Find out how to gain commercial flying experience through charter companies.

How to Gain Commercial Flying Experience Through Charter Companies

Introduction

Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, but the journey doesn’t end after obtaining your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It’s essential to gain sufficient flight hours and experience to advance in your career. One effective way to achieve this is by working with charter companies. This article will guide you on how to gain commercial flying experience through charter companies, while also touching upon how to become a pilot, especially within the Indian aviation industry.

Understanding How to Become Pilot

Before diving into how charter companies can help you gain valuable experience, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved in becoming a pilot. In India, the process typically involves:

1. Educational Requirements: You need to complete your 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics. If you didn’t have these subjects, you can appear for the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) exam to qualify.
2. Medical Fitness: Obtain a Class II medical certificate initially, followed by a Class I medical certificate from DGCA-approved medical examiners.
3. Student Pilot License (SPL): Enroll in a flight school and clear the SPL examination, which includes a written test and an oral interview.
4. Private Pilot License (PPL): Complete at least 40 hours of flying training, including solo and cross-country flights.
5. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying training, pass theory exams, and clear the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) tests.
6. Additional Certifications: Obtain Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER) for broader career opportunities.

The cost of acquiring a CPL in India can range between ₹25 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs depending on the flight school and training program.

Why Gaining Commercial Flying Experience Matters

After obtaining your CPL, building flight hours and gaining practical experience is essential for securing better job opportunities. Airlines and other employers look for pilots with extensive flying experience, usually requiring at least 1,500 hours of flight time for senior positions.

Charter companies can be a gateway to accumulating flight hours and polishing your aviation skills. Unlike major airlines, charter companies often offer more flexible flight opportunities, varied experiences, and shorter training periods before allowing you to fly commercially.

Working with Charter Companies

Charter companies provide private flight services to individuals, corporations, or special events. These companies require trained pilots to operate smaller aircraft on a contractual or full-time basis. Working with charter companies offers numerous benefits:

1. Faster Experience Building: Charter companies typically operate smaller aircraft, allowing fresh CPL holders to gain flying experience more quickly.
2. Diverse Flight Routes: Flying for charter companies offers exposure to various routes, airports, and weather conditions.
3. Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: You’ll develop critical thinking and decision-making skills as charter pilots often operate with less guidance from air traffic control compared to commercial airlines.
4. Networking Opportunities: Working with charter companies allows you to network with clients and other aviation professionals, opening doors to better opportunities.

How to Gain Flying Experience through Charter Companies

Here are some practical steps to enhance your commercial flying experience:

1. Research Charter Companies:

   • Create a list of reputable charter companies operating in India.
   • Popular companies include Deccan Charters, TajAir, Pinnacle Air, and others.
   • Review their requirements for pilot recruitment.

2. Build Your Resume:

   • Highlight your CPL, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating.
   • Mention any additional certifications like Flight Instructor Ratings (FIR).
   • Include your total flight hours and emphasize any unique experiences.

3. Apply for Jobs:

   • Submit your resume and cover letter to charter companies via their official websites or through aviation job portals.
   • Attend aviation job fairs and networking events.

4. Be Flexible:

   • Initially, you may need to accept temporary or part-time positions to gain experience.
   • Focus on building your flight hours and developing your skills.

5. Gain Experience Through Co-Piloting:

   • Many charter companies hire co-pilots for smaller aircraft.
   • This role allows you to accumulate flight hours while learning from experienced pilots.

Challenges of Working with Charter Companies

While charter companies offer excellent opportunities for fresh pilots, there are some challenges to be aware of:

• Irregular Work Schedules: Charter pilots often have unpredictable schedules due to the on-demand nature of flights.
• Lower Pay Rates: Salaries may be lower compared to major airlines, especially for beginners.
• High Competition: The demand for charter pilot positions is high, making it essential to present a strong resume.

Rewards of Working with Charter Companies

Despite the challenges, the rewards are significant:

• Accumulating Flight Hours Quickly: You can reach the desired 1,500-hour threshold faster.
• Diverse Experience: Flying to various destinations under different conditions enhances your skills.
• Career Growth: Many commercial pilots start their careers with charter companies before moving on to airlines.

Cost of Gaining Experience

In India, the cost of gaining experience through charter companies is significantly lower than joining major airlines. Generally, starting salaries for charter pilots can range from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs per month, depending on the company and location.

Conclusion

Understanding how to become a pilot is just the first step. To excel in this career, you need to gain substantial flying experience, and working with charter companies is an effective way to achieve this. Whether you are looking to build your hours quickly or diversify your flying skills, charter companies provide valuable opportunities to enhance your career as a pilot.

If you are passionate about becoming a pilot, don’t hesitate to explore charter companies and make the most of the experiences they offer. Your journey to a successful aviation career begins with practical experience and dedication.