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Flying training is where the licence is actually built — 200 hours of logged flight time, structured across solo, cross-country, instrument, and night flying. Choosing the right FTO and understanding the requirements upfront saves time and money.
DGCA requires a minimum of 200 hours total flying time to apply for a CPL. This includes specific requirements for solo, cross-country, instrument, and night hours.
CPL requirementYou must train at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation. Hours logged at non-approved schools are not counted towards your CPL application.
Approval mandatoryMany students train in the USA, Australia, or New Zealand where aircraft and fuel costs are lower. Hours from ICAO-member states are accepted by DGCA with proper validation.
Overseas acceptedThe duration depends on weather, aircraft availability, and how consistently you fly. Schools with good fleet availability and weather windows help you finish faster.
Weather-dependent| Category | Required hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total flying time | 200 hours | Minimum for CPL application |
| Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 100 hours | Must include solo cross-country |
| Cross-country (PIC) | 20 hours | Including a 540km solo flight |
| Instrument flying | 20 hours | Min. 10 hours actual instrument time |
| Night flying | 10 hours | Including 5 hours solo night |
Your first solo flight. You'll build basic aircraft handling, circuits, emergency procedures, and solo cross-country flying. Duration: approximately 40–60 hours.
Cross-country flying, navigation, and basic instrument work. You'll reach the 50-hour mark and gain experience flying to different airfields.
Instrument rating training, night flying qualification, and building your remaining PIC hours. This phase completes your 200 hours and prepares you for the CPL skill test.
A DGCA-authorised examiner tests you on commercial flight manoeuvres, emergency procedures, and instrument flying. Pass this and your CPL is issued through eGCA.
India or abroad — which is better for flying training?
Both have tradeoffs. Overseas training (USA, Australia, NZ) is often faster and cheaper per hour due to lower fuel costs and better weather. India has the advantage of being closer to home. The key factor is fleet size and aircraft availability.
What does flying training cost?
In India, total costs typically range from ₹40–70 lakhs. In the USA or Australia, equivalent programmes often cost ₹35–55 lakhs when converted, but currency risk and living costs add up.
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