A flight instructor is in charge of training the students about every aspect of flying an aircraft. Career as a flight instructor is a lucrative job option in India because the civil aviation industry has merged to be the fastest growing industry in India in the last 3 years. The career as a flight instructor offers the right balance between challenge and corresponding pay.
In order to become a flight instructor in India the candidate needs to pass the certificate program or the Private Pilot license (PPL) after completing the relevant degree. Some of the relevant courses are BSc aviation, B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering, etc.
There are courses such as BTech Aeronautical Engineering, Diploma in Aviation etc that can be pursued in order to become a Flight Instructor. Some of the top colleges offering these courses are IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur etc. Admissions to these colleges are done on the basis of entrance exams such as JEE Mains, JEE Advanced etc.
In India, individuals can become Flight Instructors after earning a pilot license and working as a Commercial or Private pilot. After earning a significant amount of flight hours, candidates can enrol into a course to earn their Flight Instructor license. Licenses are available in various concentrations like Ground Instructor, Type Rating Instructor, Synthetic Flight Instructor etc. The flight instructors salary ranges between INR 9,60,000-INR 32,10,000 per annum in India
- How to Become a Flight instructor: Quick Facts
- What Does a Flight Instructor do
- Steps to Follow
- Types of Flight Instructors
4.1 On the Basis of Profession
- How to Become a Flight instructor in India
- How to Become a Flight instructor After 12th
- Courses to Become a Flight instructor
7.3 B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering
8.1 UK
8.2 USA
8.3 Canada
8.4 Australia
- Benefits of Career as Flight Instructor
- Top Recruiters of Flight Instructor
- Skills required for Flight Instructor
- Salary of Flight Instructor in India
12.1 Country wise
12.2 Specialization Wise
12.3 Experience Wise
Flight Instructor: Quick Facts
| Industry | Aviation |
| Eligibility | Eligibility criteria depends on the course pursued by the candidates. However, the minimum eligibility criteria is that the candidates should pass the 10th exam and be at least 17 years of age |
| Average Course Fees | INR 5,000 to 5 Lacs |
| Flight Instructor Salary | INR 9,59,000 to INR 32,10,000 LPA |
| Job Opportunity | Assistant Pilot Instructor, Pilot Instructor, Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, Chief Flying Instructor, Type Rating Instructor, Synthetic Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor etc. |
What Does a Flight Instructor Do?
Flight Instructors are individuals with a DCGA issued Pilot license (commercial or private). The career offers exciting but challenging job prospects to the candidates. The following are the job description of Flight Instructor:
- Screening of the candidates: The very first job that the flight instructor is to screen the candidates. The flight instructors check out the eligibility criteria of the candidates as well as the medical history and condition of the candidates.
- Preparation Of the course Curriculum: The Flight instructors prepare the course curricula of the students along with the class and syllabus pacing, training plan for the novice, intermediate or experienced students.
- Train students: Flight Instructors train students how to fly aircraft. They conduct classes through simulation, classroom and also live practical sessions. The Flight Instructor also covers other aspects of flying like Aerodynamics, Meteorology, radio operation, handling emergencies, Instrumentation related to various aerial vehicles, etc.The flight instructors use ground-school classes both to teach students the basics of flying an aircraft and to help them prepare for the written test they can expect to face when applying for their pilot's license
- Monitor Progress: The Flight instructors are concerned with maintaining log of the training session, take note of the students’ performances and provide them feedback in the future session.
- Maintenance and safety: It is the responsibility of the flight instructors to check the safety of the various instruments as well as the aerial vehicle before every lesson and also check out and maintain the equipment and vehicle after every lesson.
Flight Instructor: Step to Follow to Become a Flight Instructor
Flight Instructor’s job is highly regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).Although the job is very challenging and risky, it brings certain interesting and adventurous aspects to it. The prospects of training the next crop of pilots in India appeals to a lot of individuals. The following are some of the steps in How to become a Flight Instructor in India.
