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Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

Ground school, flying hours and simulator training on the path to a DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence.

Updated 10 Oct 2026Reviewed by the Redwings admissions team
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Eligibility
  3. Ground school
  4. Flying training
  5. Compare
  6. FAQ

What is a CPL?

A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allows the holder to act as the pilot of a commercial aircraft and be paid for it. To earn a CPL you must meet the conditions set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), complete ground school, and log the required flying hours.

Eligibility

  • 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
  • If you did not study Physics or Mathematics in 12th, you can clear these subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
  • A DGCA medical fitness assessment.

Ground school (about 4 months)

Ground school follows the syllabus prescribed by DGCA and uses blended learning: classroom sessions and online training. You study:

Air RegulationRules of the air and aviation law.
Aviation MeteorologyWeather and how it affects flight.
Air NavigationNavigation and radio aids.
Aircraft TechnicalGeneral and type-specific aircraft knowledge.
Radio TelephonyRadio communication with air traffic control.

Flying and simulator training (8 to 12 months)

Flying training is conducted at Redbird Flight Training Academy. A minimum of 200 flying hours is required for a CPL, including:

RequirementMinimum
Pilot-in-command flight time100 hours
Cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command50 hours
Instrument time40 hours (up to 20 hours on an approved simulator)
Night flying as pilot-in-command5 hours, with at least 10 take-offs and 10 landings

Compare the programmes

ProgrammeYou getDuration / pathCareer focus
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)DGCA licence (CAR-66)Basic training under CAR-147, then practical experience at a CAR-145 organisationMaintain and certify aircraft as fit to fly
B.Tech Aeronautical EngineeringB.Tech degree (AICTE approved)4 years, 8 semestersDesign, manufacturing, testing and research
Dual programme: AME + B.TechDegree and AME training togetherCombined programmeBoth design and maintenance careers
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) This pageDGCA licence4 months ground school + 8 to 12 months flying (200 hours)Fly commercial aircraft

AME, B.Tech and the dual programme need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or an equivalent diploma); pilot training needs Physics and Mathematics. Admission to all of them is through AMERAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Commercial Pilot Licence?
A CPL allows the holder to fly a commercial aircraft as a pilot and be paid for the work. It is issued by DGCA, Government of India.
I did not have Physics or Maths in 12th. Can I still become a pilot?
Yes. You can clear Physics and Mathematics through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and then start CPL training.
How long does CPL training take?
Ground school takes about 4 months. Flying and simulator training takes about 8 to 12 months, depending on weather, aircraft availability and your progress.
How many flying hours are needed?
A minimum of 200 flying hours, including at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command, 50 hours of cross-country flying, 40 hours of instrument time and 5 hours of night flying.

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