The First Step: Making the Decision!

Before stepping into the world of aviation through the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA, you must be clear about your long-term goals. Are you looking to fly as a passion, or do you dream of flying professionally for a reputed airline like IndiGo?
Becoming a commercial pilot is not just a career choice—it is a commitment to intensive training, substantial financial investment, and a lifetime of learning, responsibility, and discipline.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) and become a licensed commercial pilot under the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation – India), you must fulfill the following basic criteria:

Educational Qualification:

Minimum 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and English as mandatory subjects. You should have passing marks in all three from a recognized board.

Age Requirements:

Student Pilot License (SPL): Minimum age – 16 years

Private Pilot License (PPL): Minimum age – 17 years

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Minimum age – 18 years

Medical Requirements:

For initial enrollment and Ground School, you must have a Class 2 Medical Certificate, issued by a DGCA-approved medical examiner.

Before beginning flight training or solo flights, you must clear a Class 1 Medical Examination, also conducted by a certified DGCA medical examiner.

You must have normal vision (correctable if needed), good hearing, and overall physical fitness.

Joining the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA is the first major milestone in your professional aviation journey. It’s a step toward a structured career path that begins with eligibility and ends with you seated in the cockpit of a commercial airliner.

Specific Requirements for Female Pilots – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA

At Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, aspiring female cadets are welcomed and supported through every phase of their aviation journey. However, as per DGCA guidelines, there are specific considerations female candidates must be aware of:

Pregnancy:

According to DGCA regulations, female pilots must be grounded during pregnancy and for a recommended period post childbirth. Resuming flying duties requires clearance from a DGCA-certified medical examiner to ensure complete fitness for flight operations.

Gynecological Health:

Female cadets are required to undergo routine medical check-ups, including gynecological assessments, to ensure they meet the fitness standards necessary for safe flying. Overall physical well-being is essential for maintaining continuity in training and future line flying.

Meeting these health criteria is an important part of building a sustainable and safe aviation career. Staying proactive about your fitness ensures consistency in training and long-term career success.

Choosing the Right Flight School – Why FTA is the Ideal Choice

Selecting the right training institute is one of the most important decisions in your pilot journey. The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA ensures that cadets receive training at a world-class flight academy that adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Here’s why FTA (Flight Training Adelaide) stands out:

• DGCA and International Approvals
• Structured Curriculum aligned with IndiGo’s operational philosophy Highly experienced and airline-qualified instructors
• Modern fleet of training aircraft and simulators
• Balanced student-aircraft and instructor-student ratios
• Dedicated mentorship for both academic and practical training

The right environment makes a world of difference. At FTA, cadets are not only trained to pass exams—they are prepared to handle real-world cockpit responsibilities with confidence and precision.

Ground School – Building Theoretical Knowledge

Before taking to the skies, every aspiring pilot enrolled in the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) must build a strong foundation in aviation theory. Ground School is the first critical phase where cadets are introduced to the core subjects that define safe, efficient, and professional flying.

Here’s what the Ground School curriculum covers:

• Meteorology
• Air Regulations
• Air Navigation
• Technical General
• Technical Specific
• Radio Telephony (RT)

Flight Training – Logging Your Hours

Once you complete your Ground School, the real aviation journey begins in the cockpit. Under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), cadets undergo structured and supervised flight training to build the experience required for licensing and airline readiness.

Here’s how flight hour requirements are structured:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
A minimum of 40 flight hours is required. However, most cadets complete around 50–60 hours to build basic proficiency and solo confidence.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
Requires 200 total flight hours, which includes:

185 hours on Single-Engine Aircraft, covering cross-country navigation, solo flights, and instrument flying.

25 hours on Multi-Engine Aircraft or approved Full Motion Simulator training.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
To obtain an ATPL, cadets must accumulate 1,500 hours, generally achieved through airline flying, instruction roles, or charter operations after CPL.

At FTA, cadets train on modern, well-maintained aircraft, with full support from certified instructors. Emphasis is placed not only on logging hours but also on mastering airmanship, situational awareness, and flight discipline, making cadets airline-ready from day one.

