Introduction to Pilot Podcast

➤ Introduction
➤ Flying in Post-Monsoon
➤ International layover for an Airline Pilot
➤ Breath Analyzer Test for Pilots
➤ Landing during Monsoon
➤ Pilot’s flight schedule
➤ Aviation industry post-COVID
➤ Pilot vacancies in India
➤ When will the Cadet Pilot Program start?
➤ Airline assessments
➤ Airline roadshow
➤ CPL holder opportunities
➤ Type Rating prerequisites
➤ Type Rating validity
➤ Guide for aspiring Pilots
➤ What can a CPL holder do right now?

Key Points

  • Monsoon Ops

    20kt crosswinds (Mumbai 27, SW 240@15-20G25); de-crab flare, rudder/rudder post-touchdown, idle reverse wet/short runways.

  • Layover Routine

    Trivandrum layover → Sharjah red-eye (deviate Arabian Sea weather via HF); Dubai 4AM hotel, mall/fountain/Burj, shop cosmetics; post-flight BA mandatory.

  • Breath Analyzer

    100% post-intl, 50% pre-flight (forget=positive); recorded, daily in training.

  • Pilot Vacancies

    Air India A320/777 type-rated FOs; Vistara <30yo/degree/60% 12th Phys/Maths/ATPL pref; abroad (Qatar roadshow, Emirates/Flynas/Vietjet).

  • Type Rating Essentials

    Prep systems/SOPs/memory items/chair flying; 45days TRTO slot +1.5mo indorsement; 3yr validity (repeat sessions 1/2/3yrs).

  • CPL Holder Action

    Clear ATPL, aviation job (ground/dispatch), monitor cadet sites; DGCA exams/medical/computer number first.

Summary

Post-monsoon gusty thunderstorms delay GFT checks; Capt Neha ramps 80hr/mo (3 sectors/day). Intl layover: afternoon Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Trivandrum → red-eye Trivandrum-Sharjah (HF deviations, no controlled rest); 4AM Sharjah → Dubai Mall fountain/Burj meet cousins/shop; wake 2:30AM return Trivandrum-Mumbai (short RWY14/32 max brake/reverse). Wet runway: auto brakes symmetric, manual cautious; crosswind weather-cocking needs rudder. BA: 100% post-intl (immigration/customs first), 50% pre-flight. Post-COVID loads 80-90% full; vacancies boom (Air India 21 A320/5 777, Vistara fresh <30yo/degree/ATPL); experienced → ME/SE Asia creates FO slots. Cadet program unknown—bookmark sites, prep prereqs (DGCA exams/medical/computer number/RTR). Type rating: systems/SOPs/chair fly pre-TRTO (limited sim hrs); 3yr clock to fly type or repeat 12 sessions. CPL holders: ATPL polish, aviation jobs, stay current—sine wave peaks short.

Conclusion

Aviation rebound demands urgency: intl layovers glamorous yet demanding (red-eyes/BA/weather), monsoon tests crosswind mastery. Vacancies cycle via promotions/abroad exits—Vistara picky (<30/degree), Air India open type-rated. CPL/type rating pathways viable now (TRTO slots tight, prep systems/SOPs); ignore distractions, clear DGCA/ATPL, grab peak before slump. Aspiring: medical/computer/DGCA first (5-6mo), fly fast—India's fleet growth ensures cockpits for dedicated.


FAQ

  • Monsoon crosswind technique?

    De-crab flare (align runway), rudder/aileron post-touchdown vs weather-cocking; idle reverse wet/short.

  • Intl layover BA rules?

    100% post-flight intl terminal (after customs); forget=positive; 50% pre-flight.

  • Type rating validity?

    3yrs full (CA40 day/night/ILS); repeat 3/6/12 sessions at 1/2/3yrs.

  • Vistara FO requirements?

    <30yo, degree pref, 60% 12th Phys/Maths, ATPL cleared, CPL 200hr.

  • CPL holder next steps?

    ATPL exams, aviation job (dispatch/ground), type rating prep, monitor vacancies.

  • Cadet program timing?

    F