How to Become a Pilot After 12th: A Complete Roadmap

Introduction

Are you a student who has just completed the 12th grade and dreams of becoming a pilot? The aviation industry offers exciting career opportunities with excellent salary prospects. In this guide, we will explore how to become a pilot after 12th, the different paths available, required qualifications, and the steps to achieve your goal.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Pilot After 12th

Before starting your journey, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Minimum age: 17 years


• Educational qualification: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (Science stream preferred)


• Medical fitness: Class 1 Medical Certificate from DGCA (for India) or equivalent in other countries

If you haven’t studied Physics and Mathematics in 12th, you can take these subjects from open schooling.

Steps to Become a Pilot After 12th

1. Choose Your Pilot Training Path

After completing 12th grade, you have two main options to become a pilot:

• Commercial Pilot (Civil Aviation) – Requires training at a flight school


• Defense Pilot (Indian Air Force/Navy/Army Aviation) – Requires selection through NDA or CDS exams

2. Enroll in a Flying School

To become a commercial pilot, you must enroll in a recognized flight school. Some of the top flying schools are:

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (India)


• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy


• Flight Safety Academy (USA)


• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Kochi

Most flight schools require clearing an entrance exam that tests your aptitude, English skills, and knowledge of Physics & Mathematics.

3. Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first step in flight training is obtaining an SPL, which allows you to begin flying under supervision. To qualify, you must:

• Pass a written exam


• Clear a medical test


• Complete an interview

4. Complete Flight Training and Earn a Private Pilot License (PPL)

To move forward in how to become pilot after 12th, you must log at least 40-50 flight hours and pass the PPL exam. This license allows you to fly privately but not commercially.

5. Get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

A CPL is essential to work as a professional pilot. To earn a CPL, you must:

• Complete 200+ flight hours


• Pass DGCA (or FAA, EASA) written and flying exams


• Clear medical and psychological fitness tests

This step is crucial in how to become pilot after 12th as it grants you the ability to work for airlines.

6. Gain Experience and Apply for Jobs

After earning a CPL, you can build your experience through:

• Flight instruction (Becoming a trainer to log more flight hours)


• Charter services (Flying private aircraft for companies)


• Regional airlines (Entry-level airline jobs)

This experience helps you qualify for higher-paying airline jobs.

7. Apply for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

To become a captain at major airlines, you must earn an ATPL, which requires 1,500+ flight hours and passing advanced aviation exams.

Cost of Becoming a Pilot After 12th

Pilot training is expensive, but several financial aids are available:

• Flight school training: $50,000 - $150,000 (₹35-₹1.2 crore)


• Scholarships: DGCA, AOPA, and airline-sponsored scholarships


• Bank loans: Many banks offer aviation education loans


• Cadet programs: Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet sponsor training for selected candidates

Career Opportunities and Salary of a Pilot

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to become pilot after 12th, the key steps include choosing the right training path, obtaining licenses, and gaining flight experience. The journey requires dedication, financial planning, and passion for aviation, but the rewards are worth it. With high salaries and numerous career opportunities, becoming a pilot is an excellent choice for students after 12th grade.