Pilot Podcast Q&A Session #2 | EP 59

➤ Introduction to Q&A session
➤ What is the age criteria for Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ How to select a flight school for Pilot Training?
➤ Why are Pilots salaries not increasing?
➤ Is IELTS required for Pilot Training in USA?
➤ Pilot Training at the age of 30?
➤ Any Entrance exam for CNTAA – The Pilot Ground School?
➤ How is Air Arabia Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ What is the cost of wide body type rating?
➤ Requirements for Cadet / Conventional Pilot
➤ How to prepare for Cadet Pilot Program?
➤ What aircraft should you choose for your flight training?
➤ Salaries of CFI in India?
➤ Conclusion

Key Points

  • Cadet age limit raised to 35

    Airlines like IndiGo extended from 32 to 34 years 364 days at application—benefits mature candidates with work experience, stress coping, and funding time. ​

  • USA preferred for training

    English proficiency, controlled airports (tower/ground experience), high traffic, and FAA hour composition matches DGCA conversion; India cheaper (₹45-55L) but lower quality. ​

  • Pilot salaries lag inflation

    Volatile industry (wars/fuel/COVID losses), thin margins, supply meeting demand via cadet programs keep pay static despite shortages.

  • IELTS not needed for USA

    10+2 English medium qualifies; NZ/AUS/CAN require it. CPL gets FAA ELP Level 4 (valid 3 years).

  • Avoid Air Arabia cadet for Indians

    No job guarantee (expats first fired), costly (₹2Cr+), simulator-heavy (no solo), DGCA reconversion issues—better Indian cadet then transition.

  • Aircraft for DGCA conversion

    Cessna 172 approved; Piper PA-44 Seminole needs extra India hours (15+ familiarization) due to rarity.

Summary

Hosts (engineer-turned-pilots starting at 29) cover age hikes to 35 for cadets (maturity/work exp boon amid shortages), USA training superiority (English/traffic/FAA-DGCA alignment over India/Thailand), static salaries (volatility/supply), no IELTS for USA, Air Arabia risks for Indians (no job security/extra costs), widebody type ratings airline-sponsored post-experience, 45% 12th Physics/Maths ok (practice mental math), GA weak in India (security/post-WWII infra gap vs USA), and CFI path for hours.

Conclusion

Start young for skill acquisition but 35 age cap opens doors for career-changers; prioritize USA conventional/Cadets for quality/ROI over risky foreign programs—demand grows with India's aviation boom.


FAQ

  • What's new cadet age limit?

    34y 364d at application (e.g., IndiGo/L3)—allows funding/work exp; younger easier for skills.

  • Best flight school country?

    USA: English instructors, controlled fields, traffic; check DGCA-approved fleet (Cessna 172).

  • Why stagnant pilot pay?

    Aviation volatility (fuel/wars/losses), cadet supply matches demand—no inflation link.

  • IELTS for USA training?

    No, if 10+2 English medium; needed for AUS/NZ/CAN.

  • Viable at 30?

    Yes, opportunities persist (India growth); assess passion vs current career satisfaction. ​

  • Air Arabia cadet worth it?

    No for Indians: No job guarantee, expensive sim-focus, DGCA issues—do Indian first.

  • Widebody type rating cost?

    Airline pays post-upgrade/switch; self-fund only if jobless.

  • DGCA conversion aircraft?

    Cessna 172 ok; Piper PA44 needs extra India multi-engine hours.

  • India CFI pay scale?

    ₹40K (AFI) to ₹4.5L (Chief)—ATPL builder.