- Decision Making: Before delving into studying a course on How to become a Flight Instructor, there is some groundwork that needs to be done. The aviation industry is a demanding field and all workers need to be on top of their physical and mental health. Instructors need to have Pilot Licenses and other flight requirements. Licenses are renewed regularly for which written tests are held. If one has the capacity to persevere against all odds, Flight Instructor is the path to choose.
- Subject Choices: There is generally no particular stream that the candidates have to choose to study for the Flight Instructor Course, however,Some flight schools require their instructors to be a B.Tech or B.E. pass in Aviation Engineering while some others ask for a diploma course. So in order to be safe applicants for the Flight Instructor course should complete their class 12th in the Science stream. Candidates must take all the major Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in their 12th.
- Entrance Examination Preparation: Admission to B.Tech or B.E. Aeronautical or Aerospace will require candidates to pass entrance tests. The commonly accepted entrance examinations are JEE Main, BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEE etc. Candidates need to take proper preparation to qualify for the entrance examination. Also some of the training institutions also conduct their own entrance examination or interview process.
- Selecting Correct Colleges: Post taking the examination, individuals must make sure to secure a high enough rank to be accepted into colleges. If the college cut-off is met, then the candidates must apply for the counselling round and choose colleges and courses of choice. If accepted, then the candidates take admission by paying the admission fees.
- Qualifying Certifications: Completing the bachelor's degree is only the first step. One must then undergo flight training from a Flight School. Candidates should then take the examination to earn the pilot license, issued by the DGCA. A medical examination will also be held. With the pilot license, around 500 flying hours must be completed to qualify for a Flight Instructor job. Then apply for available jobs.
Types of Flight Instructor
All Flight Instructors in India can be divided by their duties and their seniority. The following are the list of flight instructors in India on the basis of profession and seniority:.
Basis Of Profession
- Type Rating Instructor (TRI): The TRI is responsible for training the Pilot in Command (PIC) or the Co-Pilot for their type rating. They provide training on the simulator and on aeroplane (Live session). They issue and also renew instrumentation ratings as well as take tests on the performance of the trainees.
- Synthetic Flight Instructor (SFI): The Synthetic Flight Instructor holds simulator training for pilots who do not have current or active valid licences. SFIs must have been PIC (Pilot in Command) rated and been working as a trainer for the past 5 years. They also train other fellow SFIs and LTCs.
- Ground Instructor (GI): The Ground Instructor conducts classes on the ground on various topics like air regulation and aviation meteorology. The GI should have a CPL license and other certifications. Other DCGA requirements include working as an Air Traffic Controller for 5 years.
Basis Of Level Of Seniority
- Assistant Pilot Instructor (API): The Assistant Pilot Licence is the starting position for Flight instructors in India. The Assistant Pilot Instructor should at least have an Assistant Flight Instructor Rating AFIR (A) certificate from the DGCA. APIs help provide training for aircraft up to 1,500 kgs. APIs usually work under the supervision of the next in the chain of command, the Pilot Instructor.
- Pilot Instructor (PI): All APIs get promoted as a Pilot Instructor after 4-5 years of experience. They overlook all APIs during all day to day training sessions. They also work with aircraft of a maximum weight of 5,700 kgs.
- Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (Deputy CFI): For Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (Deputy CFI) is an experienced professional with a total flying hours equal to 1200. The requirement for Deputy CFI is to complete a total of 1000 Hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)and the total instructional flying of 500 hours. They overlook all the student pilot license examinations along with fly rating to trainees. The Deputy CFI also authorizes flights operated by FTO.
- Chief Flying Instructor (CFI): The senior most of the flight instructors is the Chief Flying Instructor. They perform all functions of the Deputy CFI besides also providing training for AFIR and FIR license. To work as a CFI, individuals must have 2200 total flying hours, 1800 PIC flying hours and 1200 instructional flying hours.
Check out: Types of Pilot
Flight Instructor: How to Become a Flight Instructor in India?
