How to Become a Flight Instructor – A Complete Guide

If you're passionate about aviation and dream of sharing your knowledge with aspiring pilots, becoming a flight instructor is a rewarding career choice. Not only does it allow you to stay connected to flying, but it also opens doors to advanced aviation careers. In this guide, we’ll explore how to become  pilot instructor, the qualifications required, training process, costs in Indian Rupees (₹), and career prospects.

Why Become a Flight Instructor?

Before diving into how to become a flight instructor, let’s understand why this career is appealing:

• Continuous Flying Experience: Instructors log flight hours, which are crucial for advancing to airline jobs.

• High Demand: With India’s aviation sector growing, skilled instructors are needed.

• Lucrative Earnings: Flight instructors in India earn between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month, depending on experience.

• Career Growth: Many airline pilots start as instructors to build flight hours.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Flight Instructor

1. Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Before becoming an instructor, you must first earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Here’s how:

• Eligibility:

  • Minimum 17 years of age

  • Class 12 (Science stream with Physics & Maths) or equivalent

  • DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) Medical Certificate (Class 1)

• Training:

  • Complete 200 hours of flight training (including 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command)

  • Pass written exams (Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, etc.)

• Cost: Around ₹25-30 lakhs (varies by flying school)

2. Gain Experience as a Commercial Pilot

After getting your CPL, you need flying experience before becoming an instructor. Most candidates work as:

• Charter Pilots

• Co-Pilots in Regional Airlines

• Flight Trainers (Assistant Instructors)

DGCA requires at least 200 hours of flying experience before applying for an Instructor Rating.

3. Obtain a Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)

To teach student pilots, you must earn a Flight Instructor Rating (FIR). The process includes:

A. Eligibility for FIR

• Hold a valid CPL

• Minimum 200 hours of flight time (including 10 hours of instrument flying)

• Pass DGCA exams for instructors

B. Training Program

• Ground Training: Covers teaching techniques, aviation regulations, and student assessment.

• Flight Training: Around 30 hours of instructional flying under a senior instructor.

C. DGCA Flight Test

After training, you must pass a flight test conducted by a DGCA-approved examiner.

D. Cost of FIR Training

• ₹3-5 lakhs (depending on the flying school)

4. Apply for a Flight Instructor Position

Once certified, you can apply to:

• Flying Schools (e.g., Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Bombay Flying Club)

• Private Aviation Academies

• Corporate Flight Training Centers

5. Upgrade to Senior Instructor (Grade I & II)

With experience, you can advance to:

• Grade II Instructor (500+ flight hours) – Can train CPL students

• Grade I Instructor (1000+ flight hours) – Can train airline transport pilots

Cost Breakdown of Becoming a Flight Instructor in India (₹)

Career Opportunities & Salary

• Starting Salary: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000/month

• Experienced Instructors: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000/month

• Airline Transition: Many instructors transition to airline pilots after gaining 1,500+ flight hours.

Conclusion

Becoming a flight instructor is a strategic step for pilots who want to build flight hours while earning a stable income. The path involves:

1. Earning a CPL (₹25-30 lakhs)

2. Gaining 200+ flight hours

3. Obtaining an FIR (₹3-5 lakhs)

4. Starting as an instructor & advancing to senior roles

If you're exploring how to become pilot, remember that becoming an instructor is a smart way to sustain your aviation career while shaping future pilots.