Student Pilot Licence(SPL)This is an examination conducted by flying clubs in every State and covers papers in Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation Air Technical. It is a theory exam.

Eligibility- age of 16 years minimum and pass in class X. A medical certificate of fitness, security clearance and a bank guarantee of Rs.10,000 is required.

Selection -Candidates taking the SPL test have to appear in an oral examination on a fixed day every month; candidates go through a medical test. Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME),Subroto Park,New Delhi and Institute of Aviation Medicine(IAM), Vimanpura Bangalore, are the final authorities for medical fitness. After medical clearance the candidate gets the SPL.Candidates are also required to pass the Pilot Aptitude Test.

Private pilot licence -practical training After getting the SPL the candidate accompanied by the flying instructor proceeds for initial flying training. This is a dual flight, where the instructor or trainer accompanies the learner to teach him the practical aspect of flying. Then the candidate gets his first independent flight normally after about 15 Hour of dual flying. 9This includes cross country flying. A total of 60 Hours of flying is needed of which 20 hour minimum should be solo and 5 hours cross-country.

Theory Exam - There is a thory examination also, the subjects are: Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Aircraft Engines, Seamanship.

Eligibility : 10+2 and medical fitness certificate from AFCME OR IAM.The age requirement is 17 Years.

Fees : Flying training is costly. Fees has increase over the years.Approximately Rs. 1000 are charged per hour for flying. Some States do subsidised the rates for the residents of the states. This fees may be revised from time to time.

Commercial pilot licence: A student can get the CPL by doing his flying training for 129 hours to complete 250 Hour of flying.

Training facilities are available with Flying Clubs in India, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Rae barelly, UP, Private Academies or Flying School in USA or Europe, Australia, Gulf,etc.

Education eligibility : XII(physics and Maths), Non-Science students who started flying before jan1,1994 were eligible for 1996 admission. Current PPL Licence needed with flying experience in the last 3 year.

Eligible Age : 18 years to 30 years.

Medical fitness - As granted by AFCME, New Delhi/IAM, Bangalore.

Written Exam - A written exam in the following subjects is needed for getting the CPL:

Air Regulations, aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical, Planning. These exams are conducted 6 times a year.

Actual flying experience required - 250 hours of total flying time(150 hours of solo, 25 hours of cross country, 10 hours of instrument flying , 5 hours of night flying).

Further Growth - CPL licence and training as a particular aircraft leads to a co-pilot assignment. Promotion depends as flying experience and vacancies. Co-pilots must have the required numbers of flying hours and licence. A pilot undergoes a never process of training. Proficiency tests have to be cleared almost thrice a year or more depending on the licence category and age of the pilot. The highest among the category of licences is the Air Transport Pilot Licence(ATPL) which allows the pilot to fly any type of aircraft.

Licence has to be constantly renewed through passing medical and other tests every six months.

1. Training of Helicopter Pilots- Helicopter pilots need to have Commercial Helicopter Pilots Licence(CHPL). This licence can be aquired by two stages. The Private Helicopter Licence(PHPL) is granted after 40 hours of flying training (15 hours should be solo) and on clesring the written exams of aviation subjects. 60 hours of flying training has to be completed and a written exam has to cleared. Helicopter Pilots find employment with the commercial organisations, Public Sector organisation and other security/protective agencies.