Can fighter pilots fly commercial planes? Learn about the rules for obtaining a commercial pilot license...

Commercial Plane Flying Rules: The pilot crisis at IndiGo Airlines has caused concern across the country. This has raised the question of whether Air Force fighter pilots can fly commercial aircraft. Many Indian Air Force fighter pilots join civil aviation after completing their service or leaving the service. According to some reports, the Indian Air Force is even working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to train retired fighter pilots to fly civilian planes like the 19-seater Dornier 228.

Fighter pilots fly technically more advanced aircraft than civilian planes and have considerable experience. However, this is not enough to fly civilian or commercial planes. To fly commercial airline planes, certain procedures must be completed according to civil aviation regulations.

Rules for Flying Commercial Planes
To fly commercial planes, it is mandatory to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This rule also applies to former Air Force fighter pilots. However, it is slightly easier for former fighter pilots to obtain a commercial pilot license because they do not have to repeat the entire training process.

Commercial Pilot License Rules

Age
The minimum age for a Commercial Pilot License is 18 years.

Education
The applicant must have passed 12th grade (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics.

Medical Fitness
Class-1 medical fitness from a Medical Board recognized by the DGCA is mandatory.

Written Examination
A written examination must be passed for the Commercial Pilot License. This includes exams in Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Meteorology, Aircraft and Engines, and Signals (Practical).

Flying Experience
A total of 200 hours of flight time:
100 hours as PIC (Pilot-in-Command) — of which 15 hours must be within the last 6 months. 20 hours of Cross-country PIC — including one 300 NM flight + two full-stop landings.

10 hours of Instrument Time — (5 hours will be on a simulator)
5 hours of Night Flying — 10 night takeoffs + 10 night landings.
Note: For candidates holding a Helicopter CPL/ATPL and 1000 hours of PIC helicopter experience, this flight requirement is reduced from 200 to 100 hours.

Flight Training
Completion of training as per the DGCA prescribed syllabus.

FRTOL
A Flight Radio Telephone Operator Licence (FRTOL) is mandatory.
Skill Tests
The following tests must have been passed within the last 6 months:
Day General Flying Test
Night General Flying Test
250 NM Day Cross-Country Test
120 NM Night Cross-Country Test

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