Complete Guide on Becoming a Pilot Post 12th Grade

Can you envision yourself soaring confidently through the sky in a well-ordered uniform? Aviators bear a significant responsibility to safely transport passengers, crew members, and cargo across numerous journeys, all while being captivated by the awe-inspiring scenery from the cockpit. Pilots are seasoned, skilled, and licensed individuals who must successfully complete a variety of training programs in order to operate an airplane or helicopter. Are you passionate about becoming a pilot? Curious to discover the path to becoming a pilot after completing the 12th grade? This article is here to guide you!

But do you possess this knowledge?

In India, there are approximately 17,726 pilots, including 2,764 women.

While once considered a specialized field, post-12th pilot courses are now on the verge of becoming one of the most significant educational sectors in the nation. If you find yourself pondering what to pursue after completing the 12th grade in order to embark on the journey of becoming a pilot, choosing the right program could lead to substantial financial rewards. In this piece, we will explore some of India's premier pilot training courses and institutes for aspirants who have completed the 12th grade.

Without further delay... Let's begin...

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What does this post encompass?

To simplify matters for you, we have compiled a concise guide to everything you need to know about the path to becoming a pilot after completing the 12th grade.

Varieties of Pilots

The career of a pilot offers a broad platform that branches into various sub-currents. Each stream specializes in different subjects and technical aspects, providing students with the opportunity to choose their field of study. Here are some primary categories available to aspiring pilots:

• Airline Pilots: They are the most prevalent type of airline pilot, operating aircraft that carry passengers and primarily working for airlines. An individual with a commercial pilot's license can pursue a career as an airline pilot.
• Private Pilots: These pilots operate private jets or airplanes and are employed by affluent individuals who own private aircraft. To become a private pilot, you must possess a private pilot's license.
• Sport Pilots: These pilots navigate planes for various sporting activities, flying at altitudes below 10,000 feet and typically within a predefined range.
• Flight Instructors: They educate and train students aspiring to become pilots. Educational institutions hire them to impart their knowledge to the next generation.
• Air Force Pilots: They pilot technologically advanced jet aircraft for various Air Force missions. To become an Air Force pilot, one must pass the AFCAT exam and subsequently undergo training in the Air Force.

Essential Skills for Pilots

As a pilot, possessing a core skill set can prove immensely beneficial. The role of a pilot presents various challenges, and having strong skills can help you navigate diverse situations with success. It is advantageous to possess the following abilities:

• Effective teamwork and leadership qualities
• Excellent communication and collaboration
• Sound decision-making and stress management skills
• Exceptional communication abilities
• Superior spatial awareness, coordination, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• A good grasp of mathematics and physics
• Strong leadership acumen

Eligibility for Pilots

In order to enroll in any of the aviation courses after the 12thth available, you must meet the requirements set forth by the respective institutes or academies. After completing the 12th grade, the following eligibility criteria must be satisfied in order to embark on the journey of becoming a pilot:

• To begin your studies, you must be at least 17 years old and achieve a minimum score of 50% in the 10+2 examination. However, please note that specific requirements may vary depending on the Institute.
• In order to be eligible, you must pass the Intermediate subjects of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (MPC), as well as English Intermediate.
• If you are not a science student, you have the option to study the required topics privately through a state board or at the National Institute of Open Schooling.
• A medical certificate from the relevant authorities will be required.
• There are specific height requirements: minimum height of 5ft 2in (157cm) and maximum height of 6ft 3in (191cm).

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The Licensing Process for Aspiring Pilots

Commercial Pilots have the responsibility of operating passenger or transport airplanes, including popular models such as Airbus and Boeing. These pilots are involved in both domestic and international flights, and may also operate jets owned by wealthy individuals or companies. Some Commercial Pilots are trained to fly helicopters as well. If you are considering a career as a pilot after completing the 12th grade, here are the licenses you will need:

Private Pilot License (PPL): With a private pilot license, you can operate small and private aircraft. However, you will not be able to fly commercial planes. Private jets are commonly used by millionaires and government agencies.

Certified Pilot Instructor (CFL): A CFL license allows you to provide flight lessons at flight training schools and pass on your experience to aspiring pilots.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): The most sought-after license for aspiring pilots after the 12th grade is the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This license enables individuals to operate large commercial airline aircraft.

The Admission Process for Pilot Training

To pursue pilot training after the 12th grade, you need to have passed Mathematics and Science in XII. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does not specify any required percentage for admission. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Pass DGCA Class 2 Medical Education

Obtaining a Class 2 Medical Education from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is mandatory. Additionally, airline pilots are typically required to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline, while commercial pilots must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some flight schools are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and offer aviation or aeronautics degrees as part of their program.

Enroll in a Flight School

Completing a specific number of flight training hours is a requirement to obtain a pilot's license. The duration of training varies depending on the type of pilot program you choose. For example, a commercial pilot's license requires 250 flight hours, whereas an airline pilot's license requires 1,500 flight hours. While formal education provides a basic foundation, you may also consider hiring a private tutor or joining the military to gain additional knowledge and experience.

