THE EDUCAFÉ TIMES
Prescribing Success: Interview with
Mr. Shagun (Commercial Pilot)
Career Queries
Hello Readers!
We bring another edition of The Educafé Times where we talk about
another sought-after career opportunity- Commerical Pilot.Here we
discuss the scope of the career, the challenges, and the skill sets
required.
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Soaring into the skies: A Career as a
Commercial Pilot
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Soaring into the skies: A Career as a Commercial Pilot
Have you ever looked up at the sky, seen an aeroplane, and wondered what it would be like to be the one in
the cockpit? A career as a Commercial Pilot is exciting, high-stakes, and full of opportunities for those who
dream big and have a passion for aviation.
But what does a Commercial Pilot actually do on a day-to-day basis? Let’s take a look.
A Commercial Pilot is a highly trained and licensed professional who operates aircraft to transport
passengers, cargo, or goods safely from one destination to another. Beyond just flying, they are responsible
for the safety of everyone on board and the smooth execution of every flight.
Let’s explore the career pathway required to pursue this profession.
Career Pathway:
At +2, choose Science as your stream with Physics and Mathematics.
Should you have chosen any other stream, clear Physics and Mathematics as additional subjects
from recognised boards or institutes, such as NIOS.
You must be 17+ for a Student Pilot License and 18+ for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
issuance.
Pass the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) medical examinations.
Get a DGCA Computer Number - The computer number is your digital identity for DGCA
exams.
DGCA Exams: Clear six theory papers (Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, etc.)
Complete 200 hours of flying at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organization (FTO).
Clear the RTR(A) Radio Telephony Test and the Commercial Pilot Test (CPL) Skill Test
Plan Your Type Rating & First Airline Job
You can also do a B.Sc. Aviation / Aeronautical Science, B.Tech(Aeronautical/Aerospace)
Any Regular Degree (B.Com/B.Sc/BBA) are some other courses you could pursue.
Note: Requirements may change over time. Always check the official DGCA website for the latest updates.
Now that we know the career pathway, let's look at the work opportunities, skills, benefits and drawbacks of
this professional.
Work Opportunities:
Commercial pilots work across various sectors:
Airlines: Captain, First Officer, Airline Pilot.
Private & Cargo: Cargo Pilot, Corporate Jet Pilot, Charter Pilot, Ferry Pilot.
Specialized Roles: Helicopter Pilot, Flight Instructor, Air show Pilot, Government Aviation Services.
Tips
Be clear about your career choice (not just for
glamour)
Strong basics in Physics & Mathematics
Research DGCA (Directorate General of
Civil Aviation) guidelines
Maintain good medical fitness
Improve communication skills (especially
English)
Choose the right flying school carefully
Plan finances in advance
Build discipline and time management
Develop decision-making skills
Stay updated with aviation trend
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Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
Skills :
Aircraft Operations Knowledge
Navigation & Flight Planning
Meteorology (Understanding the weather)
Aviation Regulation
Instrument Handling
Radio Communication
Emergency Procedures
Decision Making
Situational Awareness
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Stress Management
Discipline & Responsibility
Problem- Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Technical Skills
Non -Technical Skills
Benefits & Drawbacks:
Benefits: High earning potential, travel opportunities, prestige, and immense job satisfaction.
Drawbacks: Significant training costs, irregular schedules (jet lag), high responsibility, and strict
medical/fitness maintenance.
Final Thought
A career as a Commercial Pilot is not just about
flying—it’s about responsibility, precision, and
continuous learning. If you are passionate and
prepared, this career can truly take you to great
heights!
Prescription to Success:
Shagun is a Commercial Pilot based in Bangalore, currently flying with one of
India’s leading airlines. With over 5 years of experience in the aviation industry, he
brings valuable insights into the profession. Outside of flying, he enjoys staying
active and trying out new places to eat—he describes himself as “a big foodie.”
Snippets of an Interview conducted with Mr. Shagun:
What typically are your working hours?
There’s nothing typical about a pilot’s schedule. You could be reporting at 3 AM one day
and finishing a flight past midnight the next. It all depends on the roster.- early mornings,
late nights, long duty days. You get used to adapting your routine around flying rather
than the other way around.
Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
No. 10, 1st Main Road, 2nd Floor, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Seshadripuram, Bangalore -560020
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What inspired you to become a commercial
pilot?
Honestly, there wasn’t one big moment or
anything like that. It just kinda built up over
time. I got really interested in flying, the
precision, the discipline, and the responsibility
that comes with it.
The more I got into it, the more I felt like this
is something I could actually do every day and
not get bored. It’s not just about flying, it’s the
whole process, handling situations, staying
sharp, constantly learning. That’s what really
pulled me in.
Can you give us a typical day in your life as a
Commercial pilot?
A flying day usually starts with preparation. We
don’t just start our engines and just fly. It starts
with checking weather, flight plans, and
understanding any operational considerations
for that particular flight.