The Career as a flight instructor provides the candidates with a niche career option in India. The candidates must at least hold a certificate course degree that is recognised by the DGCA in order to become a flight instructor in India. However, to become a flight instructor the candidates must have knowledge in physics and mathematics. The following are the various steps will help in providing answer to how to become a flight Instructor in India
School Level Preparation
The preparation to become a flight instructor in India should start from the school level itself. Although there are no hard and fast rules required for the eligibility of Flight instructors, it is preferable that the candidates need to have the knowledge in Physics and mathematics.
- Thus, students must choose the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in their 10+2 Level Examination.
- Some of the training schools prefer to have candidates from the B.Tech or BSc Background. Thus the candidates should start preparing for the entrance examination from the 11th itself. The entrance exams are JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, etc.
- The candidates must try to score a minimum 55% aggregate score in their 12 th board exam.
How to Become a Flight Instructor after 12th?
After completing their 12th or equivalent examination the candidates can take various undergraduate or diploma courses that would help them in achieving their target in becoming a flight instructor in India. Full-time degree programmes are generally preferred by the candidates who wish to apply for the Flight instructor course in India.
UG Preparation
- Apply for and qualify for the JEE Main examination or an equivalent entrance test for admission to the Engineering course. Choose B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent specialisation.
- After selecting the specialization the candidates must take care of the facts that they at least maintain a first class or 60% in their graduate level so that they are able to get offers from top colleges after completion of the degree..
- Post completing the bachelor's degree, apply to undergo pilot training at a flight school.
- Take the pilot licence written test, instructor license and medical examination.
- Work to earn 500 minimum flight hours before applying for a Flight Instructor position.
- In some cases the candidates can opt for PG Courses in order to have a better career prospect.
PG Preparation
- Although most of the professional helicopter pilots have only bachelors’ degree as their basic education level, many candidates pursue further education to find better job opportunities and get a salary hike.
- The candidates can pursue courses such as M.Tech or MSc in Aviation or MBA in Aviation Management as alternatives.
- The candidates need to take the relevant entrance examination to prepare for the admission to the relevant course. The relevant entrance examinations are GATE, CAT, MAT, and many more.
- After getting admission, the candidates can look to enroll them in flight academies.
Flight Instructor: Courses to Become a Flight Instructor
The candidates can take up different Flight Instructor courses in India. There are a large number of Flight Instructors courses available in India across the various levels. The following are the list of courses that the candidates can pursue in order to become a flight instructor in India.
Private Pilot License
The Private Pilot License is a short term Flight Instructor Course in India. The course is offered to candidates who wish to get a license to fly aeroplanes non commercially. The course covers topics like air law, meteorology, flight planning, navigation, aircraft systems etc. Admissions are on merit but institutes conduct their own entrance tests, interviews and medical tests.
Private Pilot License Course Details
| Program Level | Certificate Course |
| Program Duration | 6-8 Years |
| Eligibility | Pass Class 10th with 50% marks and candidates must be above the age of 17. |
| Admission | Merit Based Followed by Medical Entrance |
| Average Course Fees | INR 3-12 Lacs |
| Average Salary | INR 9,60,000-INR 32,10,000 |
Private Pilot License: Admission Process
PPL Admission is done on the basis of merit list however, some institutes would take some entrance examination for admission to the course.
- First the candidates must look for eligibility criteria for admission to the different institute
- Visit the official institute and fill up the registration form. In case of entrance examination go to the website of the conducting body and fill up the application form and submit documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit.
- Visit the website of the institute on a time to time basis for regular updates.
- Appear for the entrance exam, if qualified then sit for the aptitude test and score well.
- Appear for the medical test and take admission by paying the admission fees.
Private Pilot License: Eligibility Criteria for the Exam
- All candidates must have completed class 12 th or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics.
- The minimum aggregate score is 50% for the general category and 45% for SC, ST, EWS and OBC.
- The minimum age at the time of joining is 17 years and not less.
Private Pilot License: How to Prepare for the Exam
The following steps can be taken by the candidates in order to prepare for the entrance examination.
- Download the examination syllabus. The syllabus is available from the website of the conducting board or agency or the institute providing the course.
