GENERAL QUERIES
Q.What is DGCA and what is the role of DGCA in getting a License?
DGCA stands for Directorate General of Civil Aviation which comes under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. DGCA is the regulating authority of aviation industry. It conducts the AME & Pilot License examinations and issues the license to the candidates without which a student cannot become Aircraft Maintenance Engineer / Pilot.
Q.What is the entry-level qualification for a pilot to join an airline and what does he join as?
The minimum requirement that any airline generally requires a pilot to have is a basic Commercial Pilots License, with an Instrument Rating and preferably a Multi Engine endorsement. When the pilot enrols in an airline, he enrols as a trainee pilot and then he undergoes the various training programs conducted by the airline as per their requirement. Once successfully completing these training programs one is released to fly as a first Officer (often called as Co- Pilot).
Q.Is the Indian CPL valid anywhere else in the world?
Yes, Certainly the Indian CPL is valid all over the world and it is fully convertible to a license of any other country as per the rules of that country.
Q.What are the eligibility criteria to join CPL training?
Educational qualification: Minimum qualification required is 10+2 with physics & Maths. (If you don't have Physics & Maths in 10+2 you have an option of passing these two subjects at 10+2 level from National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) On-Demand Examinations and can start your Pilot training course.)
- Age: 18 years
- Medical:
- Class I Medical could be obtained in due course of Training.
- Class II Medical is to be done by a DGCA approved medical examiner.
Q.How does an Airline choose its Pilots?
Usually an airline will place an ad in the leading newspaper of the country and then call for applications, Once received they will then short list the candidates for a written exam, if successful in the written exam they would want them to undergo a IPT test (Instrument Procedure Trainer test) which is done on a basic procedure trainer like the ATC 710. The last block is that of a personal interview which is conducted to assess the individual's personality and temperament. (The above may differ from employer to employer).
Q.How does one choose which aircraft to fly as a basic aircraft to be included in the license as a rating?
One can choose any aircraft below a weight of 1,500 Kgs; In this category a lot of options are available like the Cessna 152, Cessna 172, P68. The basic criteria in choosing the aircraft are easy availability, low maintenance, safe, easy to fly and understand.
Q.Can I join the air force with a CPL or how do I join the air force?
One cannot join the air force with a CPL since the air force has different criteria for selection and their training methods are very different as they fly a different category of aircraft and fly it for a different purpose from the one employed in training you as a commercial pilot. In order to join the air force one can either go through the NDA or through the short service commission. But for a flying job in the air force one has to go through the NDA.
Q.Who is the potential employer for a pilot with a basic CPL in our country?
One can be employed with Air- India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Kingfisher, Indigo, Go Air, Indus Air, Air Deccan and The Indian Coast Guard, Various flying schools employee you as an instructor and also flying schools outside India can employ you.
Q.What is the Minimum height that one must have in order to become a pilot?
There is no particular height one has to be. The individual has to obtain a Cockpit Check Certificate which essentially states that one can manipulate controls and have an unobstructed view of the outside.
Q.What is the eyesight one must have? Are glasses permissible?
Currently 6 corrected vision is permitted. LASIK surgery is also allowed. However the decision of the Medical Panel in the DGCA will be final.
Q.Is medical is compulsory to do this pilot training?
Yes, Institutes will give enrolment only with your DGCA Class II medical report.
Q.What are the reasons for one not to clear in the medical examination?
People usually fail the medical examination if they have an ailment that is usually detrimental to decision making in the cockpit. For example, if one has a heart condition, is obese or colour blind the medical board will have a tendency to issue an UNFIT certificate.
Q.What are the Medical Requirements?
- There are two kinds of medical tests:
- Class I Medical Assessment: Anyone wishing to train for a commercial or airline transport pilot's licence will need to obtain an initial Class 1 medical certificate as part of the licensing requirements. This test is country-specific. Each country has certified physicians/centres in India to conduct Class I Medical Assessment before flying to that country to pursue Pilot Training.
