How Many Flight Hours are Required to Become a Pilot in India

Before embarking on your journey to becoming a commercial pilot in India, it's essential to understand the flight hour requirements set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Meeting these hours according to DGCA regulations is crucial for a smooth application process for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and related documentation.

In total, a candidate must accumulate 200 flight hours, which must include specific components:

1)Pilot-in-Command Time:

• At least 100 hours logged as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).

• Of these, a minimum of 15 hours must be completed within six months prior to applying for the CPL.

2)Cross-Country Flight Time:

• A minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC.

• This includes a flight of at least 300 nautical miles, with full-stop landings at two different aerodromes.

3)Instrument Time:

• Candidates must complete at least 40 hours of instrument flying.

• 20 hours of this can be conducted in an approved simulator.

4)Night Flying Time:

• A minimum of 5 hours of night flying, including at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings as PIC.

5)Multi-Engine Aircraft:

• If pursuing a multi-engine endorsement, a minimum of 15 hours must be flown on a multi-engine aircraft.

By understanding and meeting these requirements, aspiring pilots can ensure they are well-prepared for their CPL application and future aviation career.