Your Roadmap to Becoming a Employed Commercial Pilot

You must have completed 12th grade with Physics and Math (Science stream).

If you didn’t take Physics and Math, you can appear for these subjects through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling).

If you pursued a diploma after 10th grade, you're directly eligible — no need to appear for NIOS.

Clear the 3 DGCA subjects: Meteorology, Air Navigation, and Air Regulations.

Recommended before you leave for South Africa — helps with concept clarity and makes conversion easier later.

RT (Radio Telephony) is directly accepted in India if done in South Africa (as it's a Commonwealth country).

Once you’re back, appear for RT Part 1 exam to make your RT license valid for life.

Step 1: Get Class 2 Medical from a DGCA-approved doctor.

Step 2: Once approved, apply for Class 1 Medical (mandatory for CPL).

Both medicals are required before starting flying.

We help you select from our trusted SACAA-approved partner schools.

Schools are based in high-traffic airspace with live ATC, experienced instructors, and a fleet of 18+ aircraft.

We initiate your admission by collecting your documents and confirming your seat.

South African flight school sends back your medical insurance and official admission documents.

Turnaround time: approx. 15 working days.

Submit documents to the nearest South African visa center (VFS).

No embassy interview required.

Visa approval takes around 15–30 working days.

Training includes:

• 200 hours of flying as per SACAA norms.

• Ground briefings, SIM sessions, real-time flight training.

We stay transparent: CPL realistically takes 12–15 months, not 8 months as some agents falsely claim.

Steps to follow:

• Apply for RT Conversion. (1 Month)

• Renew your Class 1 Medical in India. (20 days)

• Apply for FRTO (Flight Radio Telephone Operator license). (1 Month)

• Fly 8 hours in an Indian DGCA-approved FTO. (10 Days)

DGCA conversion typically takes around 3 months if you plan smartly.

Option A: Join an Airline (CPL Vacancy)

• Proceed with Type Rating after getting shortlisted by an airline.

• Airline-sponsored Type Rating: ₹20–30 lakhs.

• Self-sponsored Type Rating: ₹15–20 lakhs.

Option B: Become a Flight Instructor in India

• Get your Assistant Flight Instructor Rating from a DGCA-approved FTO.

• Cost: Approx. ₹8 lakhs.

Option C: Become a Flight Instructor in South Africa

• Get Gr3 Instructor Rating under SACAA.

• Cost: Approx. ₹4 lakhs.