Touching the sky, visiting different countries, and piloting a magnificent aircraft – being a pilot is indeed thrilling. That’s why many young students dream of becoming pilots in India. If you are also one of them, there’s good news for you.
In the past few years, the aviation industry in our country has seen remarkable growth because of an increasing demand for air travelers. We at VayuSa Aviation have helped hundreds of our aspirants become successful pilots. And we encourage you to embark on this exhilarating journey without wasting any further time. However, before that, you must be curious to know the financial implications of becoming a pilot.
So, to help you with that, we’ll break down the cost of pilot training in India in this blog.
Cost of Pilot Training in India
What is the total cost of pilot training in India? Or Do airlines pay for pilot training? As experienced pilot trainers, we come across these types of questions every day while consulting beginners. Such queries are completely natural, especially when making an important investment decision like professional flight training.
So, the cost of pilot training in India may range between ₹35 Lakhs to ₹75 lakhs, depending on the type of license, the fees of the training institute, and your learning pace.
Note: The given cost is just an approximation; the real cost may vary depending on various factors.
Factors Influencing Costs of Pilot Training in India
Honestly speaking, the exact cost of pilot course fees in India after 12th can vary and is difficult to determine precisely. Because, it varies depending on various factors:
Type of Training / License
There are mainly four types of pilot licenses (Student Pilot License – SPL, Private Pilot License – PPL, Commercial Pilot License – CPL, and Airline Transport Pilot License – ATPL), and each comes with a different training process and duration, which directly affects the overall cost.
Location
The cost of pilot schools in India differs based on their geographical location. The metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will naturally have higher prices than other cities.
Duration
Lastly, the length of your training program will affect the overall cost. This is because flying training is billed by the hour, and delays often add extra hours that increase the cost.
Apart from these, some additional expenses like living costs, exams, and equipment may also affect the cost of pilot training in India.
Breakdown of the Cost of Pilot Training in India – From Beginner to Pro
Google “Top 10 pilot training institutes in India with fees,” and you’ll end up getting confused because of their different fee charts. If you truly wish to understand the cost involved in the training, it’s essential to break down its various components:
1. Flight Training
Flight training is the most significant component of becoming a pilot. That’s why it’s also the most expensive one. It accounts for the largest portion of the overall training budget. In India, at least 220 flying hours are mandatory to get a Commercial Pilot Training – CPL. And this training may range between ₹ 35 Lakhs to ₹45 Lakhs. The cost may change drastically for other types of licenses.
2. Ground School
Ground Training is another very crucial part of becoming a pilot in India. This training teaches aspiring pilots the theoretical knowledge that is necessary to fly an aircraft. It includes subjects such as meteorology, navigation, and regulation that are the foundation for safe flying. A ground school in India may charge you between ₹2 Lakhs and ₹4 Lakhs.
3. Medical Exams
There’s a fitness standard for pilots set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). That’s why, before starting flight training, all students must pass all the medical exams. There are two types of medical exams: Class 1 Medical Exam and Class 2 Medical Exam. They will cost you between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, depending on the facility and tests required.
4. Examination Fees
After completing the pilot course in India at flying institutes, students have to pass several exams conducted by the DGCA. The structure of the examination is simple. It includes theoretical and practical assessments of flying skills and knowledge application. The cost of examination fees varies. Usually, they range from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 for all required tests.
5. Type Rating
Those students who wish to improve their chances of landing a job in a good airline company must go for a type rating. It’s an additional certification that trains pilots for specific aircraft types. That’s why it’s now essential for operating large and more complex aircraft. The type rating certification may cost you between ₹15 Lakhs and ₹20 Lakhs, depending on the aircraft.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses
Many avoid miscellaneous expenses while calculating the cost of pilot training in India, which affects their budget later on. So, we take miscellaneous costs like Study materials, commuting, Accommodation, and Food (If students are attending flight school away from home) into consideration, it will easily cost around ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
When we sum up all these 6 components of becoming a pilot in India, it will easily go above ₹60 to ₹70 Lakhs. It is a pretty good amount, which may present a significant challenge for aspiring pilots.
However, one can always opt for financial aid to manage their training fees.
Financial Aid For Pilot Training
We understand that managing the fees for pilot training costs is not easy for everyone. So, here are some financing options you can rely on:
#1. Bank Loans – Student pilots can opt for bank loans, which are the most common form of financing for pilot training. Additionally, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are also available for loans, which usually have an interest rate of 8.30% to 12%.
#2. Scholarships – The best way for aspiring pilots to manage funds for their training is through Scholarships. Aviation schools, government bodies, and private foundations offer them. JRD Tata Memorial Scholarship is one of the most famous and prestigious pilot scholarships in India.
#3. Grants – Grants are often non-repayable and are usually given by NGOs or government departments. But the issues with grants are that they are typically awarded for a specific purpose. For example, training on a specific aircraft or supporting underprivileged students.
Among these, the best financing option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
If you are confused, request a free consultation at VayuSa Aviation, and we’ll help you figure out the right financing option for your pilot training.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot is a dream of many. In our country, students have to spend approximately ₹35 Lakhs to ₹75 lakhs for pilot training. However, oftentimes, this high cost of pilot training in India becomes a hurdle for many aspiring aviators.
To help students understand the expense involved, we have broken down the various key components of pilot training fees. Additionally, in this blog, we have also discussed three financing options to make your journey smooth and affordable.
Ready to take the first step toward your flying career? Request a free consultation with VayuSa Aviation today and get expert guidance on courses, costs, and funding options.