How to Become a Pilot

Become a Pilot with Capt. Deval Soni

The dream of flying high, overlooking breathtaking landscapes, and enjoying the freedom of the skies inspires many to become pilots. If you’ve ever wanted to take control of an aircraft and make this dream a reality, this guide is for you. Discover step-by-step how to become a pilot, with insights from Captain Deval Soni, Commander on the Airbus A320.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Pilot

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot?

Challenges in Pilot Training

Building a Successful Aviation Career

Step-by-Step Guide to

Becoming a Pilot in India

Dreaming of soaring through the skies? This guide walks you through the step-by-step journey to becoming a pilot, featuring insights from Captain Deval Soni, Commander on the Airbus A320.

The First Step: Making the Decision!

Before stepping into the world of aviation, you must be clear about your goals. Do you want to fly as a hobby or make it your career? Becoming a commercial pilot requires extensive training, financial investment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

To become a pilot in India under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), you must meet specific criteria:

  1. Educational Qualification: Minimum 10+2 with decent marks in Physics, Maths and English.

  2. Age Requirements:

    1. Student Pilot License (SPL): 16 years

    2. Private Pilot License (PPL): 17 years

    3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 18 years

  3. Medical Requirements: A Class 2 medical certificate from a DGCA-certified examiner is required for initial training. Before obtaining a CPL, you must pass a Class 1 medical examination, also conducted by a DGCA-certified examiner. Good vision, normal hearing, and overall physical fitness are essential.

Specific Requirements for Female Pilots:

  1. Pregnancy: Female pilots must be grounded during pregnancy and for a period after childbirth, according to DGCA regulations.

  2. Gynecological Health: Regular check-ups are required to ensure overall fitness for flying duties.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is your first step towards becoming a pilot in India. It's essential to stay in good health and maintain the required physical fitness to ensure a long and successful career in aviation.

Choosing the Right Flight School

Selecting the right flight school is crucial. Look for DGCA-approved institutes with a strong training curriculum, experienced instructors, modern aircrafts and most importantly the student-aircraft as well as the instructor- student ratio in the flight school. The right training environment significantly impacts your skills and career progression.

Ground School – Building Theoretical Knowledge

Before you fly, you must be well aware of the aviation fundamentals. Ground knowledge includes:

  1. Meteorology
  2. Air Regulations
  3. Air Navigation
  4. Technical General
  5. Technical Specific
  6. Radio Telephony

A strong grasp of these subjects is essential for clearing DGCA exams and becoming a competent commercial pilot in India.

Flight Training – Logging Your Hours

Practical training is where the real journey begins. Depending on your career path, here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Private Pilot License (PPL): Minimum 40 flight hours (most students complete 50-60 for proficiency).
  2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Minimum 200 flight hours, including 185 hours on Single engine aircraft and 25 hours on Multi Engine Aircraft/Simulator.
  3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Requires 1,500 hours, usually accumulated through working as an instructor or in charter operations.

DGCA Exams and Final Check

Clearing DGCA exams is mandatory at each stage which would require you to score at least a score of 70/100 for the DGCA exams and clearing Part 1 and Part 2 to obtain the Radio Telephony license. Once you’ve logged the required hours on Single engine as well as Multi engine aircraft and passed your exams, you’ll undergo a skill test (check) with a DGCA examiner. Passing this test earns you your license.

Type Rating – Specializing in a Commercial Aircraft

To fly for an airline, you must complete a Type Rating for a specific aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. This specialized training is conducted in full-flight simulators and is a significant investment in your aviation career.

Applying for Airline Jobs and Clearing Assessments

With your CPL and Type Rating, the next step is securing a job with an airline. Airlines conduct rigorous selection processes, including:

  1. Written exams on aviation knowledge and basic aptitude
  2. Compass/Adapt  to assess the cognitive abilities, spatial awareness and multi-tasking skills.
  3. Personal interviews and Group Discussions to evaluate decision-making and situational awareness

Challenges in

Pilot Training

The path to becoming a pilot goes beyond simply meeting the required flight hours, it’s shaped by different factors that can either fast-track or extend the process. Every aspiring aviator encounters obstacles that challenge their dedication, patience, and persistence at some point or the other, some of these challenges being:  
Step Description
 Training Frequency: The pace at which a pilot progresses is directly tied to how often they train. Those who dedicate themselves to full-time training move ahead swiftly, while those training only on weekends or intermittently may experience longer gaps between lessons, leading to a slower progression. Consistency is key-staying actively engaged ensures better skill retention and a smoother learning curve.
Weather Conditions: Aviation is at the mercy of nature. Flight training is heavily dependent on weather conditions, and poor visibility, strong winds, or unexpected storms can result in cancellations, causing delays in flight schedules. While these challenges are inevitable, they also build patience and adaptability-qualities every great pilot must possess.
Financial Considerations: The reality of pilot training is that it requires a significant financial investment. Some students may find themselves needing to take breaks between phases due to budget constraints, which can extend their overall training timeline. Proper financial planning and selecting the right training institute can help mitigate these interruptions and keep the dream alive without unnecessary delays.
Flight School Quality: Not all flight schools are created equal. A well-structured institution with experienced instructors and a disciplined training environment can make a world of difference. Renowned academies ensure students receive structured, efficient training that minimizes downtime and maximizes skill development. Choosing the right training program can be the defining factor between prolonged delays and a streamlined path to becoming a pilot.

Building a Successful Aviation Career

A pilot’s journey doesn’t stop after getting a license, in fact it’s just the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Every flight brings new lessons, every challenge tests your patience, and every moment in the sky reminds you why you chose this path.

