Commercial Pilot License
Dreaming of flying high and becoming a professional pilot? The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course is your gateway to a thrilling aviation career. Whether you want to fly for airlines, charter services, or cargo operations, a CPL is the minimum legal requirement to get paid for flying an aircraft in India.
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Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Course
Dreaming of flying high and becoming a professional pilot? The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course is your gateway to a thrilling aviation career. Whether you want to fly for airlines, charter services, or cargo operations, a CPL is the minimum legal requirement to get paid for flying an aircraft in India.
This comprehensive guide covers all the essential information about the CPL course in India—including eligibility, course structure, fees, duration, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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What is a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a certification issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, that permits an individual to act as a pilot-in-command or co-pilot and receive remuneration for flying commercial aircraft.
By completing CPL training, you can work with airlines, charter operators, corporate aviation, or even become a flight instructor.
CPL Course Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) |
| Issuing Authority | Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Educational Requirement | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Medical Requirement | Class 1 DGCA Medical Certificate |
| Total Flying Hours Required | Minimum 200 hours |
| Course Duration | 12–18 months (full-time) |
| Mode of Training | Ground School + Flight Training |
| License Validity | 5 years (renewable) |
| Career Outcome | Commercial Pilot, Airline Pilot, Charter Pilot, Flight Instructor |
CPL Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in a CPL course in India, you must meet the following criteria:
Minimum age of 17 years to begin training; 18 years to apply for license
Must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board
Hold a valid Class 2 Medical Certificate to begin training; Class 1 Medical Certificate to apply for CPL
Be proficient in English (written and verbal)
Possess a valid Indian passport or government ID
CPL Course Duration
The CPL course typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. The exact duration depends on factors such as:
Weather conditions
Student availability
Aircraft availability
Performance in ground school exams
Some students may complete it faster in accelerated flying programs, while others take longer due to academic or financial reasons.
CPL Course Structure
A well-rounded CPL course includes two major components:
1. Ground School Training
Covers theoretical knowledge for the following DGCA subjects:
Air Navigation
Aviation Meteorology
Air Regulations
Technical General
Technical Specific (based on aircraft type)
RTR-A (Radio Telephony)
2. Flying Training (Minimum 200 Hours)
Flight training includes:
100 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
20 hours of cross-country flying
10 hours of instrument flying
5 hours of night flying
Training is usually conducted using single-engine and multi-engine aircraft certified by the DGCA.
CPL Course Fees in India (2025)
The cost of CPL training in India typically ranges from ₹45 to ₹60 lakhs, depending on:
Flight school infrastructure
Number of aircraft and simulators
Location of the academy
Multi-engine aircraft training
Inclusions like RTR-A and DGCA ground classes
At FMS Aviation Academy, we offer affordable CPL training with transparent fee structures, installment plans, and access to top-notch instructors.
What You Get After Completing CPL Course
After successful completion of ground school, flight training, and passing DGCA exams, you will be awarded a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which entitles you to:
Fly as a co-pilot in commercial airlines
Work as a charter pilot or cargo pilot
Become a flight instructor
Upgrade to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) later