Pilot Career in Aviation

Aviation isn't just flying, or piloting. Aviation is an entire world above and beyond the cockpit. Aviation refers to all activities involving the operation of aircrafts. It can be defined as the designing, building and flying of aircraft. With the revolution in Aviation sector, there are tremendous openings in various careers in Aviation. The aviation sector has opened avenues for Pilots, Co-Pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Cabin Crew, Technicians and Ground Duty Service Officers. Aviation courses in India deal with Flying Operation, Aircrew, Aircraft, Air Traffic Management, Technical aspects of Flight, Aviation Safety, Regulatory Policies and economics of airport.

Civil Aviation courses are necessary for those wishing to work in government or regulatory bodies of aviation or those planning to work as aviation consultants. All aviation courses in India are supposed to comply with the rules laid down by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Indian aviation industry has shown continued growth in recent years with key drivers being positive economic factors, industrial performance, corporate profitability/expansion, higher disposable incomes and growth in consumer spending as well as wider availability of low fares.

Eligibility:

The eligibility for becoming a Pilot / Co-Pilot is - one should have the license of SPL for which matriculation and 16 years of age is prescribed for appearing for the test. To get a CPL, one should have passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics and must be between the ages of 18 - 30 years. The minimum height should be 5 feet and eyesight 6 / 6.

Job Prospects:

Recruitments are made through campus placements. Most institutes offering aviation courses also have placement cells. The remuneration for those in the aviation industry is extremely high. A trainee Pilot or Co-Pilot can get a starting salary of about Rs.60, 000 - 70,000. Senior pilots are being paid approximately 4.5 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees per month. Non technical jobs such as air hostesses are well paid too. Even fresh starters get paid approximately Rs 16,000 per month.

Salary structure:

The salary structure of pilots differs and depends upon the aircraft operated. Below is the salary structure of pilots (tax cuts have not been accounted for):

1.) Trainee Pilot: Rs 15,000 to 25,000.

2.) Junior First Officer: Rs 80,000 to 1,00,000.

3.) First Officer: Rs 1,20,000 to 1,50,000

4.) Senior First Officer: Rs 1,80,000 to 2,20,000

5.) Commander: Rs 2,50,000 to 3,00,000

6.) Senior Commander: Rs 4,00,000 to 5,00,000

7.)Training Instructors and Training Examiners: Rs 5,00,000 upwards

Companies offering Aviation Jobs:

The following list of companies in India offers various jobs in the aviation sector –

1.) Sahara India

2.) Indian Airlines

3.) Indian International Airways Ltd

4.) Kingfisher Airlines

5.) Haytrans I Pvt Ltd,

6.) Flywell Aviation Pvt Ltd,

7.) Deccan Airlines,

8.) Multi Track Air Charters

9.) SRC Aviation, Panda Logistics Ltd

10.) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Bird Group

11.) Trans Asian Aviation,

12.) Varman Aviation Pvt Ltd.

13.) Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited and Sam Air Pvt Ltd.