Then comes the briefing with the crew, followed
by the flight itself, where you’re constantly
monitoring systems, communicating, and
staying ahead of the aircraft.
What people don’t see is that a large part of the
job is about staying alert and managing
workload, even when things seem routine. After
landing, there’s post-flight work, and then you
reset for the next flight or the next day. Some
days are just 1 flight a day and others there are
4. Yes, you read that right, 4 flights a day!
How did you start your journey in this
career?
Like most pilots, I started with ground school ,
building a strong theoretical base. Then came
flying training, which is where things get real.
It’s a step by step process - learning basics,
building hours, clearing exams, and gradually
moving toward professional flying.
It’s not a straight line. There are phases where
things move fast and phases where you feel stuck.
Staying consistent is what gets you through.
What is the process of getting a Commercial
Pilot License (CPL), and how long does it
usually take?
The CPL process involves clearing theoretical
exams, completing a required number of flying
hours, and passing skill tests. In India, you’re
also dealing with DGCA requirements,
medicals, and documentation.
Ideally, it can take around 18 to 24 months,
but realistically, delays can happen — weather,
aircraft availability, exam schedules, so it often
takes longer. Patience is part of the process, yet
its highly rewarding.
What are the pros and cons of becoming a
Commercial pilot?
Pros
You get to do something very few
people do, fly an aircraft!
The job keeps you sharp and
constantly learning.
The lifestyle can be exciting, with
travel and variety.
Cons
Irregular schedules can mess with
your routine and health, if you’re not
careful.
It’s a high-responsibility job. There’s
no room for complacency.
The journey to get here can be
financially and mentally demanding.
Do you think AI will affect your role as a
Commercial pilot?
AI will definitely enhance aviation - better
systems, improved safety, and more
automation. But replacing pilots completely
isn’t realistic. Since it’s highly regulated,
getting AI into aviation will require decades
of testing and regulatory checks.
At the end of the day, aviation still relies
heavily on human judgment, decision making
and handling unpredictable situations. AI will
support pilots, not replace them.
Is it very costly to study to become a Commercial
pilot?
Yes, it’s a significant investment. Flight training is
expensive, and that’s one of the biggest barriers
for many aspiring pilots.
That said, if someone is serious about it, there are
ways to plan it. Loans, structured training paths,
and careful financial decisions. But it’s important
to go in with full awareness of the cost.
What skills and personal qualities are most
important for someone who wants to become a
successful pilot?
Discipline. Especially with study and
procedures.
Situational awareness. Always knowing
what’s happening around you.
Calm decision. Making under pressure.
Good communication skills
Consistency. Showing up prepared every
single time.
Being “smart” helps, but being reliable and
composed matters more.
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Confused about your career?
A career as a Commercial Pilot is a long-term commitment, not a short-term job.
It is a decades-long professional journey that rewards experience, health, and
persistence.
The career is structured around a seniority-based ladder. You begin as a Junior
First Officer and spend years accumulating flight hours to become a First Officer,
and eventually, a Captain. This progression is slow and steady, with salary and
benefits increasing, the longer you stay in the industry. Because of the massive
initial investment in training—often costing between ₹50 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore—it is
financially impractical to treat it as a temporary role; it takes several years of
airline service just to break even.
The longevity of the role is also supported by a high retirement age. In India, the
DGCA allows pilots to fly until 65 years of age, provided they maintain strict
medical fitness. This offers a longer working life than many corporate sectors.
However, because your license is tied to your health, it is a "high-stakes" long-term
career. If you stay disciplined and healthy, you can enjoy a stable, high-paying,
and prestigious profession that lasts for 35 to 40 years.
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Educafé Student Solutions Pvt. Ltd
No. 10, 1st Main Road, 2nd Floor, Above Midas School of Entrepreneurship, Seshadripuram, Bangalore -560020
Phone: 080-4124 4184 , +91 9740583531 | query@educafe.com | www.educafe.com
Career Queries
by : Dr. Sudha Bhogle
Is commercial pilot a short- term career?
“Keen to know
more?
Call us at
8105281535”
What are the biggest challenges students face while pursuing this career, and how can they overcome them?
The biggest ones are usually
Financial pressure
Delays in training or exams
Loss of motivation during slow phases
The way through it is simple but not easy. Stay consistent, don’t compare your timeline with others, and keep
moving forward even when progress feels slow. Aviation rewards persistence.
What advice would you give to students who dream of becoming a commercial pilot?
Make sure you genuinely want this. Not just the idea of it.
Once you’re sure, commit fully. Stay disciplined with your studies, take your
training seriously, and build good habits early. Also, take care of your health.
Irregular schedules are part of the job, so your lifestyle matters.
And most importantly, be patient. This career doesn’t reward shortcuts, but
if you stick with it, it’s absolutely worth it.
