PILOT

Types of pilots

Modern aviation demands various classifications of crew who fly these highly sophisticated machines. Pilots nowadays can be classified in a few broad categories.

• Helicopter pilots: Those who fly civilian or military helicopters.
• Fighter/ combat pilots: Pilots trained to fly fighter planes at supersonic speeds.
• Commercial pilots: Highly experienced pilots flying passenger aircraft.
• Sports/ Amphibian pilots: Pilots capable of taking off and landing hydroplanes over water.
• Freighter pilots: Crew who fly gigantic freighter aircraft.
• Balloonists: Hobbyists who soar into the skies using hot air balloon.
• Surveillance pilots: Extremely skilled military pilots who fly at extreme altitudes.
• Hobby aviators: People who own and pilot their small, propeller aircraft.
• Test pilots: Extremely skilled daredevils who test new models of aircraft.
• Space pilots: Usually former military pilots trained to fly space shuttles.

Broadly, there are two routes that enable one to pursue aviation as a career.

Route 1: Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot);
Route 2: Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

Airline and commercial Pilots

Airline & Commercial Pilots are trained to operate aerial vehicles in order to perform duties like transporting supplies and passengers. Although this career may appeal to adventurous souls, there is also a high level of stress and responsibility involved in commanding aircraft under different weather conditions and in various difficult situations. Typically, two pilots are required in most aircraft, and the most experienced pilot is considered the captain.

Indian Defense Forces (Air force)

If flying is your passion, however, you do not wish to spend a fortune for your pilot training program, and then Indian Defence Forces could be the answer for you. Here, not only do you get pilot training free of cost, but you also get to serve your nation, become a class-I officer and get handsomely paid for it, during your training itself.

Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot)

Indian Defense Forces (Air force)

Entrance Examinations to Become a Commercial Pilot

The admission to a pilot training course happens through a set entrance procedure that includes a written test, medical examination, and an interview. Please note a minimum of 50% is required in class 12th to join a flying school. The minimum age to apply for Pilot License, are as follows:

• Student Pilot License is 16 years
• Private Pilot License is 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License is 18 years

Step 2. Obtain a Student Pilot License

To obtain a student pilot license, you would have to appear for an entrance examination. This consists of an Oral test and will be taken by the Chief Instructor at the School, or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) representative. This license allows you to get flying training and permits you to take off flights on gliders or small planes that are generally provided by approved flying clubs of the country.

By the time you complete your course, you should have completed a minimum of 250 flying hours, following which you can apply for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

• You’ll need to:
  • make sure all information on the route, weather, passengers and aircraft is received
  • use that information to create a flight plan, which details the altitude for the flight, route to be taken and amount of fuel required
  • ensure the fuel levels balance safety with economy and supervise the loading and fuelling of the aircraft
  • make sure all safety systems are working properly
  • brief the cabin crew before the flight and maintain regular contact throughout the flight
  • carry out pre-flight checks on the navigation and operating systems
  • communicate with air traffic control before take-off and during flight and landing
  • ensure noise regulations are followed during take-off and landing
  • understand and interpret data from instruments and controls
  • make regular checks on the aircraft’s technical performance and position, on weather conditions and air traffic during flight
  • communicate with passengers using the public address system
  • react quickly and appropriately to environmental changes and emergencies
  • update the aircraft logbook and write a report at the end of the flight noting any incidents or problems with the aircraft.

The boom in domestic air travel has led to congested terminals and flight delays because the infrastructure at airports has not kept pace with the rate of growth.

But India’s new regional airlines are facing another challenge — lack of pilots.

The stress signs are visible. Airlines have been forced to cancel their flights and rework their schedules, constraining cash flows and delaying vendor payments.

Pilot- Salary can be up Rs. 5-7 lac a month in Airlines and In defence forces can reach up to Rs. 3 lac, with world class facilities.