Pilot Podcast Q&A

➤ Introduction
➤ Difficulties faced in Cadet Pilot Program
➤ Is there any unemployed Pilots?
➤ Career as a Pilot better in India or Canada?
➤ How much time do cadets have to wait to join an airline once the training is completed?
➤ Retirement age of a Pilot in India?
➤ Which flight school offers training in Rs. 45L?
➤ Airline Pilot Selection Process
➤ What is the Actual Cost of Pilot Training?
➤ What will happen if a Pilot lands below MDF?
➤ Does any degree or aviation-related degree give an edge for an Airline Interview?
➤ With a double thumb, is it possible to become a Pilot?
➤ How many hours are required to join an Airline in India?
➤ Why are Pilot salaries not adjusted to inflation?
➤ If a student gets below 50% in 10+2, can he/she become a Pilot?
➤ What did Captain Neha do while waiting for a pilot job for 7 years?
➤ How many hours does a Pilot work?
➤ What mistakes should a Student Pilot avoid?
➤ Conclusion

Key Points

  • Cadet Selection Prep

    Brush up math/physics (10-20 daily questions), practice English 30-45 mins/day if non-native, clear DGCA exams beforehand for edge; psychometrics test pilot mindset/hand-eye coordination.

  • Interview Anxiety Fix

    Stay calm/focused—interviewers (4-5 captains) value composure over perfection; it's okay not knowing everything if unflustered.

  • Post-Selection Challenges

    DGCA exams (aim 85-90% first try, airlines limit 2 attempts), meticulous paperwork (do it yourself for responsibility), continuous skill-building.

  • Flight Training Realities

    Initial struggles (landings need perfect approach at 65 knots/700 fpm; SOP recall pressure); improves with 10-25 landings/experience—fun post-technique.

  • Mindset Mantra

    Not as bad as you think on worst day, not as good on best"—avoid self-critique extremes; humble after type rating/sim successes, as journey continues (SUPs/line flying). ​

  • Pilot Unemployment

    Exists like any field (poor training, weak interviews, non-English ground school); not zero jobs, but demands hard work—worth it despite challenges.

Summary

Winged Engineer and Nilay field audience questions from prior episodes, diving into cadet pilot program hurdles—from selection prep (DGCA exams, math/physics, English fluency) to post-selection struggles like exams (max 2 attempts), paperwork accuracy, flight training (landings/SOPs via experience), and staying calm under pressure. They debunk myths, share personal anecdotes (e.g., first sim overwhelm), and stress mindset: balance good/bad days without over-critiquing, always remain a student amid continuous learning post-CPL.

Conclusion

Pilot training demands discipline, patience, and balanced self-assessment amid steep learning curves, but persistence unlocks rewarding careers; assess your situation, commit fully.



FAQ

  • Cadet interview tips?

    Prep DGCA/math/physics/English; stay calm in psychometrics/group discussion/personal interview—focus beats perfection.

  • DGCA exams in cadet program?

    Clear pre-selection ideally (85-90% first attempt); airlines cap 2 tries post-selection. ​

  • Flight training struggles?

    Landings/SOPs improve via experience/proper approach; handle bad days without over-criticism.

  • Unemployment real?

    Yes, due to subpar training/interviews; strong prep ensures jobs amid demand. ​

  • Type rating shock?

    Overwhelming shift from Cessna (45 days to "superhuman"); stay humble, keep learning. ​

  • Paperwork advice?

    Handle personally with accuracy/patience—no parental hands-on forever.