FAQ

Q.    What is the entry-level qualification for a pilot to join an airline and what does he join as?

A:   The min. requirement that any airline generally wants is a pilot to have is a basic Commercial Pilots License, with an Instrument Rating and preferably a Multi Engine rating. When the pilot joins an airline, he joins as a trainee pilot and then he undergoes the various training program conducted by the airline as per their requirements. Once successfully completing theses training programs one is released to fly as a first Officer (often called as Co- Pilot).  

 Q.    Can I join this course if I have studies Commerce or Arts?

A:    Yes u can definitely join this course and pursue a career as an airline pilot provided you have cleared the 10+2 level exam from a recognized board. But in the case of Commerce or an Arts Student, he/she will have to appear for an isolated paper in math’s and physics at the 10+2 level from a recognized education board.

Q.    Is the FAA, CAA, JAA  or  Indian CPL valid anywhere else in the world?

A:    Yes, Certainly the FAA, CAA or  Indian CPL is valid all over the world and it is fully convertible to a license of any other country as per the rules of that country.

Q.    How does an Airline Choose its Pilots ?

A:    Usually an airline will place an ad in the leading newspaper of the country and then call for applications, Once received they will then short list the candidates for a written exam, if successful in the written exam they would want them to undergo a IPT test (Instrument Practical trainer test) which is done on a basic procedure trainer like the ATC 710. The last block is that of a personal interview which is conducted to assess the individual’s personality and temperament. (May differ from employer to employer)    

Q.    How does one choose which aircraft to fly as a basic aircraft to be included in the license as a rating?

A:    One can choose any aircraft below a weight of 1,500 Kgs; in this category a lot of options are available like the Cessna 152. The basic criteria in choosing the aircraft is easy availability, low maintenance, safe, easy to fly and understand etc.

Q.    Can I join the air force with a CPL or how do I join the air force ?

A:    One cannot join the air force with a CPL since the air force has different criteria for selection and their training methods are very different as they fly a different category of aircraft and fly it for a different purpose from the one employed in training you as a commercial pilot. In order to join the air force one can either go through the NDA or through the short service commission. But for a flying job in the air force one has to go through the NDA.

Q.    Who is the potential employer for a pilot with a basic CPL in our country ?

A:    One can be employed with Air- India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, The Indian Coast Guard, various flying schools employee you as an instructor and also flying schools outside India can employ you.   

Q.    What is the Minimum height that one must have in order to become a pilot ?

A:    There is no particular height one has to have, the individuals legs should reach the rudder pedals when he has his hands on the control and he should be able to see outside over the instrument panel.   

Q.    What is the eyesight one must have? Are glasses permissible ?

A:    Yes, One can have glasses and still be flying as a commercial pilot; the max glass power allowed in aviation is ± 3, which is again at the discretion of the medical examiner. Your glasses power can increase with age.   

Q.   What are the reasons for one not to clear in the medical examination ?

A:    A normal human being will not fail the medical examination unless something is severely wrong with his body like a hole in the heart, migraine, Color blindness, asthma, epilepsy, polio etc

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