Q.1 What is the basic eligibility to become a commercial pilot?
Eligibility Requirements (DGCA – India)
- Age: Minimum 18 years (same as FAA/EASA).
- Education: Must have completed 10+2 (Physics & Mathematics) or equivalent. If you didn’t have Physics/Math in high school, DGCA allows you to clear these subjects separately through Open Schooling.
- Medical Fitness: Must pass a DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination (stricter than PPL Class 2). This is equivalent to (USA) FAA First-Class and EASA Class 1 medicals.
Q.2 What is the procedure for getting a license?
To get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India, you typically follow this sequence:
Step A: Student Pilot License (SPL)
- Entry-level license, issued after passing a medical and oral exam.
- Allows you to start flight training.
Step B: Private Pilot License (PPL) (Optional but recommended)
- Not mandatory in India before CPL (unlike FAA, where you must hold a PPL first).
- Useful for developing initial flying skills.
Step C: Ground School & DGCA Exams
Must clear DGCA theoretical exams, including:
- Air Regulations
- Air Navigation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft Technical (General & Specific)
- RTR(A) – Radio Telephony (with WPC, separate authority)
Step D: Flight Training
Minimum 200 flying hours (as per DGCA, same as FAA but higher than some EASA modular routes).
Includes:
- 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 20 hours of cross-country flying
- 10 hours of instrument flying
- 5 hours of night flying
Training can be done:
- In India (DGCA-approved flying schools).
- Abroad (must later convert the foreign CPL to an Indian CPL by passing DGCA theory exams + flight skill check).
Step E: Skill Test (Check Ride)
- Conducted by a DGCA-approved examiner.
- Covers practical maneuvers, navigation, emergencies, and instrument flying.
Conversion Path (if trained abroad)
- Must pass all DGCA theory papers + skill check.
- Submit flying records for verification.
Q.3 What is the duration and cost for the course?
Cost in India: ₹35–50 lakhs (depending on school, fuel, aircraft).
Duration: 18–24 months (if no delays with exams, weather, or DGCA slots).
By comparison:
USA (FAA CPL): $40,000–$60,000, 12–18 months, often cheaper due to lower fuel costs.
Europe (EASA CPL/ATPL modular): €70,000–€120,000, often longer and more expensive.
Q.4 Any scope for Higher Studies/Career Progression?
- After CPL, you’ll need a Type Rating on a commercial jet (A320/B737, etc.), which costs ₹25–35 lakhs extra.
- Start as First Officer in airlines, then progress to Captain with hours & experience.
- Many pilots later pursue ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) after meeting higher flight-hour requirements (1500+ hrs.).
Q.5 What is IGRUA to become a commercial pilot in India?
IGRUA — Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, one of India’s top government-flying training institutes. IGRUA is a public flying training institute under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Location: Fursatganj Airfield, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Recognized and approved by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) for pilot training (CPL, etc.), multi-engine endorsement, instrument rating, etc.
Q.6 What IGRUA Training Involves?
| Ground Training | Roughly first 4-5 months are dedicated to ground school—subjects like Air Navigation, Radio Aids, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Radio Telephony. |
| Simulators | After ground school, cadets go through simulator training (initial hours) to get familiar with cockpits, procedures, etc. |
| Flying Training | Dual sorties (flying with instructors) till you’re ready for solo. Solo flying, circuits, cross-country, night flying. Multi-Engine endorsement towards end. |
| Other trainings | Instrument Rating, MCC (Multi Crew Co-ordination) training, etc. These give extra value when applying to airlines. |
Q.7 What is the cost, duration and eligibility?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Approx ₹45 lakhs for the CPL course at IGRUA. |
| Additional costs | Boarding & lodging, uniforms, navigation computer, headphones, maybe insurance, etc. |
| Duration | The whole process (ground + flying + exams) takes about 2 years in many cases. Sometimes longer depending on delays. |
| Eligibility | Must have 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics & English. Must clear Class I Medical by DGCA examiner. Age limits apply, varying by category (General / OBC / SC/ST). |
Q.8 What are the benefits of training from IGRUA?
Strengths of IGRUA
- Reputation & Recognition: Government school, long history; many of its alumni are in Indian airlines.
- Good infrastructure: Flight simulators, modern aircraft fleet, dedicated airfield, navigational aids, etc.
- Safety and discipline: As a government-run institution, there is regulatory oversight, standardized training protocols.
- Value for money (relatively): Although cost is high, perhaps lower than some private cadet programs or foreign schools when all is considered.
Q.9 Any major challenge while taking a degree from IGURA?
Weaknesses or Challenges
- Delays: One of the big issues reported by students is the time it takes to complete training. Sometimes the course stretches to more than 2 years due to scheduling, weather, aircraft availability, etc.
- Capacity & Waiting: There is often a backlog, waiting times for take-off hours, etc.
- Hidden costs / additional expenses: Although initial fee is known, lodging, meals, materials, and delay costs can increase total expense.
- Rigid schedule: Because it is a large government institution, sometimes less flexibility in timing, batch intake, etc.
Comparative Snapshot: IGRUA vs Private / Foreign
| Criteria | IGRUA | Private / Foreign Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (₹45 lakh + extras) but somewhat controlled | Can be much higher especially abroad; exchange rates matter |
| Reputation | Very good in India; government institution | May vary school-to-school; some very prestigious, some not |
| Time to Complete | Often ~2 years or more including delays | Private/foreign might finish faster (if all goes well) |
| Extras (MCC, Multi-Engine, etc.) | Included | Sometimes extra cost |
| Job-Placement | Good, many IGRUA cadets in airlines; campus interviews etc. | Private schools may also have tie-ups; but depend on school’s network |
Q.10 What is the role played by Learnopedia Institute and Consultancy for students who want to join the training as a commercial pilot?
Learnopedia Institute and Consultancy can help students who wish to become commercial pilot in the following ways:
- By providing application guidance, career counselling, and assistance with the complex admission and training process for IGRUA or in a Foreign Institution. This includes helping with understanding the curriculum, navigating the selection process which involves an online test, aptitude test, and interview, and providing advice on how to best prepare for these stages.
- We can also assist with securing financing options like educational loans to cover the high costs associated with pilot training.
