Do you dream of flying high, seeing the world from above, and becoming a pilot? If yes, then you’re in the right place! Many students wonder how to start their journey right after completing their 12th standard. Don’t worry—I’ll break it all down for you in the simplest way possible. Read this blog to clear your all doubts in detailed.
If you want to start your career in aviation you can join top online aviation training academy to practice your airline pilot entrance exam with complete study materials.
Read this blog –
Who Can Become a Pilot?
If you’ve just completed your 12th and want to become a pilot, there are a few basic qualifications you need. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, so let’s go step by step.
Step 1: Education Requirements
The most important thing is your education. Here’s what you need:
- Science Stream: You must have studied Physics and Mathematics in your 12th standard.
- Minimum Marks: Most flying schools in India require at least 50% marks in these subjects. Some may ask for a little more.
- Missed Physics or Maths? If you didn’t take these subjects, no need to panic! You can still qualify by studying them through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or any other recognized board.
Step 2: Age Requirements
To become a pilot, you need to meet the age criteria:
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 years old to apply for your first flying license.
- Starting Early: If you’ve just passed 12th and are already 17 or about to turn 17, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Medical Fitness
Flying a plane is serious business, so your health needs to be in top shape. There are two main medical tests you must clear:
- Class 2 Medical Examination:
- This is the first test you’ll take.
- You’ll be checked for general health, vision, hearing, and other basic parameters.
- Class 1 Medical Examination:
- Before you start solo flying or apply for a professional license, you need to clear this advanced medical test.
- What do they check?
- Eyesight: Perfect or corrected vision (6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other).
- Hearing: Your hearing needs to be normal.
- General Health: They’ll check your heart (ECG), blood pressure, and overall fitness.
Step 4: Register for a Computer Number
Think of a Computer Number as your ID in the pilot training world. Without this, you can’t give the exams required to become a pilot.
How to Get It:
- Go to the DGCA Pariksha website (the official aviation body in India).
- Fill out an application and upload your documents (10th and 12th-grade marksheets).
- Send the required papers to the DGCA office within 10 days.
Step 5: Clear DGCA Theory Exams
Once you have your Computer Number, it’s time to prepare for the DGCA Pilot Exams. These exams test your aviation knowledge. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a genius to pass them, just some focused study.
Subjects You’ll Study:
- Air Regulations: Rules for flying.
- Aviation Meteorology: Understanding weather conditions.
- Air Navigation: Learning how to guide a plane.
- Technical General & Specific: Basics of how planes work.
- RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted): Communication skills for pilots.
These exams happen four times a year. Many flying schools also help students prepare for them.
Step 6: Join a Flying School
This is where the real fun begins—you’ll actually learn to fly a plane! But first, you need to choose a DGCA-approved flying school in India or abroad.
Training Stages:
- Student Pilot License (SPL):
- This is your beginner’s license. You’ll fly under the guidance of an instructor.
- Private Pilot License (PPL):
- After around 40-50 hours of flying, you get this license for non-commercial flying.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
- This is the license you need to work as a professional pilot. To earn it, you need:
- 200 hours of flying experience.
- 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
- 50 hours of cross-country flying.
- 40 hours of instrument flying (learning to fly without visual references).
- This is the license you need to work as a professional pilot. To earn it, you need:
Step 7: Communication Skills
Pilots don’t just fly—they also need to talk clearly with air traffic control and their crew. You’ll need an RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted) license to learn aviation-specific communication.
Step 8: Budget and Financial Planning
Flying training isn’t cheap, so planning your finances is key. The cost of becoming a pilot in India is usually around ₹30 to ₹50 lakhs. Here’s how to manage it:
- Loans: Many banks provide education loans for pilot training.
- Scholarships: Some aviation schools and organizations offer scholarships to deserving students.
Step 9: Final Skill Tests
After completing your flying training and clearing your exams, you’ll take a final skill test. This is where a DGCA-appointed examiner tests your flying abilities. Once you pass, you’ll get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Some Tips for Aspiring Pilots
- Stay Healthy: Your fitness is as important as your knowledge, so take care of your health.
- Focus on Physics and Maths: These are the foundation of aviation. If you’re still in school, give these subjects extra attention.
- Research Flying Schools: Pick a DGCA-approved school that suits your budget and provides quality training.
- Be Patient and Determined: Becoming a pilot isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Stay focused on your goal.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot after 12th is an exciting journey. With the right qualifications, dedication, and training, you can make your dream of flying a reality. Follow these steps, stay committed, and soon you’ll be soaring through the skies!
And you can follow this guide – How to Prepare for DGCA Exams in a Systematic Manner?