- Start preparing for the different topics of the entrance examination such as reasoning, aptitude, current affairs and many more.
- Take note of any recent changes in the examination pattern.
- Download the previous years papers and start preparing accordingly.
- Practice using mock papers.
-
Prepare a schedule and revise the subjects accordingly. Try to complete the preparation at least one week before the examination. Keep the last week for revision.
Important Links:
Diploma in Aviation
The Diploma in Aviation is 6 months to a 1-year long course on multiple facets of Aviation. The course is a perfect stepping stone to earning Aviation licences. Some of the subjects that are covered in Diploma in Aviation are Avionics System, Aircrafts System, Airline Operations, Communication etc. Admissions to this course are on a merit basis.
Diploma in Aviation Course Details
| Program Level | Diploma |
| Program Duration | 6 Months to 1 year |
| Eligibility | Pass 10+2 Level Examination from any board with at least 50% marks in any streams |
| Admission | Merit Based |
| Average Course Fees | INR 60,000- INR 1,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 |
Diploma in Aviation: Admission Process
- The admission process is online due to the pandemic. The candidates must first select the institute where they want to take the admission and then visit the institute website to learn about the additional criteria.
- Register on the website and click on the apply now button.
- Fill up the application form and submit all necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee and take out the receipt of the application form for future reference.
- Visit the website for timely updates.
- Appear for the interview and other processes. If selected then complete the admission process by paying the admission fees.
Diploma in Aviation: Preparation Tips
The admission process is done completely on the basis of merit list. The candidates can work the following steps to get admission in the following course
- Admissions are based on the merit list thus the candidates need to score well in the 12th.
- The candidates must break down the syllabus of the 12th exam and work on the different subjects at a particular time so that they are able to complete their course and have ample time for revision.
- Candidates should also start preparing for the interview process and should start learning about various topics so that they are able to crack the interview.
- Candidates can check the previous year merit list and contact the aliumini or the present students to know more about the admission process.
Check out: Diploma in aviation Colleges
B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering is a course that can be taken by candidates who wish to pursue a career as a Flight Instructor. B.Tech degree in Aeronautical Engineering is a 4 year long full-time undergraduate degree. The course involves learning about air crafts, designing and also building them. Admissions are done through national, state and university level entrance examinations.
| Program Level | Undergraduate |
| Program Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility | Pass the 12th exam with Science Stream with a minimum score of 50% from a recognised board. The candidates also need to pass the entrance examination conducted by the national and state agencies |
| Admission | Entrance Based |
| Average Course Fees | INR 10,000-INR 500,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 300,000-INR 15,00,000 |
B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering: Admission Process
- The admission process of the BTech in mechanical engineering is done mainly through the entrance examination. The candidates are required to first select the entrance examination that they are going to target
- After selecting the entrance exam the candidates must visit the website of the body conducting the entrance examination and check out the eligibility criteria and the participating colleges.
- Candidates then need to fill up the entrance examination form by visiting the official website and put up the necessary documents. The fees of the entrance exams vary from according to the different conducting bodies
- The students are required to visit the entrance examinations websites for time to time updates.
- If the candidates have cracked the entrance examination then they must visit the college website for the cutoff scores which are generally uploaded in the college website..
- If selected for admission the candidates must confirm the admission after payment of the admission fees.
Eligibility criteria for the JEE Main
The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Tech Mechanical Engineering ar given below:
- Candidates have to complete 10+2 with physics, chemistry, maths as compulsory subjects from a recognized board.
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks is required to sit for the JEE Mains. A 5% relaxation is provided to the candidates of the reserved categories.
- There is no higher age limit in JEE Main. Candidates who have passed category twelfth or equivalent in 2020, 2021 or appearing 2023 regardless of their age can sit for JEE Main.
- The candidates need to score the minimum aggregate 50% by considering at least five subjects in 10+2 level.
Eligibility criteria for JEE Advanced
- Candidates need to be among the top 250,000 rank holders in the JEE Mains to qualify for the JEE advanced exam
- Only those candidates who were born on or after october 1997, are eligible to participate in JEE Advanced. SC/ST/PWD class students are given a relaxation of five years.
