How to Become a Pilot

Overview

A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) allows a pilot to fly aircraft professionally and be paid for doing so. It’s the essential qualification for aspiring airline pilots, charter pilots, cargo pilots, and flight instructors.

At PilotUs Pilot Training Academy, we prepare aspiring pilots for every phase of the CPL journey — from DGCA ground theory classes and computer number application to documentation support, medical guidance, and flying school selection.

We are a Ground Training Academy, not a flying school. Our mission is to provide world-class DGCA exam preparation, transparent guidance, and unbiased flying school recommendations — with no commission-based partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

To start your CPL journey, you must meet the following DGCA requirements:

• Age: Minimum 18 years
• Education: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board (we facilitate Physics and Maths exams via NIOS / National Institute of Open Schooling)
• Medical:
  • Class 2 Medical (to start training)
  • Class 1 Medical (for license issue)
• Language: Must be able to read, write, and speak English

Duration & Mode

• Ground Training Duration: 45 days
• Fees: ₹1 lakh (example — update as needed)
• Mode: Offline (PilotUs Academy, Dwarka, New Delhi)
• Batch Size: Small groups for personalized attention
• Access: Online & offline study material + exclusive offline practice mobile app
• Faculty: Airline captains & experienced pilots/instructors

CPL Training Pathway

Your journey to becoming a commercial pilot includes both ground and flight training:

1. DGCA Computer Number Application

   Every DGCA exam applicant must have a Computer Number. PilotUs guides students through eGCA portal registration, document upload, and verification.

2. DGCA Ground Classes

   PilotUs provides comprehensive ground school training for all DGCA subjects. Each subject is taught by experienced instructors to ensure strong conceptual understanding.

   • Air Regulations
   • Air Navigation
   • Aviation Meteorology
   • Aircraft Technical (General & Specific)
   • Radio Telephony (RTR) — theory & coordination support

   We include mock tests, question bank practice, and DGCA exam simulations.

3. DGCA Examinations

   Students appear for DGCA’s written exams at authorized testing centers. PilotUs mentors help schedule exams strategically and support consistent success.

4. Flight Training (Flying Phase)

   After clearing DGCA theory exams, you'll undergo flight training at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organization (FTO) in India or at ICAO-recognized schools abroad. PilotUs helps you choose a school based on:

   • Reputation, weather conditions, and aircraft availability
   • Cost transparency and training duration
   • Safety and student experience
5. Flight Tests and License Issue

   Upon completion of 200+ flying hours and skill tests, DGCA issues the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), enabling you to fly professionally.

DGCA CPL Syllabus (as per CAR Section 7, Series 'B', Part IV)

1. Air Navigation

• Time conversions, latitude/longitude, great circle and rhumb line navigation
• Dead Reckoning and in-flight navigation
• Use of charts and navigation computers
• Radio navigation and flight planning
• Performance and mass/balance computations

2. Aviation Meteorology

• Structure of atmosphere, pressure, temperature, humidity
• Clouds, precipitation, and weather systems
• Indian monsoon & tropical meteorology
• Thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and wind shear
• Flight meteorological documentation: METAR, TAF, SIGMET

3. Air Regulations

• ICAO and DGCA framework
• Indian Aircraft Act 1934 & Aircraft Rules 1937
• Air traffic services, licensing and operations
• Rules of the air, flight procedures, and safety management

4. Aircraft & Engine (Technical General)

• Airframe and aircraft systems
• Electrical and hydraulic systems
• Piston & turbine engines
• Propellers, fuel, ignition, lubrication systems
• Principles of flight and aerodynamics

5. Technical Specific & Performance

• Aircraft-specific technical systems
• Aircraft performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, landing)
• Applicable for aircraft above 5,700 kg MTOW

6. Radio Telephony (RTR)

• VFR/IFR communication phraseology
• Emergency and failure messages
• Frequency use, VHF propagation, and distress signals

Additional Knowledge Areas: Human performance & limitations, operational procedures (all-weather operations and emergency protocols), and communication procedures (air-ground message handling).

Foreign CPL Conversion (if applicable)

If you’ve completed your CPL abroad (e.g., USA, South Africa, Canada, Australia), PilotUs assists with:

• DGCA paperwork and logbook verification
• Required theory exams for conversion
• Flight tests and coordination with DGCA-approved examiners

Career Opportunities After CPL

PilotUs provides career guidance sessions and airline-readiness mentorship for CPL holders preparing for interviews and cadet selections.