Commercial Pilot Licence Reform for Arts and Commerce Students

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India is considering a significant change that may enable students from arts and commerce backgrounds to pursue commercial pilot licences. Currently, only students who have studied physics and maths in their Class 12 curriculum are eligible for commercial pilot licence (CPL) training. If this proposal is approved, it will be forwarded to the Union aviation ministry for final endorsement.

Proposed Changes and Implications

According to a source quoted by The Times of India, once this recommendation is confirmed, it will be sent to the Union aviation ministry. Following their approval, CPL training will be available to eligible students who meet medical fitness criteria across various educational streams.

Addressing Long-Standing Issues

This proposed modification aims to resolve a persistent issue, as the existing requirement is recognized as a barrier for non-science students aspiring to enter the aviation industry. Experienced pilot Captain Shakti Lumba, known for holding senior roles at prominent airlines, stated that this requirement is outdated and should be eliminated. He emphasises that the physics and maths taught in Class 12 are not essential for pilots, as they possess the necessary knowledge from their earlier education.

In the past, many arts and commerce students have had to take Class 12 examinations in physics and maths through open schools to qualify for the training. Captain Lumba mentioned that these students have undergone this process to become eligible for the course.

Industry Perspectives

Operators of flying schools have also voiced their dissatisfaction with the current requirements. They contend that the need for specific subjects is nonsensical. One flying school owner highlighted the inconsistency: while personal pilot licences (PPL) do not mandate specific subjects, CPL does. This individual noted that a wealthy person can obtain a PPL without having studied physics and maths, raising questions about the rationale behind the CPL requirements.

Streamlining Pilot Training

The DGCA’s initiative is part of a larger strategy to simplify pilot training, addressing the increasing demand within India’s expanding airline sector. The aviation ministry is investigating various strategies to optimise the development of qualified personnel. Additionally, the DGCA is assessing flying schools based on safety records and CPL completion durations to support trainees in making informed choices. Officials indicate that numerous changes are being developed and will be evident soon.

Potential Impact on Training Trends

At present, the physics and maths requirement has led many Indian aspirants to seek CPL training in other countries, driven by concerns over safety and training duration within India. If the reform is approved, it could reverse this trend, making pilot training more accessible domestically. By aligning with international standards, India has the potential to significantly increase its pool of qualified pilots, thus boosting the competitiveness of its aviation industry.