Introduction to Pilot Podcast EP62

➤ Introduction
➤ Can you become a pilot if you wear glasses?
➤ Flying international routes as a Pilot in India
➤ Flight Training India vs Abroad
➤ MUST avoid things in a Pilot’s career
➤ Variable time and cost for Pilot Training
➤ RTR exam India / Canada
➤ Best Pathway for Pilot Training
➤ Do Indian Airlines Prefer Pilots Trained in India or Abroad?
➤ Conclusion

Key Points

  • No airline training bias

    Indian airlines hire based on skills, mindset, and interview competency, not India vs abroad origin; quality schools teaching VOR/ILS concepts matter more than location.

  • India CPL: ₹50–55L

    5 DGCA subjects + RTR; mess food; prioritize live traffic schools (maintenance, instrument flying); airlines expect basics like radial tracking.

  • US/abroad CPL: ₹65–70L + ₹5L buffer

    Live traffic edge (e.g., Sanford 3 parallel runways); self-cook ($200–300/mo vegan easy); conversion: Class-1 → SPL test → FR2L → GFT/FAM/CC checks.

  • Optimal sequence

    Class-2 → computer number → DGCA exams/RTR → CPL; flying first adds 1yr conversion delays.

  • Medical/glasses ok

    6/6 corrected (lenses/glasses); no color/night issues; lasik elective (6mo downtime).

  • International ops

    EDTO (60–180min circles), HF over ocean, ops declarations (no visas/stamps), WOCL planning, thermals/pre-monsoon.

Summary

Capt. Neha details post-maternity return (ground refreshers → sim/checks → 6 supervised sectors → release) while Winged Engineer shares layovers (Langkawi ocean/mountains, Maldives turquoise, Tirupati temple/hills). Glasses fine (6/6 corrected); lasik 6mo medical wait. International: longer sectors, EDTO circles for twins, HF selective calling over ocean (Port Blair VHF aid), ops declarations replace visas/stamps, WOCL rest shifts, accents (sawasdee/salaam), thermals (Nagpur/Hyderabad/Bangalore afternoons). Domestic shorter/mixed. Airlines neutral on origin—test conceptual flying knowledge (approach/runway queries expose bluffing); India ₹50–55L (5 subjects, mess, RTR); US ₹65–70L+buffer (12–15mo vars: weather/dollar/student pace, superior live traffic/workload, self-reliance cooking). Abroad conversion: SPL→FR2L→checks; Canada RTR 5yr Indian validity (renew CPL) or India Part-1 (20yr)/1+2 lifetime. Pitfalls: substances (jail abroad), no buffer, isolated strips.

Conclusion

Prioritize DGCA/RTR pre-CPL regardless of location, select live-traffic quality schools, budget buffers, zero substances; airlines reward competence from any origin amid India’s fleet boom—fundamentals secure the seat.


FAQ

  • Do Indian airlines prefer pilots who trained abroad over those trained in India?

    No, Indian airlines prioritize skills and conceptual understanding from quality training programs over the training location.

  • Are glasses or LASIK surgery compatible with a pilot career?

    6/6 corrected vision with glasses or lenses is acceptable; LASIK requires a 6-month medical clearance period.

  • What are the cost differences between pilot training in India versus the US?

    India costs ₹50–55 lakhs while US training ranges ₹65–70 lakhs plus a ₹5 lakh buffer for 12–15 month variables like dollar rate fluctuations and weather delays. ​

  • What is the step-by-step process for converting a foreign CPL to DGCA CPL in India?

    Renew Class-1 medical, obtain SPL via written test, secure FR2L, complete GFT day/night, familiarization, and cross-country checks, then apply for CPL.

  • How does Canadian RTR validity work for Indian pilots, and what are the extension options?

    Canadian RTR with valid CPL grants 5 years Indian validity; Indian Part-1 extends to 20 years while Part-1+2 provides lifetime coverage.

  • What is the optimal sequence for starting pilot training after 12th standard?

    Complete Class-2 medical, DGCA computer number, exams, and RTR first, then flight training; reversing this adds up to 1 year in conversion delays.