How To Become A Commercial Pilot

Age Requirements

The minimum age to obtain a CPL is 18 years. However, you can enroll in a pilot training program at around 17 years, as it typically takes 1- 1.5 years to complete a full CPL course, including Ground School, Flight Training and CPL documentation.

Education Requirements

Aspirants must have passed 10+2 with Physics & Maths or a Diploma equivalent to qualify for CPL issuance.

Note:

If your background is in Arts, Commerce or other streams, you must clear Physics and Mathematics through a recognised open board such as NIOS, IGNOU, or other DGCA-approved boards.

DGCA Medical Examination

A healthy mind and body are essential to safely operate an aircraft. Pilots must be physically and mentally fit to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and the environment.

Before beginning, aspirants must apply for an eGCA ID. The medical assessment is divided into two stages:

Class II Medical

The first step to obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) and join a flying school in India. This is also a prerequisite for Class I medical.

Class I Medical

Required to apply for a CPL. Initial Class I medicals are conducted in cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Jorhat, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Class I medical can be applied for after completing Class II medical.

A PMR file number is generated during Class II, serving as a unique identifier for your medical records, which are stored with DGCA.

English Language Proficiency

Aspirants must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English. Proficiency ensures safe communication and adherence to ICAO Level 4 standards, which are recognised internationally.

You can start your flying career as early as 16 with a Student Pilot License (SPL). SPL is issued by the flying school before progressing to PPL/CPL. An oral examination by a DGCA representative covers Aircraft Technical (General & Specific), Air Navigation, Air Regulations, and Aviation Meteorology.

Ground Training

Theory Subjects for CPL Issuance:

Before appearing for DGCA exams, aspirants must apply for a computer number. Exams are conducted quarterly, with options for on-demand assessments.

Flight Training Carried Out in India:

Subjects include Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, Technical Specific, RTR (A), and English Language Proficiency — prerequisites for FRTOL.

Flight Training Carried Out in a Commonwealth:

Commonwealth countries (South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, etc.): Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, English Language Proficiency.

Flight Training Carried Out in a Non-Commonwealth:

Non-Commonwealth countries (USA): Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, RTR (A), English Language Proficiency.

Star Aviation Flying Academy provides guidance and support to ensure aspirants successfully complete DGCA ground subjects.

Flight Training

Our team advises on the best flight schools in India and abroad.

India:

Many flight training schools in India provide reliable and cost-effective pilot training.

Advantages:

No license conversion required
Experience flying in Indian climatology
Training aligned with Indian DGCA CPL requirements

Disadvantages:

Dual pilot license not issued
Limited exposure to international airspace and procedures

Abroad:

Several Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries offer flight schools that provide aspirants with international-standard training. It’s important to select a flying school approved by DGCA. The cost of training abroad is generally comparable to India, and Star Aviation Flying Academy will guide you throughout the entire process.

Advantages:

Exposure to international airspace and global aviation standards
Opportunity to interact with multi-cultural peers
Dual pilot license acquisition possible

Disadvantages:

License conversion required for India (if trained in a non-Commonwealth country)
Training may not be fully tailored to Indian DGCA CPL requirements

Note:

We at Star Aviation Flying Academy ensure that the entire training process aligns fully with Indian DGCA CPL guidelines.

For flight training completed in a Commonwealth country, the RTR endorsement can be easily converted in India, whereas for a non-Commonwealth country, the RTR(A) exam must be cleared in India.

Additionally, for certain foreign programs, a student’s course fee is protected by a public trust in New Zealand.

FRTOL – Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License

FRTOL, issued by DGCA, is mandatory to operate radio equipment on Indian-registered aircraft.

FRTOL is issued by DGCA and is a mandatory requirement for operating radio equipment on board an Indian-registered aircraft. Before applying for FRTOL, aspirants must clear the RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted) exam, which is conducted by the WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) under the Ministry of Communications in coordination with DGCA, India.

Process for RTR(A) Issuance

Flying Done in India

2 Stage Process

Stage 1: Practical assessment of communication capabilities.

Stage 2: Direct interview with WPC representative & DGA representative

Flying Done Abroad

Commonwealth Country

RTR endorsement on license which can be converted in India
Non-Commonwealth country: Same process as flying done in India

Steps to Obtain CPL in India

Flying Done in India

10+2 in Physics & Maths
10th & 12th Board verification certificate
eGCA ID
Class II Medical
Computer Number
Theory exams/Ground School
Flight training from an Indian DGCA registered flight school
Class I Medical
RTR (A) (Radio Telephony Restricted Aeronautical)
Flying skills check with examiner approved by DGCA
English proficiency check
Submit all documents to DGCA for issuance of Indian CPL

Note:

Sequence may vary as per individual aspirant profile and flight school selection. Post Indian CPL issuance, aspirants will apply to various scheduled/non-scheduled operators for their respective selection process.

Flying Done Abroad

10+2 in Physics & Maths
10th & 12th Board verification certificate
eGCA ID
Class II Medical
Computer Number
Theory exams/Ground School
Flight training for commonwealth/ non-commonwealth country flight schools as per DGCA approval and syllabus
CPL abroad
Class I Medical
RTR (not required if flying done in a commonwealth country)
Flying skill checks with examiner approved by DGCA
English language proficiency check
Submit all documents to DGCA for issuance of Indian CPL

*FTROL issuance explained in point no. 7

Note:

Sequence may vary as per individual aspirant’s profile and flight school selection. Post Indian CPL issuance, aspirants will apply to various scheduled/non-scheduled operators for their respective selection process.

View the current DGCA circular for conversion of foreign CPL to Indian CPL here.

Airline Screening

Every Indian airline conducts very stringent selection process of applicants holding minimum:

CPL
FRTOL
Valid Class I Medical

Situational awareness, presence of mind, flying skill (tested through various hand eye coordination techniques), personality, confidence, knowledge, leadership skills, teamwork, decision making, self-discipline and psychometric assessment are a few factors which airlines assess each applicant for.

Star Aviation Flying Academy provides comprehensive guidance, ensuring aspirants meet all requirements efficiently and effectively. We don’t just help students obtain a CPL — we provide a complete platform to achieve a career as a professional airline pilot.