Capt. Deval Soni always says,

A good pilot isn’t just someone who flies well but someone who stays calm in a storm, adapts to the unknown, and never stops learning.”

So, are you ready to take your career to the next level? If Yes, let’s get started on your journey to becoming a pilot!

Our comprehensive program is designed to help you become a top-notch pilot. We’ll equip you with essential communication, decision-making, and leadership skills that will make you an asset to any aviation team. We also offer career counseling, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation to ensure you land your dream job in the aviation industry.

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Contact Number

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Aviation

Informative Blogs

The blog section offers insightful articles, tips, and expert guidance from Capt. Soni. It focuses on aviation training, career growth, and pilot success, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of pilots.
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Pilot
Feb 24, 2025

Inspiring Stories of Successful Pilots

Stories inspire! Every time I hear about a pilot overcoming struggles to achieve their dream, it fuels my own motivation. I relate to their journey because I’ve been through it too. Their struggles, doubts, and hard-fought victories remind me of my own path. Have you ever been inspired by a pilot’s story? Share it with our community—we all need that push sometimes!

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Pilot
Mar 06, 2025

Exploring Aviation Industry Trends: The Future of Flight

Discover the latest trends shaping the aviation industry—from sustainable fuels and AI-driven automation to evolving passenger expectations. Insights from Capt. Deval Soni, Commander on A-320 Airbus.

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Pilot
Feb 22, 2025

Networking Strategies for Aviation Professionals : Build Meaningful Industry Connections

Networking is a powerful tool for aviation professionals, opening doors to career opportunities and industry insights. Attending aviation events, engaging on LinkedIn, and joining organizations like ICAO and IATA can help build strong connections. Genuine relationships, mentorship, and volunteering further enhance professional growth. Continuous learning, effective communication, and timely follow-ups strengthen networking efforts. Patience and persistence are key, as meaningful connections take time to develop.

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Pilot
Mar 14, 2025

Debunking Myths About Being a Pilot

Thinking of becoming a pilot but worried about the myths surrounding it? From finances to work-life balance, we debunk the biggest misconceptions about being a pilot and reveal the real truth behind the profession.

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Pilot
Feb 25, 2025

The Influence of Parenting in Aviation Careers

Support from family is invaluable! My journey as a pilot is deeply influenced by my parents’ encouragement. How do you support the dreams of young aviators in your life? Let’s celebrate those who lift us!

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Pilot
Feb 23, 2025

Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning: A Journey of Transformation

Discover how personal growth, lifelong learning, and the right mindset can transform your journey as an aspiring pilot. Learn to embrace challenges, build confidence, and surround yourself with success.

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Pilot
Feb 26, 2025

Essential Flight Training Tips: Mastering the Skies with Confidence

Discover how flight simulators and AI-powered checklists enhance pilot training, improve decision-making, and ensure flight safety. Learn essential tips for mastering aviation skills.

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Pilot
Feb 28, 2025

The Impact of Personal Development on Career Success

Discover how personal development fuels career success. Learn how mindset shifts, continuous learning, and resilience can transform your professional journey.

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Pilot
Feb 27, 2025

The Influence of Parenting in Aviation Careers

Discover the vital role parents play in shaping aviation careers. From financial support to emotional encouragement, parental influence is key to a pilot's success.

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Pilot
Mar 12, 2025

Innovative Approaches to Aviation Education: Transforming the Way We Train Future Pilots

The future of aviation education demands change! Discover innovative approaches that blend active learning, real mentorship, and technology to train professional pilots. Join the conversation and be part of the transformation!

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Pilot
Mar 07, 2025

How to Maintain Work-Life Balance as a Pilot

Discover practical tips for maintaining work-life balance as a pilot. Learn how to manage demanding schedules, prioritize family, stay healthy, and make time for hobbies while excelling in your aviation career.

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Pilot
Jan 29, 2025

PPL vs. CPL: Which Pilot License is Right for You?

Unlock the skies with the right pilot license! A Private Pilot License (PPL) lets you fly for personal enjoyment, while a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) turns your passion into a career. Understand the key differences in purpose, requirements, career opportunities, and costs. Whether you're dreaming of scenic flights with family or aiming for the captain’s seat in an airline, knowing the right path is essential. Explore the financial and time commitments involved and take the first step toward your aviation journey today! 🚀✈️

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Pilot
Mar 09, 2025

Why Health & Fitness Are Crucial for Pilots – Stay Fit, Fly Better!

Discover why health and fitness are essential for pilots. Learn how sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise impact performance in the cockpit. Stay fit, fly better!

Student testimonial

Capt. Deval Soni is renowned for his exceptional mentorship, expertise, and dedication to empowering aspiring pilots. With extensive experience as a commercial pilot and trainer, he simplifies complex aviation concepts, making learning engaging and accessible for students.
Capt. Soni’s DGCA ground classes are highly sought after, as he covers critical topics like air navigation, meteorology, and aviation regulations with clarity and precision, ensuring students are fully prepared for their exams. His expertise extends to cadet pilot programs, where he provides invaluable support in airline-specific assessments, interview preparation, and skill development.

Incredible Mentor and Trainer!

Deval Soni is one of the best mentors I’ve had during my DGCA ground classes. He simplifies even the most complex topics like navigation and meteorology, making them easy to understand. His passion for aviation is truly inspiring, and he’s always ready to guide us, no matter the question."
Slient sm
Arjun Patel
2022 Batch