Queries from a Wannabe who is late
 

Hi All,

I know I am very late in thinking of entering the pilot world. But I really wanna do this. So I have few (actually lots of) queries and would really appreciate your support.

1. First and most important question: I was detected with a Class 1/2 Brain Tumor 2.5 years ago. As it was non-cancerous, I was operated upon to remove the tumor and followed up with IMRT at Max Hospital. Would I be allowed to apply for SPL and PPL level pilot licenses or even the CPL level?
2. If I can clear the first question here, then I would prefer to go for the SPL and the PPL in India here so I can do the training flights, etc. on weekends while working on the job that I am on currently so I can finance myself accordingly. Would you recommend that?
3. I would really prefer to study for the pilot courses in India as I have certain restrictions due to which I cannot go out of India currently. But would you guys recommend trying it out in India only or should I try to resolve my restriction and go to private training schools outside India like in Philippines, etc.?
4. If you recommend studying outside, then how much of a bank loan can I expect based on my 8 years of work experience in the IT world without any capital assets?
5. For the SPL, what kind of study material, sample papers would you recommend and where can I get them? Would you recommend places like Nai Sarak in New Delhi? Or would you recommend buying brand new books from bookshops?
6. For PPL, I believe I will have to undergo 60 hours of flight training. Where in Delhi can I undergo that?

As of now, these are the queries I have buzzing my mind. Please do advise me regarding all these queries. Thanks in advance.

To get you started on the answers i would suggest you have you medical done both Class I and Class II check the DGCA website for more details and doctors who conduct these medicals. I would also suggest that you do your Class I at the AFCME in Delhi because I have heard they are tough and if you can get through your medical over there then you should be fine at least medically speaking. Good luck!:ok:

1) Find out the Class II medical examiners from DGCA website. get your class II medical done it'll take a day or probably 2, if the tests are fine, submit the report in DGCA, hope fully you'll get the File number and your medical assessment in a month and half. Once you have your file number and assessment you can apply for the Class I date at Class I medical centers (again info. available on DGCA website).

2) In the meanwhile apply for the computer number on ( http://udaan.nic.in:8080/udaan/index.jsp ) you can read the guideline at the bottom of the page. I suggest check for the dates to apply for computer number on DGCA website I guess for applying computer number there is a window before every session though not very sure about the date thing you can try for yourself.

3) I'll suggest start studying for the CPL level papers, you can search for the number of subjects and their names (I guess that must you should do yourself, coz in aviation earned knowledge is always a plus) you apply for the papers once you have the computer number & you don't need a valid medical for this :). but before that you need to register yourself on the above hyperlink and to apply for the papers again above mentioned link is to be used.

4) I suggest you get yourself Class I medically fit, have you DGCA papers cleared (2-3 atleast if not all) and most haunting exam the RT (radio telephony) conducted by WPC (wireless planning commission).

5) I'll say big NOOOOOOO to Philippines once you have your papers cleared and medically fit it takes 6-7 months to finish your 200 hrs of flying in india.

6) I hope once you have CPL level knowledge you don't have to study for SPL as SPL exam is just an formality as on date which might change in coming months with DGCA coming up with rules of having aptitude test before joining the flying school. And most of the DGCA CPL level notes are available online else if you have some friends from this field you can source from them.

7) No training flying happens in delhi, you can try Aligarh nearby or pathnagar for that, and yes 60 hrs for PPL.

Hope I answered most of you queries.

Good luck!!

Terror Bird

Thanks to both of you FlyBoy and TerrorBird.

One common point is totally correct. The Medical Area is the crucial point for me.

Your replies are making me ask a few more questions, hope thats ok :)

1. You said "get your DGCA papers cleared (2-3 atleast if not all)". How many papers are there and why is it that clearing just 2-3 is ok?
2. For clearing the DGCA papers, how many months of theoretical studies would you recommend? Also, while I study for them, should I start my flying training parallely or separately before/after that?
3. You said that most of the DGCA CPL level notes are available online. Can you give me links to the same? Also, are there any sample papers available online/offline? I found this Web site for the same: Pilot Practice Page. Do tell if this Web site will be correct to prepare myself?

Flight training is the tough part I'm gonna come across. Working in Delhi on weekdays and then driving down to Aligarh on every weekend, the 140km drive is gonna be a tough deal for the next 6-7 months. Any workarounds anyone can recommend for this?


But still, thanks a lot for the replies. You've inserted hope into my heart. Next hurdle is the doctor as of now.

In addition
 

Also, driving back n forth to Aligarh from Delhi repeatedly doesn't make sense. So joining the flight school there on a residential basis makes more sense.

So if I were to join a flight school for the next 1 year in Aligarh, which one would you recommend? Pioneer Flying Academy or Ambitions Aviation Academy? Coz as per DGCA, those are the only two available there.

