Imagine yourself in the cockpit, engines humming, scanning gauges, guiding a plane through clouds. You feel proud, focused, and free. That vision may sound distant now, but you can get there. The journey from a novice student to a full-fledged airline pilot is shaped by one essential credential: the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
In this blog, I’ll walk you, step by step, through the CPL license process. You’ll learn exactly what it takes — from eligibility, medicals, training phases, exams, costs, to applying for your license. You’ll understand how a student pilot evolves into a commercial flyer, ready to fly for an airline.
My goal? To demystify the journey. To help you see the path clearly. And to empower you to get started with confidence. Whether you’re in India, Europe, or elsewhere, the broad steps are similar (though details vary). Along the way, I’ll use simple language, real examples, tables, and checklists so nothing feels abstract.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- The phases of training and how many flight hours you need
- How to pass written exams and flight tests
- How much it cost and how to finance it
- What comes after CPL—type rating, airline hiring, and more
Ready to lift off? Let’s begin your journey from student to airline pilot, starting with eligibility.
1. Eligibility & Medical: Can You Start?
Before you fly, you must prove you can fly. That means meeting minimum eligibility criteria and passing strict medical exams.
Educational & Age Requirements
You typically need:
- Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and English from a recognized board
- Some institutes require at least 50% in these subjects
- Age:
- Minimum 17 years to begin training (Student Pilot License)
- Minimum 18 years for a full CPL issue
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
Medical Fitness (Class 1 & Class 2)
You’ll go through aviation medical checks by approved examiners. Key points:
- Class 2 medical is required early (for PPL/SPL)
- Class 1 medical is mandatory for issuing a CPL
- Tests include vision (color, acuity), hearing, cardiovascular health, and blood analysis
- You must have good eyesight (corrective lenses allowed)
If you clear these, you can enroll in a flight school and get your Student Pilot License (SPL) — the first license you need to start flying under supervision.
Read Also – Best Pilot Training Academies Abroad for Indian Students
2. Training Phases: SPL → PPL → CPL
After eligibility, your training happens in stages. Each stage builds skill, confidence, and flight hours.
Phase Overview
| Stage | Purpose | Minimum Hours / Requirements |
| SPL (Student Pilot License) | Allows you to fly under instructor supervision | Basic exams + medical + minimal hours |
| PPL (Private Pilot License) | You can fly solo (non-commercial) | Around 40–50 flight hours |
| CPL (Commercial Pilot License) | Allows you to fly for hire | Around 200 flight hours total |
What Happens in Each Phase
- SPL Phase
- You start with ground training (theory)
- Begin flying under an instructor (dual flights)
- Pass basic written tests & medical check
- End with your first solo flight
- PPL Phase
- More flights combining instructor and solo practice
- Learn navigation and cross-country flying
- Take theoretical exams: air regulations, meteorology, navigation, etc.
- Earn your PPL when requirements are met
- CPL Phase
- Advanced training: instrument flying, night flying, cross-country operations
- Simulator sessions
- Emergency procedures and aircraft systems
- You log many hours, both dual and solo
You’ll gradually move from being a guided student to someone capable of flying commercial operations.
3. Exams, Tests & License Application
With training underway, you’ll face several exams, a flight test, and then apply for your CPL.
Written & Oral Examinations
You’ll clear aviation authority theory exams in subjects like:
- Air Navigation
- Meteorology
- Air Regulations
- Technical General / Specific
- Radio Telephony
Some authorities also require an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test — Level 4 or higher is usually needed.
Exams are typically held multiple times per year.
Flight Test / Skill Test
Once you complete the required flying hours and pass the theory papers, you take a practical flight test with a certified examiner. You’ll be evaluated on:
- Take-offs and landings
- Maneuvers (stalls, steep turns, emergency procedures)
- Instrument flying (using cockpit instruments)
- Navigation exercises (cross-country)
- Handling simulated failures (engine out, etc.)
Application Process (License Issuance)
Once exams and flight tests are cleared:
- Collect documents:
- Logbook with flight hours
- Exam result certificates
- Medical certificate (Class 1)
- ID proof, passport, etc.
- Police clearance/background check if required
- Submit your application via the authority’s online portal
- The authority reviews and issues your CPL (usually within 30–60 days)
Once granted, you hold the Commercial Pilot License—you’re officially qualified to fly for hire.
4. Costs, Duration & Tips
Flying is thrilling—but also expensive. Let’s break down how much time and money this journey takes, and how to manage smartly.
Typical Costs (Example: India)
- Overall, CPL training often costs between ₹35 lakhs to ₹55 lakhs or more
- Breakdown (approx):
- Ground school/theory: ₹2.5–3 lakhs
- Flight training (200+ hours): bulk of the cost
- Medicals + exams + other fees: ₹1–3 lakhs
Some schools include simulator and fuel costs, while others charge hourly rates separately.
Duration
- The CPL course duration usually spans 8–10 months
- Because of weather delays or aircraft unavailability, it can stretch to 12–18 months
- Some steps can overlap (like theory study while flying)
Cost-Saving Tips & Advice
- Compare DGCA-approved schools and check their safety record
- Choose a location with good weather to minimize downtime
- Use block-hour packages for discounted rates
- Monitor aircraft maintenance schedules to avoid delays
- Start planning finances early, or explore education loans
- Keep studying theory continuously to avoid exam retakes
With careful planning and discipline, you can control costs and finish on time.
5. After CPL: Type Rating & Airline Entry
Earning your CPL is a huge milestone—but it’s not the end. To fly for an airline, there’s more to do.
Type Rating
- After CPL, you’ll need a type rating for the specific aircraft (like Airbus A320, Boeing 737, etc.)
- Type rating includes simulator training, classroom sessions, and test flights
- It’s not usually included in the basic CPL course, so it adds cost and time
Gaining Experience & Building Hours
- Airlines usually hire first officers (co-pilots), so you may begin in that role
- Some CPL holders become flight instructors or work with charter services to build hours
- The more hours you have, the better your career prospects
Airline Selection & Interviews
- Airlines typically conduct aptitude tests, simulator checks, and interviews
- Having your CPL, type rating, and strong technical knowledge gives you an advantage
Converting a Foreign CPL
If you hold a CPL from another country, you can convert it by clearing local authority exams and flight tests.
Once you’re hired, your career path may lead from First Officer to Captain, and beyond. The sky truly is the limit.
Conclusion
You’ve journeyed through the path from student to airline pilot. Let’s recap the key landmarks:
- Eligibility & Medical: You need a solid academic base (Physics, Maths, English) and a clean medical record through Class 1 exams.
- Training Phases: Begin with SPL, progress to PPL, then CPL—each phase builds your flying skill and confidence.
- Exams & Flight Test: Clear theory exams, complete your flying hours, and pass the skill test for your CPL.
- Costs & Duration: Expect 8–10+ months and a significant investment (₹35–55 lakhs in India). Plan carefully to avoid delays.
- After CPL: Continue with type rating, build hours, and apply to airlines for your dream job.
Every step demands dedication, discipline, and smart planning. But every step also brings you closer to the cockpit you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’ve ever wanted to be a pilot, now is the time to begin. Visit flight schools, talk to instructors, explore financing options, and map your path forward.
Don’t just dream of flying—take action. The skies are waiting, and your journey starts the moment you decide to begin.