DGCA Exams and Final Check – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA

Clearing DGCA examinations is a mandatory step in your journey to becoming a commercial pilot in India. Under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), cadets receive complete academic and testing support to help them meet all regulatory requirements with confidence.

To qualify for your CPL, you must:

Score a minimum of 70 out of 100 in each DGCA theoretical subject.

Pass both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Radio Telephony (RTR) examination conducted by WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination).

Log the required flight hours on both Single Engine and Multi Engine aircraft.

Once these conditions are met, you will undergo a Skill Test (Check Ride) with a DGCA-authorized examiner. This test assesses your practical flying skills, emergency handling, and overall airmanship. Upon successful completion, you will be issued your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)—a major milestone in your career.

Type Rating – Specializing in a Commercial Aircraft

After obtaining your CPL, the next phase is Type Rating, a specialized training program that prepares you to fly a specific commercial aircraft—such as the Airbus A320, which is commonly used by IndiGo.

Key highlights of Type Rating:

Conducted in Level-D Full Flight Simulators, replicating real cockpit conditions.

Covers aircraft systems, normal and emergency procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC).

Requires a significant investment (approx. ₹15–25 lakh), but is essential for airline readiness.

As part of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, you are guided through this process with full transparency, ensuring you are well-prepared to take your first airline assignment as a Junior First Officer.

Applying for Airline Jobs and Clearing Assessments – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA

Once you’ve earned your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and completed your Type Rating—you’re ready to enter the professional world of aviation. The final step in your training journey under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA is preparing for and clearing airline selection processes.

Airlines like IndiGo follow a structured and competitive recruitment process to evaluate the technical readiness, mental aptitude, and behavioral competencies of pilot candidates. Here’s what to expect:

Written Examinations:

You will appear for written assessments that test your aviation knowledge, general aptitude, and basic technical understanding related to aircraft systems and procedures.

COMPASS / ADAPT Testing:

These are internationally recognized tools designed to assess your cognitive ability, hand-eye coordination, multi-tasking, spatial orientation, and situational judgment—all crucial for cockpit efficiency.

Group Discussions (GDs) and Personal Interviews (PIs):

These stages evaluate your team communication, decision-making, leadership skills, and emotional resilience—qualities essential for professional pilots operating in multi-crew environments.

Cadets from FTA receive dedicated training, mock tests, and interview prep sessions to build the confidence and competence needed to successfully clear IndiGo’s final airline assessment and begin their journey as a Junior First Officer.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot? – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA

The duration of your pilot training depends on your training frequency, individual aptitude, and institutional efficiency. At Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program is structured to optimize your time while ensuring in-depth training and regulatory compliance.

Here’s a general timeline:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
Takes around 3 to 6 months, depending on weather conditions and availability of slots.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
Requires 12 to 18 months, including ground school, flight hours, DGCA exams, and internal skill tests. Delays may occur due to weather, medical holds, or personal scheduling.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
Achieved through operational experience; usually 2 to 5 years after CPL. Involves flying 1,500 hours, commonly gained through airline or charter operations.

FTA maintains a focused training schedule to ensure minimum disruption and faster progression, without compromising on safety or quality.

How Much Does Pilot Training Cost in India? – With FTA & IndiGo Cadet Program

Becoming a pilot is a high-investment career, but with the right training structure, it can offer a high-return, long-term profession. The cost of training depends on various factors including location, aircraft type, training institute, and regulatory requirements.

Here’s an approximate breakdown:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
₹7–10 lakh (includes aircraft rental, instructor fees, and study material)

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
₹50–70 lakh (includes full training at FTA Australia, DGCA exam fees, accommodation, and documentation)

Type Rating (e.g., Airbus A320):
₹15–25 lakh depending on the aircraft and training provider

While the investment is substantial, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – FTA offers a structured, transparent, and globally respected training pathway, ensuring that every rupee spent translates into real-world career growth.