- Both Indian and foreign nationals are eligible for this examination.
- Like the previous year, 75% criteria has been scrapped for this year according to the request of the candidates..
- A candidate who has earlier been admitted in an IIT/ISM (irrespective of whether or not they continued in the program) OR accepted an IIT seat by reporting at a reporting centre in the past, is not eligible to apply..
- The maximum number of tries for JEE Advanced is 3.
How to apply for the JEE Main exam?
- Visit the official website of the JEE Main exam.
- Go to the tab “Apply to JEE Main, and read the instructions carefully before starting the registration process.
- Complete the registration method by providing the necessary personal details such as date of birth, address, guardian name, along with phone number and Email ID. A system generated login id would be created which the candidates must note down.
- Fill the JEE Main form by selecting the centres, question paper medium etc, and make the payment via internet Banking/Credit card/Debit card/ Paytm.
- Once that's done, take out a print out of the application form for further details .
How to apply for the JEE Advanced Exam?
- Candidates must visit the JEE Advanced website and login with their JEE main roll number.
- The candidates must select a new password. Then they would be directed to a new page containing their personal details and academic record. The candidates must then select the question paper language and the cities.
- Then upload the documents in the necessary size and format and submit the application form.
- Pay the application fee and print out the details of the application form for future reference.
Check Out : JEE Advanced Registration
How to prepare for the entrance exams?
- Make a timetable for The entrance exam and follow it strictly. Cover every topic in each subject and assign them a particular slot in the timetable. This will ensure that the entire syllabus is covered at least once.
- Clear up the fundamentals. A robust understanding of the fundamentals are going to be helpful. Most of the questions in the engineering entrance exam are from the fundamentals so clear your concepts at the beginning.
- Practice, practice, practice. Take mocks and try to solve as many sample papers as possible.
- Allocate more time to the harder topics. If necessary take up tuitions or coaching for the comparatively tougher subjects, Or one can look for tricks in solving the various problems in online youtube videos.
- Before going for the reference books try mastering the NCERT Books of the 10+2 level first.
Important Links:
| JEE Mains Syllabus | JEE Mains Practice Papers | JEE Mains Preparation |
| JEE Advanced Syllabus | JEE Advanced Question Papers | JEE Advanced Preparation Tips |
Flight Instructor: How to Become a Flight Instructor Abroad
Candidates can pursue the different Flight Instructor courses Abroad. The candidates however, can approach their training in two different ways. They can either finish their graduation course or other relevant course in India and opt for the flight instructors course abroad or complete the relevant courses in the foreign countries and then opt for the Flying courses.
UK
The UK offers a number of aviation courses that can be pursued by the Indian students. However, the candidates who want to study in the UK should keep the following things in mind before opting for admission.
Educational Requirements
- The candidates must pass the 12th or equivalent level examination from a recognised board in India with a minimum percentage of 65%.
- The candidates need to pass the english proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
- In some cases the candidate needs to pass the JEE examination or other aptitude test to gain admission to the UK universities.
- The candidates must have physics and mathematics in their 12th standards for admission to some of the BSc and Engineering courses.
Top Colleges/Universities
| University Names | Course Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Brunel University London | MEng in Aviation Engineering with Pilot Studies | INR 1,800,541 |
| Buckinghamshire New University | BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training | INR 1,080,067 |
| Staffordshire University | BSc (Hons) Aeronautical Technology | INR 1,121,180 |
| University of Hertfordshire | BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Systems Engineering with Pilot Studies | INR 1,219,270 |
| University of Leeds | BSc in Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies | INR 2,032,243 |
| University of Liverpool | BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies | INR 1,842,062 |
| University of Salford | BEng (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies | INR 1,368,623 |
Apart from these courses, the UK has a number of flight training schools that also have instructor training courses. All courses are overlooked by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK. Applicants are required to hold CPL, PPL, MPL, or ATPL licenses. Furthermore, before applying all applicants should have completed a minimum amount of flight hours differentiated by aeroplane type, routes, different roles etc. Applications are entirely online including document submission.
