Many youngsters are attracted towards aviation as career at present. Various job opportunities are also there for these people who have successfully completed training in the related field. CPL and PPL are the license needed for the aspirants who wish to become a pilot. Even though both are in the same related field their nature and purpose differs a lot.
Clearing CDS exam, selection through SSC scheme and NCC Certificate are the three entry options available to young aspirants for joining Indian Air Force as Pilots. For pursuing any of these options the minimum qualification required is graduation. The details regarding the procedure to be followed by aspirants to join as a pilot through these 3 different routes are briefed in the article below.
Three entry routes to become a Pilot in Indian Air force
Clearing the Combined Defense Services Examination (CDS) exam organized by UPSC is one of the means to get into the Indian Air Force as Pilots. The exam is conducted two times a year. The exams is usually held in the months of April and September. The next round of the selection procedure will be a Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT). The combined scores in both these levels of the selection procedure will be considered for preparing the merit list. It is a must to clear both the exams separately.
NCC candidates who possess the ‘C’ certificate and who are graduates can directly enter into the post of regular commission officer. These people need not clear any entrance exam. They need to attend an interview that is conducted by SSB.
Short Service Commission(SSC) is the third route, for those who are short listed through SSC, they can be in service for 14 years and no extension will be provided unlike the other two routes.
Qualifications required to become an Air Force Pilot
- Graduate in any discipline from any recognized University can apply.
- 60% marks in the qualifying exam are needed to apply.
- Final year students can also apply.
- 19 to 24 years is the age limit to apply for the post. For CPL holders the age limit is 26 years.
- Marital status should be single.
- Both men and women are eligible to apply in the case of short service commission.
- Aspirant should be an Indian citizen.
- Minimum acceptable height of the aspirant must be 157.6 cm
Application Procedure
IAF will notify via leading newspapers, employment news and job portals on the availability and number of vacancies. The details will be given in the official website as well. Details like how to apply and certificates to be attached along application form will be provided in the advertisement. Aspirants need follow all the instructions and send the application form duly filled in before the due date mentioned.
Difference between CPL Course and PPL course
CPL Course
Commercial Pilot License is the license that is obtained after the completion of training in aircraft flying. This license allows one to perform as pilot in-charge in a solo aircraft or as a co-pilot in multi pilot aircrafts. These pilots are paid for their work. Those who want to hold a CPL should undergo a training of minimum 200 hours flight log time. It will be given in single engine or multiengine aircrafts. Candidates must satisfy some educational qualification to hold this license and to become a pilot. They should have secured a pass in 10+2 examinations from any reputed institutions with Mathematics and Physics as compulsory subjects. Candidate should attain at least the age of 17 years at the time of training and should be medically fit as per the board standards. They need some other skills like ability to read, speak, and write and understand English. They must be a PPL holder. After acquiring this license they can find jobs in many commercial airline, charter companies, etc.
PPL Course
Private Pilot License is also the license given for the aspirants who are interested in flying aircrafts. But this license is only given for the pilots in non-commercial aircrafts. It is mainly for those who wish to take pilot job as a hobby or for those who own an aircraft. These people are not paid for the work. For getting this license, they must undergo training of minimum 40 flying hours along with a qualification in the examination carried out by DGCA. For this license also, candidates must satisfy some educational qualification. They must have passed at least 10th with Mathematics and Physics. The minimum age required is 16 years and they should have medical fitness as per the standard rules.
Key differentiators between CPL Course and PPL course
- CPL is the license given to those who wish to take up career as a pilot with the commercial airlines whereas PPL is for those who wish to be a pilot as a hobby or for those who own an aircraft.
- CPL can be acquired by those who have completed senior secondary examinations and who satisfies an age of 17 years. PPL can be obtained after 10th with minimum of 16 years age.
- A person who holds CPL must have obtained PPL earlier whereas PPL can be obtained directly.
Although CPL and PPL are the licenses needed for a pilot; their nature and purpose of use are different in many aspects.
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