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Air India has unveiled a long-awaited cadet pilot program, offering a valuable opportunity to numerous aspiring pilots across the nation. Prior to this initiative, there were only a handful of cadet pilot programs available in the country, notably the Indigo Cadet Pilot Program and the Spicejet cadet pilot programs. With the introduction of Air India's program, the airline will step into the realm of training ab-initio pilots, expanding the choices available to aspiring aviators.
  1. Check out Air India's Cadet Program: Air India has introduced its own cadet pilot program, joining the ranks of Indigo and Spicejet, aimed at training ab-initio pilots. This initiative seeks to offer aspiring pilots comprehensive training, guiding them towards becoming pilots for Air India. For more information, visit Air India's Cadet Program website.
    1. Program Highlights: The program entails intensive training at Air India's Training Academy in Gurgaon, equipped with cutting-edge simulators and facilities, overseen by experienced professionals from various disciplines.
    2. Eligibility Criteria: Prospective candidates must be Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, proficient in English, in sound physical and mental health, meeting educational requirements, and capable of passing a DGCA Class 1 Medical test.
    3. Cost and Financing: While exact expenses will be disclosed upon enrollment, preliminary estimates range from 1 Crore to 1.25 Crore Rupees. Air India has collaborated with financial institutions to facilitate financing, offering payment plans tied to training milestones.
    4. Application and Selection Process: The application process is conducted online, followed by technical and non-technical evaluations to assess diverse skills and competencies. Successful applicants will progress to enroll in the program, commencing their journey toward becoming pilots.
    5. Training Overview: The program encompasses ground training in Gurgaon and flight training at partner facilities in the United States, aiming for completion in approximately 2 years. This includes attaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and type-rating for specific aircraft.
    6. Career Path: Graduates of the program who meet Air India's criteria will have the opportunity to join as Trainee Pilots, with a clear pathway to becoming fully qualified commercial pilots.
    7. Support and Inquiries: Air India offers ongoing assistance for applicants and participants, with contact details provided for any queries or additional information.
  2. Note: Most program specifics are pending finalization, as indicated on their website. Updates will be promptly incorporated into the blog as Air India releases new information.
The courses provided through this program prioritize high-quality training, with the aim of shaping you into an Air India pilot right from the outset. Upon arrival at Air India's newly established Training Academy in Gurgaon, India, you'll join fellow colleagues from diverse departments such as pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, security personnel, and engineers. Together, you'll undergo specialized training tailored to the shared objective of elevating Air India to the status of a 'World Class Airline.'
At the Training Academy, facilitated by global Original Equipment Manufacturers, learning is facilitated by the availability of simulators designed for pilot training across the entire Air India fleet. Here, Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders from the Air India Cadet Pilot Program will receive specific type ratings aligned with Air India's fleet requirements.
  1. Must hold Indian citizenship. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    1. Age eligibility: 18 to 30 years. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    2. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    3. Good physical and mental health are prerequisites. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    4. Minimum height requirement: 158 cm. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    5. Clearance of a DGCA Class 1 Medical test is mandatory before flight training commencement. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    6. Educational qualifications include a High School Education Certificate with 60% in Class 12th in English, Mathematics, and Physics. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    7. Eligibility criteria:
      • Candidates can only apply post completion of Class 12th. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
      • Candidates without prior flying experience are eligible. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
      • Option to appear for Mathematics and Physics exams at Class 12th level via NIOS. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
    8. Minimum qualification for airline pilot job: Basic Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-engine Rating, and Aircraft Specific endorsement, enhancing the resume. (Air India Cadet Pilot Program Class)
  1. The expenses associated with pilot training programs can vary significantly based on factors like location, duration, aircraft type, and additional training components such as simulator usage.
  2. While the exact cost of the Air India Cadet Pilot Program remains undisclosed at present, it will be provided to enrolled candidates before the training begins. Initial estimates suggest a range between 1 Crore to 1.25 Crore Rupees.
  3. The inclusion of accommodation, transportation to ground school, and flight school tickets may differ among various training facilities and could be separate from the training fees.
  4. Eligible candidates will receive a payment link for selection process fees.
  5. Participants accepted into the Air India Cadet Pilot program can access exclusive benefits through partnered financial institutions.
  6. Payment for training will be structured into installments, with each partner school offering a payment plan aligned with training milestones.
  7. However, cadets have the flexibility to select alternative financial partners as per their preference.
  1. Application Process:
    1. Online Application: Begin your journey by submitting your application online. Ensure that you review and fulfill all eligibility criteria before proceeding. [Apply Here](https://cadetpilot.airindia.com/)
    2. Technical Evaluation: This stage assesses critical thinking, numerical reasoning, performance under pressure, motor skills, and spatial awareness. Success here determines progression to the next evaluation phase.
    3. Non-Technical Evaluation: Here, your ability to collaborate effectively, thrive in group dynamics, and stand out in panel and group interviews will be evaluated.
    4. Join the Air India Cadet Pilot Program: Upon successfully passing all assessments, you'll have the opportunity to join the Air India Cadet Pilot program, bringing you closer to earning your wings. [Learn More](https://cadetpilot.airindia.com/)
  2. Training Overview:
    1. Ground Training: CPL ground training will be conducted in Gurgaon, India.
    2. Flight Training: CPL flying training will take place at Air India's partner facilities. Currently, Air India has partnered with two schools for the Cadet Program:
      1. AeroGuard Flight Training Center, based in Phoenix, Arizona, offers locations in Chandler (AZ) and Austin (TX), with Air India cadets based in Phoenix.
      2. L3Harris Group, with training locations in the United States and the United Kingdom, hosts Air India cadets at their Sanford location in Florida, USA.
  3. After Training:
    1. Employment Guarantee: Completion of the Cadet Pilot program and meeting Air India group’s requirements may lead to employment as a Trainee Pilot. [Learn More](https://cadetpilot.airindia.com/)
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