Admission Process
- Applications are to be submitted online.
- Register on the official website of the institute.
- Fill up the application form and upload documents.
- Make sure the candidate has a CPL (A) with 200 hours of flight time out of which 150 is as PPL (A).
- The candidate should have finished 30 hours on a Single Engine Piston powered aeroplane. Also, 10 hours completed on instrument flight instruction out of which 5 is on a simulator.
- Pay the application fee and take out the receipt.
Top Institutes
| Course Name | Institute Name | Programme Duration | Programme Cost in INR (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Instructor Course | Skyborne Airline Academy | 6 weeks | 7,64,361 |
| Flight Instructor Course | Stapleford Flight Centre | 6 weeks | 8,88,467 |
| Flight Instructor Rating | Redhill Aviation Flight Centre | Variable | 7,58,197 |
| Flight Instructor Training | Central Flight Training | Variable | 51,368 to 8,21,894 |
| Flight Instructor Training Course (Rating) | Fly GA | Minimum 125 hours | 10,787 to 20,547 per hour |
USA
Candidates who wish to study for a flight instructor course in the USA should keep the following things in Mind before applying .
Educational Requirement
- In case of Undergraduate application the candidates must pass the 12th or equivalent examination with a minimum score of 70% or more.
- In case of post graduate admission the candidates must pass the bachelor or equivalent degree from any recognised university.
- The candidates need to pass the english proficiency test such as TOEFL and IELTS .
- The candidates need to pass the entrance examination such as GRE, GMAT or SAT.
| University Names | Course Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | MS Aeronautics | INR 5,613,893 |
| Ohio State University | MS Aeronautical | INR 2,628,418 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | MS Aeronautical Engineering | INR 4,041,254 |
| Kent State University | BSc Aeronautics | INR 1,762,128 |
| Saint Louis University | MS Aviation | INR 2,468,540 |
| Utah State University | BSc Aviation Technology | INR 1,594,766 |
In the United States, Flight Instructors should have a Commercial Pilot License and have at least 250 hours of flight time. There are three levels of instructor certifications, basic, advanced and the Instrument Ground Instructor certificate.Candidates should apply to take the Certified Flight Instructor written test. After all the examinations have been completed successfully, one can now start working as an instructor.
Admission Process
- Applications can be submitted online.
- Register on the institute page and generate the login credentials.
- Fill up the application form and submit documents.
- Ensure that you have a Commercial Pilot License or a related license.
- A minimum amount of flight hours must have been clocked in.
- Pay the application fee and submit the application.
Top Colleges
| Course Name | Institute Name | Programme Duration | Programme Cost in INR (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAA Certified Flight Instructor & Certified Flight Instrument Instructor | Flying Academy | NA | 1,09,409 and upwards |
| CFI Instrument Instructor Rating (CFII) | ATP Flying School | 5 days | 3,25,69 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Course | Epic Flight Academy | 2 months | 5,96,316 |
| F.A.R. 141 Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Course | Phoenix East Aviation | 30 plus hours | NA |
| CFI Course | Pelican Flight Training | 1500 hours | 15,52,018 and upwards |
Canada
Candidates who wish to study in Canada should look into the following details before applying for flight instructor program in Canada
Education Qualifications
- In case of admission to the undergraduate program the candidates must pass the 12th in the relevant stream from a recognized board or university.
- Candidates must score a minimum of 65% in the 12th exam and in some cases the candidates must have physics and mathematics in their 12th level.
- In the case of a post graduate program the candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognised university.
-
The candidates need to pass the english proficiency test such as TOEFL and IELTS .
| University Names | Course Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Allison University | B.Com Aviation | INR 990,666 |
| Royal Military College of Canada | B.End in Aeronautical Engineering | INR 1,595,064 |
| University of Fraser Valley | BBA Aviation | INR 975,962 |
| Canadore University | Diploma in Aviation | INR 830,307 |
| SAIT Polytechnic | Diploma in Avionics | INR 1,048,749 |
| Yukon University | Diploma in Aviation | INR 655,532 |
To work as a Flight Instructor in Canada, there are certain prerequisites that the candidates must meet. Firstly, all applicants must have a Commercial Pilot License. With the CPI, applicants should have worked for a minimum amount of 30 hours at least. The Canadian transport’s written and flight test is a must for Flight Instructors.
