FAQs

Q. 1 What is Aviation in present context?

Ans. Aviation in any country is usually divided into Military and Civil Aviation. Military Aviation pertains to Air Force/ Army/ Naval Aviation. Civil Aviation relates to Airlines, corporate and private aircraft, and Flight School operations.

Q. 2 How does one get into Civil Aviation?

Ans. One needs to do Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) Course from one of the Flight Schools approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The basic eligibility of this course is 10+2 pass with physics and mathematics or become an AME.

Q.3 What all is covered in this course?

Ans. The course broadly requires a student pilot to do 200 hours of flying training on a single engine aircraft and passing of theory subjects of Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Meteorology, Technical and Radio Telephony. These examinations are conducted by DGCA 4 times in a year. To become an AME one needs 10+2 etc.

Q.4 What are the facilities available at Ahmedabad?

Ans. AAA, located at Ahmedabad International Airport is one of the most reputed Flight Schools in India today. It has been functioning since 1994, and has the distinction of providing over 150 pilots to Airlines. AAA has recently got Mehsana Airfield from Govt of Gujarat, which has been developed under PPP model, and is fully functional. AAA is conducting extensive flying training operations from Mehsana Airfield.

Q.5 What is the normal duration of the course?

Ans. It largely depends on the student’s ability to pass theory papers. The course can comfortably be completed in 12 to 18 months.

Q.6 What are the job opportunities?

Ans. The country is facing a shortage of trained manpower, and the situation is going to be more acute in times to come. It is predicted that in next 3-5 years, over 1600 pilots would be required for domestic & international operations.

Q.7 What is the approximate cost of the course?

Ans. The complete course fee is approximately 17 lacs for CPL. This includes flying fees & theory classes.For information on AME course please visit www.wiia.org.

Q.8 1600 does not seem to be a large number?

Ans. Aviation in India has developed at a snails pace in the past. We are far behind in numbers of pilots and aircraft by world standards. Take for example Canada, which has 1/3 of India’s population. There are about 58,000 licenced civil pilots in Canada, compared to India’s less then 5,000. U.S. & Germany have much more. Even Pakistan has more pilots than us today. With the industry looking up, we have a large requirement coming up.

Q.9 What is current & future scenario of Civil Aviation in India?

Ans. India had barely two State controlled operators till late 80s, having limited resources & destinations. After Government’s open sky policy, number of private operators have come in with world-class services. They also have undertaken to bring air travel within reach of common man. This has resulted in a healthy competition, and at least 5-6 more airlines are going to start operations soon. All this has resulted in large requirement of trained manpower.

Q.10 Apart from Pilots, which are the other avenues in Aviation?

Ans. A most important component of Aviation, which is not so well known, is the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. AMEs are people highly trained on various aircraft systems, and are responsible to maintain the aircraft in a fit to fly condition. It is an excellent and challenging career with good remuneration.

Q.11 How does one become an AME?

Ans. The basic eligibility is 10+2 with PCM. The student has to undergo a 3-year course at an institute approved by DGCA, Govt. of India. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics has started such an institute, Western India Institute of Aeronautics, which is the only Government approved institute in the State of Gujarat.

Q.12 How long can a person work as a Pilot?

Ans. The Govt. allows a person to fly commercially up to the age of 65 years, subject to being medically fit.

Q.13 What remuneration can a person expect as Commercial Pilot?

Ans. Airlines in India are paying a starting salary in excess of Rs.1.5 lac per month.

Q.14 Can a person who has trained in India fly abroad?

Ans. Your flying hours are protected. If you wish to migrate then you may have to pass that country’s examination. Interestingly, few pilots wish to serve abroad as pilots job in India is very elite and the pay and perks are much better here.