Introduction to Pilot Podcast

➤ Introduction to Airline Training
➤ How does visibility affect flight operations?
➤ What does Airline Training consist of?
➤ What is the cost of Airline Training?
➤ SOPs and Diversion
➤ Flight operations
➤ Party and food in Delhi
➤ Importance of exercise for Pilots
➤ Final Phase of Airline Training
➤ Taxi during low-visibility flight operations
➤ How to become a Pilot?
➤ What is the cost of Pilot Training?
➤ What is the eligibility for Pilot Training?
➤ Conventional vs Cadet Pilot Program
➤ Growth of Indian Aviation
➤ Conclusion

Key Points

  • Training Phases

    Ground school (SOPs/procedures), simulator sessions (emergencies/normal ops), Initial Operating Experience (IOE) with captain, line flying release; mental health critical (DGCA guidelines).

  • Low Visibility Ops

    CAT III landings (RVR <200m); strict SOPs for diversion if limits exceeded; taxi guidance via centerline lights/FLD; Delhi food scene praised during layovers.

  • Costs

    Cadet programs sponsor training (bond repayment via salary); conventional CPL holders self-fund type rating (~₹25-30L); airlines cover further training post-selection.

  • Physical Fitness:

    Exercise mandatory (pilots sit 10hr+ flights); prevents health issues during long duty; Capt. Neha emphasizes gym routine for mental sharpness.​

  • Pilot Eligibility

    12th PCM (50%+) or graduation; DGCA medicals, ELP Level 4+, 200hr CPL; conventional path faster for direct airline entry vs cadet programs.​

  • India Aviation Boom

    Massive growth creates jobs; conventional CPL + instructor time > cadet programs; multiple airline opportunities for competent pilots.​

Summary

Capt. Neha, Nilay & WingedEngineer detail airline training pipeline: ground school → sims (emergencies/SOPs) → IOE → line release; low visibility ops (CAT III, diversion SOPs); costs (cadets sponsored, conventional self-funded type rating); fitness vital; conventional CPL path beats cadet programs amid India's aviation explosion—exercise, SOP mastery, mental health key to success.

Conclusion

India's aviation boom favors conventional CPL holders who self-fund type rating over bonded cadet programs; master SOPs/low visibility ops via fitness + relentless training—airline jobs abundant for prepared pilots.

FAQ

  • What are the phases of airline pilot training after CPL?

    Ground school (SOPs/procedures), simulator training (emergencies/normal ops), Initial Operating Experience (IOE) with line captain, line flying release.

  • How do airlines handle low visibility operations (CAT III)?

    Strict SOPs: diversion if RVR below limits; taxi via centerline lights/Follow Me vehicle; CAT III autoland capability required.

  • Who pays for airline type rating and training costs?

    Cadet programs sponsor (bond repayment via salary deductions); conventional CPL holders self-fund type rating (~₹25-30L); airlines cover post-selection training.

  • Why is physical exercise crucial for airline pilots?

    Long sitting (10hr+ flights), irregular schedules demand fitness; prevents health decline during extended duty; mental sharpness maintained.

  • What are pilot training eligibility requirements in India?

    12th PCM (50%+) or graduation; DGCA Class 1/2 medicals; ELP Level 4+; 200hr CPL; age 17+

  • Conventional CPL vs Cadet Pilot Program—which is better now?

    F