covered all the basic knowledge you must have before choosing aviation as you professional career.
By: Nupur Bhagat
