Introduction to Pilot Podcast EP57

➤ 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 airline once the training is completed?
➤ Retirement age of a Pilot in India?
➤ Which flight school offer 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 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 when she was 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

  • Training Costs

    Conventional India: DGCA medicals ₹15-30K + ground school ₹2.5-3L + flight ₹45-50L + type rating ₹10-15L + airline training ₹10-15L = ₹65-70L total.

  • Salary Progression

    Junior FO training: ₹1L/mo (6 months). FO release: ₹2.5-2.8L (2-3yrs). SFO (post-ATPL): ₹3.8-4.5L. Captain: ₹7-8L. Widebody/TR: ₹12-15L tax-free.

  • Cadet Challenges

    No absolute job guarantee: Meet airline standards, timelines, no multiple check failures, Class 1 medical—reports sent throughout training.

  • ROI Math

    1.2Cr max investment yields ₹28-30Cr lifetime (Captain narrowbody); widebody higher—7-10yr loan repayment viable with 50% self-fund.

  • Capt. Neha's 7-Year Wait:

    Post-2008 CPL, faced recession (Jet Airways vacancies scrapped), Kingfisher collapse (2011 absorbed pilots)—persisted via CNTAA ground school teaching, grabbed 2014 chance. ​

  • Post-Medical Failure Options

    Ground jobs (instructor/simulator), engineering fallback, loss-of-license insurance (decent payout for business/monthly income)

Summary

Capt. Neha (7yr post-CPL wait: recession/Kingfisher) and Winged Engineer detail costs (India conventional cheapest at ₹65-70L), cadet realities (standards/timelines key, not "assured"), salary curve (steep to ₹7-8L Captain), financing (50/50 self/loan), job buffers (1-2yrs avg, convert first vacancy), medical loss options (ground jobs/insurance), and advice: Hard work + preparation beats timing.

Conclusion

High upfront costs (₹65L-1.4Cr) deliver strong ROI (₹30Cr+ lifetime) for disciplined pilots; prioritize conventional India if budget-limited, ace first airline chance amid frequent vacancies.


FAQ

  • Actual pilot training cost?

    ₹65-70L (India conventional); up to ₹1.4Cr (abroad cadet)—variable by hours/lifestyle. ​

  • Cadet job guarantee?

    Assured if meet standards/timelines/no failures; flight school reports to airline.

  • FO to Captain salary path?

    ₹1L (training) → ₹2.5L (FO) → ₹4L (SFO post-ATPL) → ₹7-8L (Captain).

  • Post-CPL job wait?

    0-24 months avg; some pre-CPL interviews—prepare personality for success.

  • Medical failure options?

    Ground/sim instructor, engineering fallback, loss-of-license insurance payout. ​

  • Financing advice?

    50% self-fund + loan (7-10yr repay); avoid 100% loan interest trap.