Admission Process
- Like other countries, for Canada, the application process is also entirely online.
- If one is able to meet all requirements, register on the flight school page
- Fill up the application form and submit documents.
- Applicants must have a Commercial Pilot License.
- The applicants must hold a minimum amount of 30 flight hours as a Commercial Pilot.. Out of this, 5 hours must be instrument training and 25 hours ground training.
- Must possess a passing grade on the Transport Canada written and flight test.
Top Institutes
| Course Name | Institute Name | Programme Duration | Programme Cost in INR (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Instructor Rating | Flight Training Centre | 6 weeks | 12,39,196 |
| Flight Instructor Rating | Harv’s Air | Variable | 6,82,877 |
| Instructor Rating | The Professional Flight Centre | 4 to 5 months | 5,57,641 |
| Instructor Rating – Flight Training | Brampton Flight Centre | 62 hours | 6,89,551 |
| Instructor Rating | Canadian Flight Academy | 80 hours | NA |
| Instructor Rating | Canadian Aviation College | 4 months | 9,61,969 |
Australia
Candidates who want to study in Australia should keep the following things in mind
Educational Requirements
- The candidates should pass the 12th or equivalent examination with at least 65-70 %.
- The candidates should have physics and mathematics in their 12th or equivalent exam if they want to take up engineering relevant science programs.
- The candidates need to pass the TOEFL and IELTS exam as a part of the english language proficiency test.
| University Names | Course Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of New South Wales | MSc Aviation | INR 2,403,498. |
| University of Sydney | B.Eng Aeronautical Engineering | INR 2,337,923 |
| University of South Australia | Bachelor in Aviation | INR 2,010,051 |
| Griffith University | Master of Aviation | INR 1,660,588 |
| RMIT University | MSc Aviation | INR 2,206,835 |
In Australia, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority or the CASA overlooks all Flight Instructor certifications. Similar to other countries, all flight instructors applicants must hold a Commercial Pilot License beforehand. The applicants must also log a considerable amount of flight hours before training. There can be additional requirements based on the flight school one is applying to.
Admission Process
- Applications can be submitted online for flight instructors.
- Register, log in and start filling up the application form.
- Submit documents like Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor Rating and Training endorsement specifically grades 1 to 3.
- Submit any other specific certifications as requested by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
- Pay the application fee and take out the receipt.
Top Institutes
| Course Name | Institute Name | Programme Duration | Programme Cost in INR (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Aviation - Flight Instructor | Basair Aviation College | 260 hours | 17,47,590 |
| Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) | CAE | 10 to 12 weeks | 12,62,061 |
| Flight Instructor Rating | Air Gold Coast | 12 weeks | - |
| Flight Instructor Rating | Tristar Aviation | 6 weeks | 11,49,878 |
| Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) | Learn to fly | 12 weeks | 6,170 to 25,689 per hour38 |
Benefits of Career as Flight Instructors
Aeronautical jobs might seem to be quite daunting at first sight. There are many examinations and certifications that a candidate must have before starting with the profession. However, there are many benefits to this career as well. They have been described below.
Salary
One of the major benefits of having a career in the Aviation industry is the salary.The Flight Instructor salary is quite hefty as compared to the other profession. Due to the high risk, the pay grade nature of the job, the pay is on the higher side. The flight instructor salary ranges between INR 9,60,000 to INR 32,10,000 per annum . The final salary will depend on the experience and other aspects of the jobs.
Job Security
As this is a teaching profession , there is considerable security in the job as a flight instructor. Individuals with years of experience and flight hours will have no problem securing jobs in their respective fields. Job losses usually occur only when the airline industry is experiencing financial losses or travel restrictions.
