How to Balance a Full-Time Job and CPL Theory Preparation?

In today's competitive era, it is not easy to move towards your dreams with a stable career, especially when it comes to becoming a pilot. Preparing for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), especially its theory, with a full-time job, is an extremely challenging task. But if done with the right strategy, time management and dedication, it is not impossible either.

This blog will help people to prepare for the CPL theory along with their full-time job.

CPL is a license that allows a pilot to fly commercially. This license is provided by the DGCA in India. It includes both theory and practical parts. There is a total of 6 subjects in CPL theory:

•  Air Navigation
• Air Meteorology
• Air Regulation
• Technical General
• Radio Telephony

It is mandatory to pass all these subjects. DGCA theory exams are held every two months and a minimum of 70% marks is required to pass.

CPL theory preparation is not just limited to reading; it involves a huge amount of technical concepts, regulations, charts, and topics related to air traffic control (ATC). On the other hand, a full-time job involves a daily commitment of 8-9 hours, office travel, mental exhaustion and personal responsibilities. In such a situation, maintaining a balance between the two areas can be mentally and physically challenging.

As stated by a study, students who study CPL theory for at least 15 hours a week are 75% more likely to pass. Therefore, time management is the most important skill. Below are some ways that can help you:

• Create a Study Planner: Make a study plan for each day of the week. Aim to study for 2 hours on work days and 4-5 hours on weekends.
• Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. This technique increases your concentration.
• Use the Priority Matrix: Prioritize work and study with Eisenhower Matrix. <

People with full-time jobs are short of time. Therefore, using online resources can be extremely useful to save time. Some of the popular online platforms and apps are:

• DGCA Approved Notes & Mock Tests
• YouTube Channels
• Apps
• Paid Courses

This depends on your body clock and office schedule. Some people prefer to study early in the morning as the mind is fresh and there are fewer distractions. Some people are more comfortable studying at night. As stated by a survey:

• 64% of the candidates reported that the time between 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM was the most effective.
• 27% said they felt better studying between 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
• The rest said weekends were their main focus time.
• It is also important to get support at the workplace

If you talk to your company confidently and share your dreams, many times they may allow you flexible working hours or work from home. According to a recent HR survey in India, 46% of companies support their employees in preparing for higher education or competitive exams.

Stress and exhaustion between studies and the job are common. But if the body and mind are not healthy, then this journey becomes even more difficult. So, keep the following things in mind:

• Do Yoga and Meditation: 15 minutes of meditation every day can decrease your stress to a great extent.
• Have a Balanced Diet: Avoid junk food and eat energy-giving food.
• Get Enough Sleep: Make sure you get a minimum of 6-7 hours of sleep.

When time is short, you have to study smartly. For this, you can adopt these strategies:

• Make Short Notes: Write the key points of each topic.
• Use Mind Maps and Flashcards: Particularly for topics like Technical General and Navigation.
• Make a Revision Schedule: Make sure to revise old topics once every 10 days.         

Part I of RTR is taken by DGCA and Part II by WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination). In this, questions based on Communication Phrases, Situational Awareness and Practical Scenario are asked. For this:

• Use Live Online Simulations
• Practice RT Phraseology Regularly
• Prepare for Mock Interviews and Oral Exams

When you feel tired, unsuccessful or doubtful, remember your goal and why you chose this path. Keep a picture of your dream (like a pilot uniform or cockpit) on your study desk. Keep it on your mind. This will keep you motivated.

You can maintain your motivation by doing the following:

• Read stories of successful pilots (like Captain Gaurav Taneja or Captain Zoya Agarwal, IndiGo’s first female pilot).
• Join a study group or online forum, so that you don’t feel lonely.
• Reward yourself when you complete every small milestone.

CPL preparation requires not only studies but also financial planning. Theory courses, books, application fees and later flying training cost lakhs of rupees. According to an estimate, the total cost of CPL ranges from ₹25 to ₹45 lakh in India. So:

• Choose an EMI-based Course for study
• Keep the Education loan information in advance
• Start a SIP or small savings plan
• Do regular self-assessment

Take a mock test once every two weeks. This not only boosts your confidence, but also helps you know which subjects you are weak in. You can buy CPL-specific test series or practice old question papers from the DGCA.

Balancing a full-time job and CPL theory preparation is not easy, but it is not impossible either. If you study with a clear strategy, use your time astutely and do regular self-evaluation, you can attain this goal. Patience, discipline and confidence will be your biggest companions in this entire journey. "The sky is open only for those who dare to fly." If you are not afraid of hard work, then no destination is too far. What you need is a reputed pilot training school, such as Flapone Aviation to chase your dreams.