Introduction to Pilot Podcast

➤ What is Temporary Medical Unfit (TMU)?
➤ How does flying affect sinuses?
➤ How does a Pilot declare their medical condition?
➤ What are the types of medical unfitness?
➤ How many sick leaves does a Pilot get?
➤ What is Pilot Benevolent Fund?
➤ How much does a Pilot get paid when they’re on TMU?
➤ What is the good news?
➤ Pilot job vacancies
➤ Our advice during COVID-19
➤ First A350 in India
➤ What is hub-and-spoke model?
➤ Transitions during Pilot Training
➤ How should a CPL holder prepare for an Airline Pilot job?
➤ Aviation infrastructure in India
➤ What should aspiring pilots who are yet to clear 12th do?
➤ Eligibility to become a Pilot (IQ)
➤ Multi-engine requirement for Type Rating
➤ Aircraft delivery for an Airline
➤ Transit times for an Aircraft
➤ Passengers should not do THIS!
➤ Advice for aspiring Pilots

Key Points

  • Pilot Job Surge

    Air India 470 orders (250 Airbus/220 Boeing, 60 widebody), Akasa 50x737, Express CPL FO—1K+ pilots/yr needed.

  • TMU Explained

    Temporary Medical Unfit (e.g., nasal polyps block sinuses); self-declare, paid leave (12 sick + annuals, PBF post-6mo).

  • Sinus Flying Risks

    Congestion → ear pain/rupture at altitude; FESS surgery + 6wk recovery before AFCME special.

  • CPL Airline Prep

    ATPL theory, psych tests (IQ>100, multitasking), simulator; multi-engine endorsement required (737 Max/Air India).

  • Infrastructure Growth

    New runways/bays (Delhi 4, Hyderabad 4x2025); point-to-point domestic vs hub-spoke international.

  • Passenger Etiquette

    Sequential deplaning (18min turnaround); no pre-halt standing—injury risk from brakes.

Summary

Captain Neha on TMU from nasal polyps (dust allergy, mucus-blocked sinuses, mouth-breathing pain); flying woes (congestion, slow descents, eardrum rupture risk)—scope diagnosis, pre-surgery steroids, FESS endoscopic removal (6wk low-pressure bleed risk). Airline sick leaves (12/yr paid, annuals exhaust, PBF voluntary post-6mo). Boom news: Air India historic 470 order (A350/787 widebody debut India-end '23), Express first CPL FO in 4yrs, Akasa growth—737TR now viable vs A320 bias. CPL advice: ATPL mastery, psych/grooming (IQ>100 reactive), multi-endorsement (15h+checks for 737). Airports expanding (Delhi 4 runways, Bangalore terminals); point-to-point India domestic, hub-spoke long-haul. Transitions constant (12th→CPL→TR→FO→capt); pre-12th: build pilot habits (punctual/safety). Deplane sequentially—cut chaos.

Conclusion

Aviation renaissance via mega-orders demands urgent CPL starts (1.5-2yr timeline hits peak jobs); TMU navigable with early declaration/paid recovery, but neglect risks permanent grounding. CPL holders: ATPL/psych/sim polish + multi-endorsement unlocks airlines amid infra boom. Aspiring 10th/11th: focus boards, instill traits—golden window closes fast; sequential deplaning fosters smarter skies. Persistence + guidance (CNTAA mentorship) turns dreams to captaincy in pilot-starved India.


FAQ

  • What causes TMU like Captain Neha's?

    Nasal polyps from dust allergy block sinuses/mucus, causing congestion, breathing issues, altitude ear pain/rupture risk.

  • Pilot sick leave/pay during TMU?

    12 sick leaves/yr + annuals (paid full salary); post-6mo Pilot Benevolent Fund (voluntary pilot contributions).

  • Air India order impact on jobs?

    470 planes (250A/220B, 60 widebody) = massive FO/captain needs; first CPL-only vacancy + A350 India debut.

  • CPL holder airline prep steps?

    ATPL theory, psych tests (IQ>100/multitask), sim check, grooming; multi-engine endorsement boosts 737 odds.

  • Why multi-engine for type rating now?

    737 Max/Air India require endorsement (15h + checks); increases airline applications vs single-engine CPL.

  • India airport infrastructure updates?

    Delhi 4 runways, Hyderabad 4x2025, Bangalore/Chennai bays; supports 500+ inductions over 5-10yrs.

  • Safe passenger deplaning rule?