Positive Impact of the career
Aviation careers require a lot of dedication and hard work. It is worth it knowing that as a Flight Instructor, the individual will be creating a generation of quality pilots. Many other aspirants are being inspired to follow their dreams of flying. To be able to teach is a noble job, no matter the field one is in.
Higher Studies
Aspirants can start their careers as soon as they finish their class 12th. One can start their training to become a pilot with a class 12th completion certificate. After becoming a pilot and gathering experience , they can train to become an instructor. In terms of higher education, individuals can go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Aeronautical concentration. Similarly, a master’s degree in the same field can improve their job prospects.
Unique Experience
The aviation industry has some quite unique jobs. One is able to travel to different corners of the world and meet people from around the world all while performing their responsibilities. One also gets to partake in different perks and benefits exclusive only to their job.
Top Recruiters of Flight Instructors
The flight instructors are hired by the top flying schools in India as well as the flying training organisation. The following are the list of top recruiters for Flight Instructor in India
- Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy
- Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udyan Academy
- Vistara.
- Jet Airways.
- Indian Airlines.
- Indigo
Skills Required for Flight Instructors
Flight Instructors are professionals who go through periods of intense training. Along the way, they are also taught essential personality skills that are helpful in their careers. The table below lists the top such skills.
| Interpersonal skills | Strong written and spoken communication skills |
| Analytical | Flexible but methodical |
| Attention to detail | Possess good interpersonal skills |
| Inventive | Enjoy teaching |
Check Out: How to become a pilot
Salary of Flight Instructors in India
The Flight Instructors salary ranges between INR 9,60,000 to INR 32,10,000 per annum. This range depends on the specialisation of the instructor along with experience level. Details of all salaries have been explained below.
Country Wise
| Countries | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| India | 9,60,000- 32,10,000 |
| UK | 39,03,613 |
| USA | 43,53,782 |
| Canada | 44,80,217 |
| Australia | 28,91,676 |
Specialisation Wise
| Specialisations | Average Annual Salary (in INR) LPA |
|---|---|
| Flight Simulator Instructor | 4,09,853 |
| Ground Instructor (GI) | 6,74,215 |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Average Annual Salary (in INR) LPA |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (1 to 3 years) | 9,60,000 |
| Mid-level (4 to 8 years) | 15,10,000 |
| Senior-level (8 plus years) | 32,10,000 |
Flight Instructor: FAQs
Ques. What is the average course fee for Flight Instructor courses?
Ans. Flight Instructor or similar courses range in fees of INR 5,000 to 5 Lacs.
Ques. What are some skills required to work as a Flight Instructor?
Ans. To work as a Flight Instructor, one must possess analytical skills, flexible but methodical work style, have attention to detail and a valid CPL with an instrumentation rating.
Ques. What is the minimum eligibility criteria to work as a Flight Instructor?
Ans. The minimum eligibility criteria to work as a Flight Instructor is class 12th in the Science stream.
Ques. What are the entrance tests to study in a bachelors course in Aeronautical engineering?
Ans. To study B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering the accepted entrance tests are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT etc.
Ques. What is the pay range for Flight Instructor jobs?
Ans. Flight instructors earn in the range of INR 1,77,996 to INR 32,10,000 LPA.
Ques. What are the job titles for Flight Instructors as per seniority?
Ans. On the basis of seniority, the job titles are Assistant Pilot Instructor, Pilot Instructor, Deputy Chief Flying Instructor and Chief Flying Instructor.
Ques. Can international students become Flight Instructors in international flight schools?
Ans. Yes. International students can become Flight Instructors if they are able to fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Ques. Is there financial aid available for international flight schools?
Ans. Yes. Depending on the school, there are financial aids available.
Ques. Do Canadian schools need their students to be fluent in French?
Ans. Yes. Certain schools in Canada require all of their students to be fluent in French.
Ques. Is a medical test necessary for Flight Instructor courses?
Ans. Yes. All aviation jobs need their candidates to be medically fit and regular tests are conducted for the same.
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