What is the starting salary of a commercial pilot in India?

Starting Salary of a Commercial Pilot in India

Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a dream career for many aviation enthusiasts. The salary of a commercial pilot varies based on experience, the airline they work for, and the type of aircraft they operate. The starting salary of a commercial pilot in India typically ranges between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month. However, this can vary depending on whether the pilot is employed with a domestic airline or an international carrier.

How to Become a Pilot in India?

To become a pilot in India, one must complete pilot training from a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved flying school. The process involves multiple stages, including DGCA ground classes, flying training, and obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The basic steps are:

1. Educational Qualification: A candidate must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. Students from other streams can take these subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
2. Medical Requirements: Aspiring pilots must clear the Class 1 Medical Examination as per DGCA guidelines.
3. Pilot Training & DGCA Ground Classes: Candidates enroll in a flying school where they undergo theoretical and practical training. DGCA ground classes cover topics like Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical Knowledge.
4. Flying Training: After ground school, students complete 200 hours of flying training to qualify for a CPL.
5. DGCA Exams & Licensing: Students must pass the DGCA examinations and meet the required flying hours before obtaining their CPL.

Factors Affecting a Pilot’s Salary

Several factors influence a pilot’s salary in India:

• Type of Airline: Captains in international airlines earn significantly more than those in domestic airlines.
• Aircraft Type: Flying wide-body jets (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350) offers higher salaries than narrow-body aircraft.
• Experience Level: Fresh CPL holders may start as First Officers (co-pilots), earning a lower salary until they gain experience and get promoted to Captains, who earn ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month.

Conclusion

Becoming a commercial pilot requires dedication, rigorous pilot training, and successful completion of DGCA ground classes and flying training. While the starting salary is lucrative, it increases significantly with experience, making aviation one of the most rewarding career choices in India.