Remember when you were a kid, looking up at the sky and dreaming of flying? Well, you can fulfil your dream of being a pilot now!
The adventure, excitement and the thrill of flying in the air is not just limited to wealthy families anymore. With various loans and scholarship facilities available, even aspirants from middle-class families can apply for a pilot training course worry-free. This guide explores the comprehensive CPL cost in India and provides insights into numerous ways to finance this ambitious career choice. The sky is full of opportunities and with increasing air traffic, the flying career in India is at its peak for the coming years. Let us dive into the details and learn more.
What is the Cost of a Pilot Training Programme in India?
- Ground Training: The Commercial Pilot License cost in India depends on various factors. The flight school, duration of the training, and associated expenses are the factors that determine the fee of the ground school training. Ground training includes classroom instruction on aviation theory, navigation, meteorology, and regulations, typically costing between INR 2-5 lakhs (approximately USD 2,500-6,500). This is an essential part of the training where students learn the theoretical knowledge required for piloting.
- Flight Training: Practical flight training, involving actual flying lessons with an instructor and logging about 200 hours of flight time, is the most significant expense, ranging from INR 35-40 lakhs (approximately USD 40,000-65,000). This hands-on training is crucial for developing the skills needed to operate an aircraft safely and effectively.
- Additional Expenses:
– Simulator Training: The average training cost on flight simulators to practice flying procedures and handle emergencies can cost from 3 to 5 Lakhs (approximately USD 3,500-6,500).
– Examination Fees: The typical cost of examinations to pass a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is around INR 50,000-1 lakh (approximately USD 600-1,200). The cost includes a set of written exams and flight tests.
– Medical Examinations: Class 1 medical exam and Class 2 medical exam are conducted to check the overall fitness of the pilot. The Class 1 medical exam costs between INR 8000 to INR 15000 and the Class 2 medical exam costs between Rs.6000 to Rs.10,000.
– Uniforms and Study Materials: The cadet needs to be flight-ready with crisp uniforms throughout the journey. The cost of study materials, uniforms, books and other educational materials can cost you between 1 to 2 lakhs (approximately USD 1,200-2,500).
– Accommodation and Living Expenses: The cost of living plays an important role in determining the expense structure of pilot training. It can vary depending on the location of the training and flight school. Generally the accommodation cost ranges from INR 10,000-50,000 per month (approximately USD 125-600 per month).
Total Estimated Cost
Overall, the total cost of obtaining a CPL in India typically ranges from INR 35 lakhs to 50 lakhs (approximately USD 45,000-65,000). After obtaining a CPL, additional training for specific aircraft types, known as type rating, is required and can cost an additional INR 20-30 lakhs (approximately USD 25,000-40,000). Many flight schools offer loan assistance and instalment payment options to help manage these costs, making the financial burden more manageable for aspiring pilots.
How to Finance Your Dream of Flying?
Here are several options available to help manage the expenses of your flight career-
1. Bank Loans
- Educational Loans: Many banks offer educational loans specifically designed for professional courses, including pilot training. These loans often cover tuition fees, examination fees, and other related expenses.
- Personal Loans: If educational loans are not sufficient, personal loans can also be an option, though they may come with higher interest rates.
2. Scholarships and Grants
- Government Scholarships: Some state and central government schemes provide scholarships for pilot training.
- Flight School Scholarships: Many flight schools offer merit-based pilot scholarships or financial aid to deserving students.
- Aviation Organizations: Organizations such as the International Society of Women Airline Pilots and other aviation foundations often offer scholarships to aspiring pilots.
4. Self-Financing
- Savings: Using personal savings is a common way to finance pilot training, though it requires substantial financial preparation.
- Part-Time Jobs: Some students work part-time jobs to help finance their training, although this can be challenging due to the demanding nature of pilot training programs.
5. Loan Assistance from Flight Schools
- Many flight schools have tie-ups with financial institutions to offer loan assistance to their students. These loans might have favourable terms compared to standard bank loans.
Becoming a pilot is an investment in yourself and your future. With some creative financing and determination, you’ll be up in the clouds before you know it. Fortunately, the average salary of a pilot in India can typically cover the cost of training within a short period.
Before enrolling in a flight training programme, it’s advisable to compare different payment options and seek advice from financial advisors or professionals in the aviation industry.
In India, one of the best flight training programme is Insight Aviation’s IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme. Upon completion of the training, candidates are placed as IndiGo Junior First Officers. The letter of intent (LOI) issued by IndiGo after the selection process signifies their commitment to this program.
FAQs
Q. Can I get a loan for CPL?
A. Yes, you can take an education loan or a private loan to get your CPL training.
Q. How do I financially manage myself for pilot training?
A. By planning, you can save money by doing a job or simply taking a loan to manage your finances for pilot training.
Q. What is the salary of commercial pilots in India?
A. The salary of a commercial pilot varies depending on the number of hours and experience. The average salary of the pilot in India is typically around 28 to 30 LPA.