How to Become a Pilot in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide
Becoming a pilot in Pakistan is an exciting and challenging journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for aviation. Whether you have completed your FSC (Intermediate) or Matric (High School), this guide on Explore it Beyond will provide you with valuable insights on how to pursue a career in aviation.
Guidelines for training to be a pilot in Pakistan
- Early preparation is the key. Early planning is crucial because the pilot training process can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Make research. With the variety of flight schools available, you must do your research and pick a reputable school that has been approved by the CAA.
- Participate in the aviation environment. In Pakistan, there are several aviation clubs and organizations that give students the chance to learn more about flying and get to know other pilots. Students can also contact different airports of Pakistan.
- Be prepared to put in a lot of effort. Although the pilot training program is tough, it is also greatly rewarding. Be willing to work hard and with determination to fulfill your dream of becoming a pilot.
Here are a few tips to become a pilot in Pakistan;
- Educational Requirements
- Pass the Medical Examination
- Select the Proper Flying School
- Flight Training
- Theoretical and Practical Exams
- Get Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Build Experience and Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
1) Educational Requirements
Here are some basic educational requirements to become a pilot in Pakistan;
You can get admission to a flight school after completing your high school education. The minimum required education is high school education. It is essential to have an excellent education in science and math.
Although it is not necessary to get a Bachelor’s degree but bachelor’s degree in a field like engineering, physics, or aviation, has an advantage for you in the aviation sector.
2) Pass the Medical Examination
Once academic eligibility has been determined, you must have a physical examination. Before that, you must visit a flying school, which will recommend you to a hospital for medical exams. The following tests will be performed by an authorized aviation medical examiner to determine your medical eligibility.
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Weight (as per BMI)
- Eyesight (6/6 with or without glasses)
- ENT
- EEG
- ECG
- Chest x-ray
- Blood sugar test
- Urine test
- Audiometry
All of these test results will be sent to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical center, which will then grant you an official medical after validating the test results documentation.
3) Select the Proper Flying School
There are many flight schools in Pakistan so it is important to do research and select a school that is reputable and accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). There are around 15 flying schools in Pakistan and there are many institutes if you want to take your pilot training abroad. After completing your training it is necessary to forward your license to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
Here are some of the popular schools in Pakistan;
- Schon Air
- Lahore Flying Club
- Hybrid Aviation Flying Club
- Pakistan Aviators
- Rawalpindi Flying Club
- Multan Flying Club
- Peshawar Flying Club
- Ground Training
Once you have completed the registration process at your esteemed flying school, your journey towards becoming a commercial pilot will start. The initial phase of your training will involve enrolling in foundation lessons, which are designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills.
During these foundational lessons, you will delve into a comprehensive curriculum that covers 14 different disciplines. 12 about the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and two for the Instrument Rating (IR).
- General navigation
- Human performance and limitations
- Air laws
- Operational procedures
- Meteorology
- Mass and balance
- Radio navigation
- Aircraft general knowledge
- Principles of flight
- Aircraft system
- Instrumentation
- Instrument procedure
- Aircraft performance
- Communication
4) Flight Training
When learning to fly an airplane, students complete a course of study called flight training. The primary focus of initial and intermediate aviation instruction revolves around the attainment and refinement of fundamental piloting abilities. Flight instruction involves the acquisition of practical skills necessary to operate an actual aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will receive your medical, academic, and security records before awarding you a Student Pilot License (SPL), enabling you to start practicing flying.
After getting your SPL, you must fly for 40 hours to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL). You must fly for an additional 110 hours after receiving your PPL to obtain your CPL.
Before receiving your CPL, you must complete 190 hours of flying time during your practical training, including an extra 40 hours of flight time for instrument rating (IR).
5) Theoretical and Practical Exams
Be ready for the written test and this test is about subjects like air law, navigation, and meteorology.
Chechride is a physical test that is related to your flying skills.
6) Get Your Private Pilot License (PPL)
Upon the successful end of your training program and successful completion of all examinations, you will be granted the unique position known as a Private Pilot License (PPL).
7) Build Experience and Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Build up your skillset by engaging in the field of aviation as a private pilot, and then advance towards acquiring your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This progression will allow you to accumulate valuable expertise and elevate your qualifications within the realm of piloting
Cost of pilot training in Pakistan
The cost of pilot training is different and it depends on your flight school and the kind of license you want to get. However, there is approximately PKR 1 million to PKR 2 million for a complete CPL and IR training program.
Career options for pilots in Pakistan
There are several career opportunities for pilots in Pakistan. Such as
- Airline pilot for large airlines or smaller regional ones
- Agricultural pilot and many more options
- Flight Instructor
- Corporate or business aviation pilot
- Cargo pilot
- Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
- Charter / Air taxi pilot
Conclusion
It is the reality that pilots make a lot of money. A further retirement plan is also an advantage. Some airlines also provide health insurance for pilots. Additionally, you and your family will be able to fly for nothing by using the travel cards given by your place of employment. Furthermore, pilots can arrange their schedules to allow for a week or two off every month.
After that, they can utilize their leisure time in some way. In the end, you’ll have the chance to meet a lot of fascinating people at airports and when changing aircraft. Everyone wants the chance to meet a pilot because they are so well-respected.
