Introduction to Pilot Podcast

➤ Introduction
➤ Best way to become a Pilot
➤ Story of Captain Ravish Bhalla
➤ Airbus vs Boeing
➤ Best flight experiences
➤ Best advice for a student pilot
➤ Why did Captain Ravish Bhalla choose to become a Pilot?
➤ How can one help themselves become a good commercial pilot?
➤ How to read aircraft manuals efficiently?
➤ Airline Interview
➤ Conclusion

Key Points

  • Pilot Path Formula

    Medicals (Class 2→1) + DGCA exams + 200 flight hours = CPL; plan 2-3yr job wait post-CPL, ensure loan EMI sustainability.

  • Ravish's Journey

    Engineer (2017 start), inspired by brother/grandfather (ex-fighter pilot), 11mo CPL (2019), domestic job hit by COVID (3yr base check wait), strategic airline switch.

  • Airbus vs Boeing

    Boeing favors manual flying/adventure types; Airbus system-heavy (fly-by-wire protections); "whichever airline hires you = favorite aircraft".​

  • Memorable Moments

    Surprise solo (Punjabi instructor exit mid-circuit), first passenger flight (brother co-pilot, PA announcement); both validated skills under pressure.​

  • Mental Resilience

    Downtimes build strength; avoid rash decisions (vandalism example); seek mentors (Solomon's Paradox); DGCA peer support program vital.

  • Advice for Aspirants

    Positive mindset, study manuals thoroughly (20-50% ground→air transfer), learn continuously ("learn good, fly good"); collaborate over compete.​

Summary

Capt. Ravish Bhalla recounts engineering-to-pilot pivot (medicals→exams→200hr CPL in 11mo), COVID 3yr wait, airline switch via SWOT; Boeing 737 vs Airbus banter; solo/release highs; mental health focus (positivity, mentors, no rash actions); aviation's humility lesson—downtimes forge better pilots amid current job boom.

Conclusion

Follow Ravish's roadmap (medicals→exams→CPL, brace for 2-3yr wait); embrace downtimes for growth, seek help, study relentlessly—India's hiring surge rewards resilient CPL holders who stay humble/collaborative.

FAQ

  • Capt. Ravish Bhalla's formula to become CPL holder?

    Medicals (Class 2 then 1) + clear DGCA exams + 200 flight hours = CPL; sequence critical for efficiency.

  • How did Ravish transition from software engineer to pilot?

    Inspired by brother (2017-18), grandfather's advice, fell in love with subjects; 11mo training, 2019 CPL, domestic job derailed by COVID (3yr wait).

  • Boeing 737 vs Airbus A320—which better for new pilots?

    Boeing builds manual skills (adventure types); Airbus systems/study-heavy (protections); love your hiring airline's fleet.

  • Ravish's most memorable flight training moments?

    Surprise solo (instructor exited mid-circuit); first passenger flight (brother co-pilot, PA shoutout, smooth PF landing).

  • How to handle pilot training lows/downtime like COVID?

    Stay positive, seek seniors/mentors (Solomon's Paradox), avoid rash actions; downtimes build resilience for future checks.

  • Airline interview/job tips from Ravish/hosts?

    F