Top 10 Myths About Life as a Commercial Pilot

Many people in India aspire to become commercial pilots, but many misconceptions hold them back. From monetary concerns to educational fundamentals, here are the 10 most common myths about being a commercial pilot. Here, we have not just listed the myths about the life of a commercial pilot but have also mentioned the reality that is hiding in the veil of these myths. Come, let us have a look at them one by one.

A strong educational foundation is important for becoming a commercial pilot, but there is no need for a specialized degree to become a commercial pilot in India. A simple degree of 12th passed is needed for a person to become a commercial pilot. There should be Physics and Mathematics as subjects in class 12th. If one did not have these subjects at the 12th standard, then there is also an option of passing them privately to get enrolled in a flight school.

Perfect vision is not mandatory for a commercial pilot. The aviation industry has set vision standards for pilots. Glasses or contact lenses are often advised to meet the standards of the DGCA. If you have some issues with vision, consulting an ophthalmologist can offer clarity on the options available.

You don't have to be bloody rich to be a commercial pilot. While flight training involves a lot of investment, there are several pathways to make it more attainable. Some airlines take care of training and type rating costs if you give them a commitment to work with them. So, this means that if you have that passion in you to become a pilot, finances cannot act as a roadblock for you.

It is not that every commercial pilot is a genius in Mathematics. The Maths involved in flying is not that difficult. What it requires are basic arithmetic skills, together with the capability to read and understand graphs. So, if someone has a preconceived notion of a pilot being a math wizard, then a pilot can be a Maths wizard, but it is not a mandatory qualification to have under your belt.

This is surely an outdated notion. While aviation has previously been male-dominated, it has evolved with time. Airlines are seeking and welcoming more female pilots. Now, there is no difference in gender in becoming a pilot. If you tick all the boxes, then as a woman also, you will be given an opportunity to showcase yourself as a commercial pilot and, later on, as an airline pilot.

Leadership skills do play a big role in the life of a commercial pilot. However, these skills can be cultivated and advanced over time through dedicated training and experience. So, it hardly makes a difference to your life as a commercial pilot whether you are a leader or not. You just need to be a master of flying an aircraft; the rest are secondary and can be taken into stride gradually.

Good health is essential for commercial pilots, but there is no need to be an athlete to propel an aircraft. The medical exam, which is mandatory for becoming a pilot, focuses on health conditions affecting the capability of flying. So, even without being an athlete, you can still be a champion commercial pilot.

With the growling impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, a myth encircles that there are no jobs for pilots anymore in India. But it is absolutely not true; there are jobs as a pilot, more than there ever were. To answer the question of the shortage of pilot jobs in India, instead, there is a shortage of pilots in India, so there is no shortage of pilot jobs. If you have completed pilot training and looking for a promising career as a commercial pilot, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for you in the sheds.

It is true that commercial pilots have to fly for irregular hours, but it’s a misconception that there is no personal life for pilots. Most airlines use roster systems, offering pilots an idea of their schedules. Airlines also have the option to bid for time off, accompanied by generous holiday allowances and maternity and paternity benefits, beneficial for people who wish to start families. Every flying job is unique, and several pilots find a rhythm that lets them enjoy their careers as well as their personal lives. Family and friends are both rather happy with pilots because of the time they get and the facilities that come to forth when they are travelling.

To become a commercial pilot, you need dedication and hard work. With proper pilot training, you can also become a commercial pilot in a span of just 18 months. However, the process might extend beyond that for certain professions, such as an architect or a doctor. For instance, becoming an architect takes 7 years, 5 years of study, and 2 years of experience. So, when compared with most of the other professions, one can become a commercial pilot in double-quick time.

If you want to become a commercial pilot and these myths have held you back from chasing your dreams, there’s no need to waste more time just thinking and making up your mind. Come to us at Flapone Aviation and enroll in the pilot course to get a commercial pilot license. We are here to guide you through the obstacles that are there in your journey of becoming a pilot. If you are thinking about the money constraints, then rest assured that here, you will get best-in-class training at rather competitive prices.