Commercial Pilot License
CPL (Commercial pilot license )
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a professional license that permits the holder to receive payment for their piloting services. It marks a crucial step for anyone aspiring to a career in aviation, whether with airlines or in other flying roles.
Prerequisites
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age for issuance of Commercial Pilot License
- Applicant must hold a Class 1 Medical
- Age— Not less than 18 years on the date of application:
- Medical Fitness— A certificate of physical fitness from an approved Medical Board.
- Knowledge— Pass a written examination in Air Regulations, Air Navigation Meteorology and aircraft and Engines and Signals (practical) examination for interpretation of aural and visual signals.
- Should be able to read , write , understand and speak English
- 200 hrs of flight time as pilot within a period of five years immediately preceding the date of application.
- Skill— Competency to perform the procedures and manoeuvres within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of application. The competency shall be demonstrated as in
- General flying test by day
- General flying test by night
- 250 NM cross-country flight test by day with at least one full stop landing at an aerodrome other than the aerodrome of departure.
- 120 NM cross-country flying test by night returning to the place of departure without landing elsewhere.
Course Details
The Commercial Pilot License course consists of two parts: theory and practical training. In the theory phase, students study subjects such as Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical, and RTR. After completing these subjects, candidates must pass the DGCA CPL exams. The RTR exam is administered by WPC.
Those planning to undergo flight training abroad are exempt from the Technical exam in India, and students training in any Commonwealth country are also exempted from the Indian RTR exam.
The Course consists of the following:
| COURSE CONTENT | HOURS |
|---|---|
| Total flying | 200 |
| Pilot in command | 100 |
| Dual Single engine | 85 |
| Multi engine | 15 |
| Simulator | 20 |
To obtain an Instrument Rating along with a CPL, you must complete 50 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) cross-country flying, with at least 100 nautical miles between points, and a cross-country flight of no less than 300 nautical miles, including full-stop landings at two different airports. This cross-country requirement also applies if you are pursuing only a CPL.
You will also need to log 40 hours of Instrument Flying, with a maximum of 20 hours completed in an approved simulator. During this course, you will undertake night PIC flying and meet all additional DGCA requirements for the issuance of CPL/ME/IR.
Requirements for Commercial Pilot License
Completed 10th grade from a recognized board or university, or an equivalent examination.
Mini age mustbe18 years on the date of application
Candidates must meet the medical standards as per DGCA.
Candidates must have scored passed marks in his/ her 12th with PCM or equivalent.
Program Overview
Stage 1: Ground Classes in India (2-3 months)
- 10TH And 12TH Board Verification
- Police Verification
- Class 2 Medical from DGCA Approved Medical Examiner
- Computer Number from DGCA Exam Portal "Pariksha"
- Profile Creation on Egca (e-Governance of Civil Aviation)
- Class 1 Medical at IAF Medical Centre/ DGCA Approved Civil hospital
- VISA Formalities
- DGCA written Exam in Air Navigation, Meteorology and Air Regulations
Stage 2: Flying Training in South Africa (12-15 months)
- Flying training in South Africa
- Issue of South African CPL, Radio Licence and ELP Certificate level 4
Stage 3: Flying Test and Licence Conversion (1-2 months)
- Flight Tests in India in DGCA Approved Flying Training Institute
- Compilation of documents, paperwork and submission to DGCA
- Issue of Indian CPL by DGCA
Frequently Asked Questions
A CPL allows you to be compensated for flying and pursue a professional career as a pilot.
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a PPL, and have a Class 1 Medical certificate.
Training duration varies, but it typically requires 200 hours of flight time, including specific training hours.
Key subjects include aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, flight planning, and advanced flight maneuvers.
Yes, with a CPL, you can apply for commercial pilot jobs, but additional ratings may be required for specific aircraft.