- Class II Medical Assessment: This certificate is prerequisite It is a medical requirement specified by DGCA for students who wish to pursue Pilot training courses. There are examinations for Physical, mental, visual and hearing requirements. This is taken by a DGCA certified physician.
Q.Is it necessary to do ground class before I leave to abroad for pilot training?
It is not at all necessary. Because, all these flight schools start training from the fundamentals of aviation only. But, when compare to other countries, DGCA examination will be hard. So, before you go for conversion examination, it is better to undergo ground classes with experience instructors as per DGCA examination point of view in India.
Q.I do not have much English communication skill? Can I do this training?
To become a Pilot, English communication is mandatory.
Q.What is an A.M.E License?
A.M.E License is an authority issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, to maintain & certify the fitness of the civil aircraft prior to each flight. After earning this license, an AME certifies the fitness of an aircraft. Any aircraft cannot fly without this fitness clearance from an AME.
Q.What does an AME do?
An AME is the key person in-charge of the fitness or the health of an aircraft. Each flight has to go through a Daily Inspection (DI) before it is allowed to take off. Routine inspections are done on strict periodic intervals depending upon the hours of flight. No aircraft can take off without a Certificate Release to Service (CRS) issued from an AME.
Q.How to become an AME?
Though it is an engineering programme, the AME license course does not require approvals from the AICTE. Licenses are issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. DGCA coordinates all regulatory functions with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). To become an AME, one has to undergo training from a DGCA approved institute and then clear DGCA exams. One has to clear six semesters to receive the Basic AME Certificate License (BAMEL).
Q.What is the minimum qualification required to get admission in this course?
To make a career as an AME one needs to have passed at least 10+2 / Intermediate, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or its equivalent from any recognised board / university. The applicants appearing in these exams can also apply. The admission to the course is subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
Q.If my 10 +2 marks is less than 50% aggregate in PCM but I have passed B.Sc. with PCM then am I eligible for the A.M.E course?
Yes, even appearing candidates of final year of B.Sc. may also apply AME course.
Are there any entrance tests for joining this course?
Yes. Students who have passed 10+2 / Intermediate with PCM are eligible but they have to undergo an entrance test conducted by the respective colleges. These tests are usually taken in the month April. One can check with us to find out the examination dates.
Q.Can I join these courses if I have studied Commerce or Arts?
Yes, you can definitely join this course and pursue a career as an airline pilot provided you have cleared the 10+2 level exam from a recognized board. But in the case of Commerce or an Arts Student, he/she will have to appear for an isolated paper in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level from National Institute of open Schooling (NIOS).
Q.Can a student avail loan from bank?
Yes, Bank at its discretion give the loan provided the students produce all the required documents to bank including admission letter, institutes approval letter, validity sheet, scope of approval and students below poverty line can approach to the welfare department also in their corresponding sate for study loan, if available. We help students in procuring these loans from the banks.
Q.Can AME's from institute join Defence Services?
Although this course is only for civil aviation industry but, BSF also recruits BAMEL holders passed from our colleges.
Q.What is the industry outlook for job opportunities?
The sector is promising and placements are never a problem after successful completion of such courses. Aviation is the fastest growing industry in India in comparison to other sectors. Sources report that Indian carriers have ordered nearly 500 aircrafts which will be delivered over next decade, 05 aircrafts a month, and as per industry standards, 30 maintenance personnel are required per aircraft. After allowing foreign investments in Indian Aviation Industry, international players are positively looking at the Indian market. A lot is already happening in Indian Aviation with Jet-Etihad deal, Tata-Singapore collaboration, and Tata-Air Asia JV creating more jobs in near future.
Q.Which flight school is best? Which country's training will be considered the best by the airlines?
We are very careful in selecting the flight school. It represents the flight school those who are fulfilling the DGCA requirements. So, the students won't have any problem during the conversion of foreign license to Indian license or in placements. Different Flight schools have different price structures. So, you have to decide the country/School according to the budget. And also, you have to see whether you can meet out the minimum expectations of Consulate of the country.
Q.What is the Admission procedure?
You may contact on the number, which is mentioned on the website.