 Pilots are highly trained professionals and the most important person on an aircraft. This job which requires knowledge of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operations of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, leading the aircraft under adverse circumstances, and being a leader to the flight crew and passengers under climatic and other emergency situations.
Eligibility
1. You should be medically fit. A professional pilot is required to pass a Class I medical exam.
The medical fitness is assessed by an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner). The AMEs are designated by the DGCA (Director General Civil Aviation). AMEs are listed on the DGCA website http://www.dgca.gov.in/
To pass the Class I medical exam, one has to first pass a Class II medical exam. On passing the Class II, the DGCA will issue a “File Number”. An appointment for a Class I medical exam can be obtained based on this file number. The list of centers for Class II and Class I initial medical exam is available on the DGCA website.
This medical exam is required to be renewed every year until the age of 40 and twice a year after 40 years of age.
Common misconceptions:
• It is commonly believed that pilots cannot wear glasses. This is not true. Many pilots wear glasses, as long as the vision is correctable.
• There is no minimum height requirement. Normally anybody above 5 feet and 2 inches should be able to comfortably reach all the instruments and controls in the cockpit. The modern day pilot seat is adjustable in all axis.
The only person who can tell you that you are or are not medically fit, is a designated Aviation Medical Examiner through a Class I or II medical evaluation.
2. You should be able to read, write, understand and speak English fluently.
English is the language of aviation. All communication in aviation between pilots in the cockpit and Air Traffic Controllers are required to be in English.
To train in the USA as a pilot, TOEFL is not a requirement.
3. You should be at least 17 years of age to commence training and 18 years of age to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License.
At the time of completion of CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training, the student pilot should be at least 18 years of age for the issue of CPL
4. Indian DGCA requires you be a 10+2 graduate with Physics and Maths or equivalent.
Students who do not have 12th standard mathematics and physics or equivalent can enroll with the NIOS (National Institute of Open School) at the same time of enrolling for pilot training and pass the Mathematics and Physics papers simultaneously. The 12th standard Mathematics and Physics is only a requirement at the time of issue of license on completing of flight training, Not for course commencement.
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