Introduction to Pilot Podcast

➤ Introduction to GOOD news
➤ What is Conventional Pilot Program?
➤ Why should you clear DGCA exams before joining Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ What is Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ Is Cadet Pilot Program easier than Conventional Pilot Program?
➤ How many years will it take to reach the Airline Cockpit in Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ How many years will it take to reach the Airline Cockpit in Conventional Pilot Program?
➤ Airline Training Schedule
➤ Air India Cadet Pilot Program
➤ Eligibility for Air India Cadet Pilot Program
➤ Cost of Air India Cadet Pilot Program
➤ Job Guarantee or Job Assurance
➤ Which program should you choose: Cadet or Conventional?
➤ Future Predictions for Indian Aviation

Key Points

  • Conventional vs Cadet Path

    Conventional: Self-fund CPL/type rating, apply post-training (2.5yrs to cockpit); Cadet: Airline selects pre-training, assigns schools, job assurance if standards met.

  • Pre-Cadet Prep Essential:

    Clear DGCA exams (concepts via top ground school like CNTAA) before applying—avoids 4-month timeout risk; builds aviation mindset for assessments.​

  • Cadet Challenges

    Not "easy"—reports to airline every phase; fail standards (e.g., PPL exams) = warnings/expulsion; assessments match experience level (tougher for zero-hour cadets).

  • Air India Eligibility

    18-30yrs Indian citizens, 158cm height, 60% aggregate/individual in 12th Physics/Maths/English (NIOS ok), Class 1 medical fit, BMI 18.5-25, no mental health issues.

  • Program Costs/Timeline:

    ~$128k (₹1.07cr @₹84/USD) via L3Harris (single-engine CPL + multi); 2.5-3yrs total (6mos post-training induction); paperwork/police verification adds delays.

  • Job Reality

    Assurance (not guarantee)—meets vacancies/standards; current market: 6mos post-training for both paths; women's vacancies active (e.g., IndiGo CPL/type-rated).

Summary

Capt. Neha, WingedEngineer & Nilay compare conventional (self-funded, post-CPL interviews) vs cadet programs (pre-training selection, airline-assigned training/job assurance): Recommend DGCA exams first (concepts over mugging) to ace assessments and avoid timeouts; Air India cadet launch (18-30yrs, 158cm, 60% marks, ~₹1.07cr) rivals IndiGo's (32yrs max, 51% marks)—both demand performance reports to airline; timelines ~2.5yrs cockpit (6mos induction delays from paperwork); growing options (Akasa/Vistara possible) amid booming aviation.

Conclusion

Cadet programs like Air India's offer structured paths with job assurance for qualified candidates—clear DGCA conceptually early, maintain standards; conventional suits independents—both viable in India's pilot shortage, prepare for interviews relentlessly.

FAQ

  • What is the difference between conventional and cadet pilot programs?

    Conventional requires self-funding full training (CPL/type rating) before airline applications; cadet selects pre-training, airline assigns schools with job assurance if standards met.​

  • Why clear DGCA exams before cadet program applications?

    Programs give ~4 months for exams (one attempt max due 42-day cooling); pre-clearing skips delays, builds conceptual foundation for technical interviews/aviation mindset.

  • Is Air India Cadet Pilot Program easier than conventional?

    No—airline monitors every phase (warnings/expulsion for poor performance); assessments scaled to zero-hour experience but require basic aviation knowledge.

  • What are Air India Cadet Program eligibility criteria?

    18-30 years Indian citizens, 158cm height, 60% in 12th Physics/Maths/English (aggregate/individual), Class 1 DGCA medical fit, BMI 18.5-25, fluent English.

  • What is the cost and timeline for Air India Cadet Program?

    ~$128k (₹1.07cr @₹84/USD) via L3Harris; 2.5-3 years total to cockpit including 6 months post-training induction (paperwork/police verification delays).

  • Does cadet program guarantee a job with the airline?