Accumulate the Required Flight Hours

A minimum of 200 flight hours is necessary. You will need to accumulate the required number of flight hours, pass a written assessment to demonstrate your flying abilities, and undergo a physical examination. Preparation and confidence are key during this process. Each country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issues various types of pilot licenses, including Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL), Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL), and Certified Pilot Instructor (CFL).

• Additionally, you will need to pass various exams.

Some airlines may require pilots to undergo aptitude tests and psychological examinations as part of their employment process. Once hired, pilots are typically required to complete additional training and flying hours to gain experience as co-pilots. Having prior experience with a small airline can be beneficial if you aspire to join a major airline in the future.

Obtain a CPL Certification

Elevation from pilot to captain hinges completely on seniority and experience. Additional FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) written and practical examinations are obligatory in order to obtain supplementary flight ratings. Continually acquiring knowledge and scrutinizing transformations in the industry is recommended. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) offer enlightening seminars and webcasts to assist pilots in cultivating and mastering their skills.

Leading Institutes for Pursuing a Pilot Course after 12th

In this segment, we will furnish you with a list of prominent colleges for pursuing a pilot course subsequent to completing the 12th grade, along with the corresponding fees.

Flight Training Colleges Average Annual Fees (INR) Indian Institute of Aeronautics Rs. 1.70 lakh The Bombay Flying Club (BFC) Rs. 10 lakhs Indian Institute of Engineering and Aeronautics Rs. 12 lakhs Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Rs. 20 lakhs Wingsss College of Aviation and Technology Rs. 23 lakhs Hindustan Aviation Academy Rs. 4 lakhs Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy Rs. 42 lakhs National Flight Training Institute Rs. 50.05 lakh Government Aviation Training Institute Rs. 55 lakhs

Superlative courses for aspiring Pilots

To embark on a career as a pilot in India, individuals must be at least 17 years of age and possess physical fitness and medical certificates. The most exemplary courses for those desiring to become pilots after the 12th grade are as follows:

Certifications to Attain Airline Pilot Status

• Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment
• Aviation: Airline Customer
• Cabin Crew Training
• Security Operations, Processes & Strategies in Aviation
• Service Course: Aviation Industry

Undergraduate Courses to Become a Pilot

• B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering
• B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Avionics Engineering
• B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering
• B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering
• B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aeronautical Science
• B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aviation
• BBA Airport Management
• BBA Aviation Operations
• BMS in Aviation Management

Postgraduate Courses to Become a Pilot

• M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering
• M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering
• M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aeronautical Science
• M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aerospace Engineering
• M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering
• M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aerospace Engineering
• M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Avionics Engineering
• MBA in Aviation
• MSc in Aviation

Career Prospects

The vocation of a pilot stands as one of the most distinguished, demanding, and propitious professions globally. It is commonly known that pilots are highly adept and accomplished experts. The primary responsibility of an airline pilot is to operate the aircraft's engines and controls in order to navigate and direct the vessel. Additionally, they perform safety checks on hydraulic and engine systems before each flight, as well as monitor fuel consumption and aircraft systems while in flight. To be able to fly for an airline, aspiring pilots must accumulate a specific number of flight hours and be in sound physical and mental health. They can be employed by state-owned airlines, as well as private domestic and international carriers.

Leading recruitment companies for pilots:

• Air Asia
• Air Costa
• Air India
• Air India Charters Ltd
• Alliance Air
• India Jet Airways
• IndiGo
• Spice Jet

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In Summary

India's rapidly growing aviation industry offers abundant opportunities for pilots. Besides the attractive financial prospects, pilots also enjoy the benefits of flexible work schedules, job security, numerous training opportunities, and travel discounts. The demand for air travel in India is expected to double in the future, making it an opportune time to pursue a career in aviation.

We hope to have provided you with sufficient information. However, if you have any further queries, why not reach out to our industry experts? Yes, you heard it right! Our career counselors are available to resolve your questions within just 60 seconds. Don't wait any longer. Download the app now!

Discover your true potential with iDreamCareer, a platform that has assisted millions of young individuals like yourself in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to uncover their talents and is ready to assist you as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration to become a pilot?

Ideally, it takes around 3 to 4 years to become a pilot, as that is the time required to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Flight.

Is it challenging to become a pilot?

Becoming a commercial airline pilot demands extensive learning and training, as well as accumulating many hours of flight experience. It requires dedication, commitment, and hard work. However, for those who have a passion for travel and enjoy challenges, it can be an immensely rewarding career.

Which type of pilot has the highest salary?

Among all categories of pilots, airline pilots earn the highest salaries. The average salary for an airline pilot in India is INR 46,87,900.

Is it necessary to attend college before commencing flight training?

While it is not a mandatory requirement to attend college before becoming a pilot, it can be a beneficial path to consider. Whether or not to pursue higher education depends entirely on individual circumstances.

Anushree is an experienced professional with four years of expertise in the field of career counseling. She has worked as a Content Writer in the industry and also served as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup. Additionally, she has worked as a Content Quality Analyst in the Publishing and E-learning Industry. Anushree holds a Master's degree in Commerce and has pursued PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR. Currently, she is passionately following her love for writing.