It is Never Too Late: Switching to a Pilot Career in Your 30s or 40s

 To become a pilot, there are some important educational qualifications and training. In India, to become a commercial pilot, you have to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification

One should at least have passed class 12^th from a recognized board or University, in which Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects.

Aviation Medical Test

To become a commercial pilot, you have to pass a medical test. In this test, your physical and mental fitness is evaluated.  Now, some alterations are being made in the medical tests to become a commercial pilot in India. Now, a person to become a commercial pilot should pass a medical examination, taken by fighter pilots by the Indian Air Force. Although there is much unrest among the pilots regarding this, and the Commercial Pilot Association of India is in talks with the DGCA to take back this decision and allow pilots to go through a medical test by a doctor approved by the DGCA.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To get CPL, you have to get training from a pilot training school. There are some major aviation academies in India, such as Flapone Aviation, which provide CPL training.

To get CPL, one needs to clock at least 200 hours of flight training. After this, one is eligible to work as a commercial pilot.

Let us look at some of the benefits of becoming a pilot in your 30s and 40s

When one makes his/her mind to become a pilot in their 30s or 40s, they have enough experience in life that can be beneficial. As a pilot, one should be able to make decisions and stay calm in stressful situations. At this age, a person has more understanding to handle such situations, which can be challenging for a young pilot.

If you are already employed in some other career, your financial condition may be better than before. The investment that you have to make to become a pilot, such as training fees and license fees, you can handle them with a secure financial position.

The decision to become a pilot can be an exciting and lucrative option for anyone at any time, especially when you are not satisfied with your old job or career. Becoming a pilot not only opens up new opportunities in your life, but also gives you a career that is very respectable and secure.

One of the major benefits of becoming a pilot is that you get to travel around the world. If you are fond of travelling, this career may be ideal for you. Also, the life of a pilot is full of a certain level of freedom and adventure.

It is not that there are no challenges in becoming a pilot in the Middle Ages, but all these can be mitigated by a person who is dreaming of becoming a pilot. Let's examine some of the challenges that individuals seeking to become pilots in their 30s or 40s encounter.

Physical fitness is an important factor in becoming a pilot.  As a person grows in age, changes are felt in the body, which can act as a roadblock to becoming a pilot.  One should always be physically fit and be able to pass the aviation medical test. Apart from this, mental fitness is also important as a pilot must always be alert.

To become a pilot, one has to undergo a long and expensive training. The cost of training for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India can be around Rs 50 lakhs-1 crore. Furthermore, the cost of flight hours also has to be added, which makes the process more expensive.

The time invested in training can also be a challenge. If you are already engaged in another career, you may have difficulty dedicating yourself to pilot training because of your work sensitivities. You have to balance your old job and training time.

The aviation industry in India is constantly evolving. As the demand for airline travel increases, the need for pilots is also growing rapidly. Many airlines in the Indian aviation market are facing a shortage of pilots.

Growth Rate:  In 2024, India needed around 1500 new aircraft, which will further increase the demand for pilots. During this time, around 5000-7000 pilots may be required.

Overseas Opportunities: The demand for pilots is also increasing outside India, especially in the Gulf countries and South-East Asia. This means that one can work for foreign airlines after training in India.

Financial Planning

As mentioned earlier, becoming a pilot requires a huge investment. Plan it well in advance and see how you can manage the training expenses. You can also avail a scholarship or loan schemes.

Focus on Physical and Mental Fitness

Physical fitness is extremely important for becoming a pilot. Regular training is a must. It is essential to maintain a balance between exercise and mental well-being.

Seek Professional Guidance

Consult experts to get guidance during pilot training and follow the right path to become a good pilot.

It is indeed a bold decision to become a pilot in your 30s and 40s, but certainly not an impossible task by any stretch of imagination. If you have your finances in order, physical and mental fitness and time for training, you can surely enter the aviation industry as a pilot. With the aviation industry expanding in India, there is no dearth of prospects for pilots and if you want to live your dream, it is never too late.

 What you need to do when you decide to become a pilot is that search for a reputed pilot training institute. Your search can come to an end with Flapone Aviation, where we are committed to providing the best-in-class pilot training and that too at an affordable rate. So, what are you waiting for? Just join hands with us, and you will surely end up living your dream of becoming a pilot.