Pilot Podcast Q&A Topics

➤ Introduction to Pilot Podcast Q&A
➤ What is the Competition, Salary and Life of a Flight Instructor?
➤ Is it good to start Pilot Training at the age of 28?
➤ Does Captain Neha fly Airbus A320 or A321?
➤ Do we have to give Indian RTR if we have Canadian CPL and ROC-A?
➤ Do Airlines offer sponsorship for Type Rating?
➤ What is the retirement age for Pilots?
➤ What is the Reality of Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ Why can’t Pilots shoot inside the cockpit?
➤ Is it necessary to stay within BMI to clear DGCA medicals?
➤ Is it possible to start preparing for DGCA exams from 11th std?
➤ What is a DGCA Ground class?
➤ What is a Computer Number?
➤ Guidance for Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ What is the duration of Flight Training Abroad?
➤ Cadet Pilot Program India vs Abroad?
➤ Is Maths and Physics required for DGCA CPL?
➤ Is it possible to take a loan for Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ What is the actual cost of Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ Which is the best country for Flight Training Abroad?
➤ What modes of learning does CNTAA – The Pilot Ground School offer?
➤ Is Flight Training from UAE a good option?
Watch Full Podcast EP 72

Key Points

  • Flight instructor pathway

    FI roles are a strong bridge when airline intakes are slow; salaries can span roughly ₹40k–₹2.5L+ monthly depending on school, hours, and experience, with clear upgrade ladders from AFI → FI → DCFI → CFI and strong job satisfaction from student progress and stage checks.

  • Starting at age 28

    Beginning at 28 is feasible under current Indian hiring bands; plan tight timelines: DGCA in 3–4 months, flight training in 12–15 months, then type rating or FI hour‑building to stay competitive.​

  • RTR and foreign CPL holders

    Canadian CPL + ROC‑A can convert to Indian RTRC (5‑year validity) without Indian RTR; many opt to clear Indian RTR Part‑1 to obtain RTRP with 20‑year validity as a longer‑term choice.

  • Cadet Pilot Program realities


    Cadet programs are structured and faster to the airline queue but costlier than conventional; India quotes near ₹95L for domestic cadet tracks, with prudent planning adding ~10% buffer for inflation and variable costs.

  • Medicals and BMI


    Class‑1 fitness is the gate; sub‑normal BMI triggers notes and follow‑up rather than automatic rejection, but airlines increasingly prefer candidates within normal BMI ranges, so nutrition and training plans matter.

  • Planning DGCA prep in 11th–12th

    Focus on Class 12 performance (aim ≥75% in Physics, Maths, English), complete Class‑2 then Class‑1 medicals, secure the Computer Number post‑results, and use the 3–4 month admin window to finish DGCA subjects and book exam slots.

Podcast Summary

This Q&A addresses practical career choices for Indian aspirants: using the flight instructor route for income, currency, and upgrades; starting pilot training at 28 with disciplined timelines; RTR conversion options for Canadian CPLs; the true costs, speed, and expectations of Cadet Pilot Programs; airline policies around cockpit filming; medical/BMI considerations; and step‑by‑step readiness for students from Class 11 onward, including Computer Number, DGCA ground classes, and realistic training durations domestically and abroad. The hosts repeatedly stress aligning finances, fitness, and steady study habits to de‑risk entry and speed progression to the right seat and beyond.


Conclusion

Choose a path that fits finances and timing: Cadet programs trade higher costs for structured, quicker airline alignment, while the conventional route plus FI hour‑building offers affordability and resilience when hiring pauses occur. Keep medicals current, maintain a normal BMI, finish DGCA efficiently, and use conversion levers like RTRP for long‑term portability; disciplined execution across these levers compresses time‑to-airline and improves upgrade prospects.

FAQ

  • What’s the real FI salary and growth?

    Roughly ₹40k–₹2.5L+ monthly depending on school and hours; clear progression AFI → FI → DCFI → CFI via DGCA orals and logged instruction time, with bonuses tied to student first‑time passes at some schools.

  • Is 28 too late to start?

    No; it’s viable within current hiring bands if DGCA is completed in ~3–4 months and flight training in ~12–15 months, followed by type rating or FI work to keep skills and hours current.​

  • Do Canadian CPL holders need Indian RTR?

    With Canadian CPL + ROC‑A, apply for RTRC (5 years) or sit Indian RTR Part‑1 to earn RTRP (20 years) for longer validity; policy updates may follow DGCA’s exam takeover, so verify near application time.

  • Are Cadet Pilot Programs worth it?

    They are faster and structured with airline oversight but pricier than conventional; add ~10% cost buffer to quoted figures (e.g., ₹95L → plan near ₹1.04Cr) and expect a queue post‑training tied to airline inductions.

  • Can pilots vlog inside the cockpit?

    Not permitted under DGCA operational rules; safety and security prohibitions extend to passenger photos on the flight deck in India, unlike some jurisdictions where limited ground photos may be allowed.

  • How should 11th–12th students prepare?

    Prioritize Class 12 marks in Physics/Maths/English, clear Class‑2 then Class‑1, obtain the Computer Number after results, and use the 3–4 month admin window to complete DGCA ground prep and book exams.