-5 DGCA papers for a single engine endorsement and one more if you wish to endorse multi. and one RT. as I said do some research you'll find more info. online... It will be helpful as you'll get into the habit of finding it yourself first n if not satisfied asking on forum.. (I use to stand for hours outside DGCA under the sun to get into the DGCA and able to speak to some officer who could help me... those were the days when entry use to be from main gate when there was no reception)

-it will take around 3-4 months if you take all the subject head-on in one go. try clearing 2 papers in one attempt that'll be a sane idea. clearing 2-3 papers would reduce some burned on your head and you'll get confidence also that I have done these many papers I can do rest also.

-again I suggest finish your papers first.. this is where ppl get struck flying is the most easy part hard part is funds :{ and papers...

-you have to dedicate time for flying probably have to take a leave from job.

Ashvyn,

while the others here have given some valuable advice, I would like to add my 2 cents worth.

I was in a similar situation as you a year back.
I am engineer and MBA, was working in an MNC bank and was making decent money but was dieing in the corporate job.

I thought about it a lot and made up my mind to switch careers and fly professionally.

Let me tell you its a big risk and you need to make sure this is what you want.
Once you get into flying you need to give it your all because there is tremendous competition for each vacancy out there.

First things first, clear your class 2 and class 1 DGCA medicals before you spend a single cent on flying. Make sure you are fit to fly.

As rightly said above, flying is not the hard part; Funding and written exams are.

However, once you are certified medically fit, you can start both theory and flight training simultaneoulsy.
If you do decide to quit your job and decide to train full time, it will help to do both concurrently because they are complimentary.
Some flying experience helps you grasp the theory better and the theory will help you make sense of the aircraft and systems you train on practically.

Also, there is not much difference in cost for flying training here Vs abroad.
But, give a wide berth to philippines. Consider USA, Canada or Australia.
These 3 have the highest training standards in my opinion and Visa is relatively easy for all 3. Plenty of people on this forum will be able to suggest good schools based on their experience.

I have nothing against Indian Flight schools but their programs are less flexible and they have fixed batches like a college. Plus they charge fees upfront (even if you pay in installments, the school always holds the upper hand Because they keep more money than you have flown worth, always.)
Abroad, the flight schools have a continous running course where you join any day of the year, are assigend an instructor for your training needs and proceed according to your desired pace; And you pay as you fly, after every flight so you hold the cards and can switch schools or demand some changes if you are not satisfied.
I found that more appealing and so chose Canada for my training.

These are my inputs based on my research and experience.
The final choice is yours.

Feel free to PM me if you have further querries.

@ashvyn

If you meet the requirements and have the financial backing I strongly suggest you go for this

CAE Global Academy - IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program

Its the safest bet out there at the moment :ok:

You guys are right. Medical is the first step. So I've got my Class 2 level Medical examination scheduled for tomorrow. I've told him my Brain Tumor history so he's asked me to bring all my previous papers so he can examine those.

My current neurologist said that I would be able to clear my Class 2 level medicals but he doesn't recommend me to go for Pilot program overall as the followup medicine that he has given me is generally assigned to Epileptic patients.

So lesse what happens tomorrow.

After that, financial backing is my next biggest hurdle. Education loan, ICICI bank doesn't provide, even though I've had a corporate salary account with them for the past 6 years now.

For education loan from any other bank, they will be asking for a fixed asset security, which I don't have, and which I know my Dad will refuse as he had done the same around 5 years ago when originally I had wanted to become a pilot.

So that's another angle, around which I am unable to see any other path. Lemme see if I can convince him in any way.

@Cyrilroy: The link you've given sounds really nice. The total cost i.e. around 45lacs (+5 lacs approx for residential arrangements for the typerating, etc.) sounds like the only area I need to attack other than my medical area.

Daddy convincing is required. Lesse. If I fail the medical and the daddy convincing, I guess moving to my next life and hoping for it then seems like the best option. :)

I suggest you do your class 1 medical from AFCME , New Delhi as they are quite helpful and will help clear all your doubts . They usually have the final say when it comes to special medical cases . Ofcourse you can always appeal their decision with the DGCA

Make sure you bring all your medical records with you when you go for a class 1 medical .

The IndiGo cadet program also pays a stipend during training so that should help offset some costs ( I am not sure how much it is )

For education loan have a look here . I believe they have some experience with IndiGo cadets .
:: Credila’s Education Loan India Web Site ::

Thanks for the hope Cyril. Just came back after my Class 2 level medical exam. The doctor didn't start it also. He checked my medical records and told me that I won't be able to clear my Class 1 level even if he gives me clearance on Class 2 level. He said he doesn't wanna build up my hopes.

So I guess my first hurdle is a wall for me. I'll still say thanks a lot guys for all the support u've given to me as a stranger.

I guess I'll have to move to my next life to start on a clean medical slate.

Ashvyn,

Was very sad to hear about what the class 2 medical examiner told you.

One final suggestion, you could book an appointment to meet with the aviation medical specialist at AFCME or the Senior medical officer there.
Show them your previous history and ask for their advice/opinion.
What they say will be the last word because even DGCA treats them as the highest authority on aviation medicine and flight crew medicals.

I hope all is not lost for you yet.

All the best to you