The journey to becoming a professional aviator begins with obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This license authorizes an individual to operate aircraft commercially and opens doors to careers in airlines, charter services, cargo operations, and corporate aviation.
Before enrolling in a pilot training program, it is essential for students to understand the basic eligibility criteria set by DGCA. These requirements ensure that every aspiring pilot meets the academic, medical, and skill standards needed to operate an aircraft safely and efficiently.
Meeting the CPL eligibility criteria is the first checkpoint in your aviation journey. Once cleared, candidates can proceed with DGCA ground classes, medical examinations, and eventually, flight training to earn their wings.
What is Commercial Pilot License?
Hello Aviators, if your dream is to become a Commercial Pilot, then you are landing on the perfect page. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a certification that allows pilots to fly aircraft professionally and get paid for their services.
If you want to become a pilot, then a Commercial Pilot License is great for you. There are many licenses for pilots, and the Commercial Pilot License is one of them.
On this page, you will know all the details about the Commercial Pilot License — like eligibility, course details, syllabus, fees, admission process, and salary.
Commercial Pilot License Practical Flight Training
After completing the theoretical subjects of the Commercial Pilot Course, you have to complete flight training from any flying school. Details about flight training are given below:
Minimum of 200 flying hours
As Per DGCA Rules, trainees must complete 200 hours of flight time, including various types of training exercises.
Solo flying experience
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in flying alone under different conditions, ensuring they can handle an aircraft independently.
Night flying and cross-country navigation
Includes training for operating flights at night and flying between distant airports while following designated airways.
Instrument Rating (IR) Training
Prepares pilots to fly in low visibility conditions using cockpit instruments rather than relying on external references.
Simulator Training for multi-engine aircraft
Provides hands-on experience with complex aircraft operations, emergency procedures, and navigation systems in a controlled environment before handling actual multi-engine aircraft.
Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Pilot License
Age
Candidate must be at least 18 years old.
Education
12th pass with Mathematics and Physics.
DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medical
Candidate must qualify DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical examinations.
Total Flight Hours
Minimum 200 hours of flight time required.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
Instrument Flying
Minimum 10 hours of instrument flying training.
Simulator Training
5 hours of simulator training is mandatory.
Nationality & Language
Indian / OCI with English proficiency.
Background Check
No criminal history.
1) DGCA Class 1-2 Medical Test
At first, you have to clear DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical from DGCA-approved doctors. Doctors check the candidate’s health to ensure they meet physical and mental fitness standards required for flying.
- Vision Test 👁️ – Distance, near vision & color blindness (Ishihara test)
- Hearing Test 🎧 – Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
- Cardiovascular ❤️ – ECG and blood pressure
- Neurological 🧠 – Balance, reflexes, coordination
- General Physical 🩺 – BMI, lungs, liver, kidney
- Blood & Urine 🩸 – Diabetes, cholesterol, infections
- Mental Health 🧠 – Stress management & psychology
Class 1 Medical: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Class 2 Medical: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
2) DGCA CPL Exams
You have to give 6 papers of DGCA exam. DGCA conducts exams in two formats: Regular exams (4 times a year) and On-Demand exams (flexible schedule).
Regular Exam: ₹2,500 per subject
On-Demand Exam: ₹5,000 per paper
3) DGCA Ground Classes
DGCA ground classes are very important to clear DGCA exams quickly. With the right guidance, you can clear exams faster and move towards flight training.
Average fees: ₹2.5 lakh (varies by institute)
4) Flying Training Duration & Fees
CPL training takes around 8–10 months including 200 hours of flying and simulator training. Average flying cost ranges from ₹35–45 lakh.
Commercial Pilot Course (CPL) Fees in India
| # | Expense Category | Approx Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DGCA Medical Tests | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| 2 | DGCA Exams | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| 3 | Ground School Fees | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh |
| 4 | Flying Training (200 hrs) | ₹35 – ₹45 lakh |
| 5 | Simulator Training | ₹2 – ₹5 lakh |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹40 – ₹50 lakh | |
How to Get a Commercial Pilot License in India
1. Choose DGCA Ground Classes
Enroll in a DGCA-approved ground school for exam preparation.
2. Clear DGCA Exams
Pass Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulation, Technical & RTR.
3. Complete Flight Training
Finish 200 flying hours from a DGCA-approved flying school.
Start Your Pilot Journey With We One Aviation Academy
We One Aviation Academy offers DGCA ground classes, flight training, experienced instructors, and structured programs to help you become a professional pilot.
Career Opportunities After CPL
- Airline Pilot (Domestic & International)
- Cargo Pilot
- Charter Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Corporate Jet Pilot
- Aerial Survey Pilot
- Air Ambulance Pilot
Commercial Pilot License Salary
Beginners
₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh per month
Mid-Level
₹5 – ₹10 lakh per month
Senior Captain
₹12 – ₹25 lakh per month
- Free flights for family
- Medical insurance
- Hotel & travel allowances
- Prestigious lifestyle
Career Opportunities for Commercial Pilot License Holders in India
Getting a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India opens the door to an exciting and rewarding career in aviation. With a CPL, you're allowed to fly planes for money, and there are many job options to explore.
Start Your Commercial Flight Training With We One Aviation Academy
Join DGCA ground classes and flight training today.
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