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Becoming a commercial pilot in a nation like India is a dream shared by many young aspirants. A Cadet Pilot Programme is what you need to become that. This programme prepares aspiring pilots to become commercial airline pilots.
Many candidates consider renowned DGCA-approved programmes like those offered by IndiGo or Air India. However, dreams must meet reality, which means facing the bottom line- the cost. Dealing with the financial requirements of specialised Cadet Pilot Programmes is often the most formidable initial hurdle.
How Much Does the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme Cost?
The total cost of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme generally falls between ₹94 lakhs and over ₹1 crore, approximately. This major investment primarily covers the Commercial Pilot License (CPL Exam preparation) course and the essential Airbus A320 Type Rating. While some training packages may include accommodation and meals, it’s crucial to note that additional expenses are common.
What Is Included in the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme Cost
- CPL Course Fee: Theoretical knowledge, simulator sessions, and practical flight training.
- A320 Type Rating: Specialised training to operate the Airbus A320.
- Accommodation & Food: Often included, but this can vary by provider and training module.
What Are the Additional Expenses Associated with the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme?
Personal Expenses
While the core programme fee is substantial, cadets must budget for additional personal expenses separately. These primarily include travel to and from various training locations, both international and domestic. Furthermore, living costs are not always fully covered by the programme. Accommodation and food may be included in some modules but explicitly excluded in others, meaning cadets are personally responsible for costs such as rent, utilities, groceries, and local transportation during those periods.
Cost Associated with Medical Tests
The cost of the mandatory medical assessments is very important to consider. Before and during training, cadets must undergo a series of rigorous medical examinations to obtain and maintain a Class 1 Medical Certificate, as mandated by the DGCA. The fees for these assessments are paid directly to the cadet to the medical facility and are not bundled into the main programme fee, representing an essential upfront and recurring cost throughout a pilot’s career.
Remedial Training
One of the most unpredictable and potentially significant additional costs comes from remedial training. The programme’s timeline and curriculum are intensive, and if a cadet fails an exam, a simulator session, or a flight test, they are required to undergo extra training to meet the standard. These additional simulator hours are billed separately at premium hourly rates and can quickly add up to lakhs of rupees.
How Financial Assistance Can Cover the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme Expenses?
To help manage these overall expenses, cadets have a primary option. Loan options are available to finance the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, with some banks offering up to 90% financing.
How Much Does the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme Cost?
The cost of the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme is an estimated investment, ranging from ₹1 crore to over ₹1.2 crores. This cost depends on what exactly is included in the programme. The major part of this programme cost often includes Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, type rating, and miscellaneous expenses such as accommodation.
Important Considerations for the Airline Cadet Pilot Programme
When you research the Airline Cadet Pilot Programme, various major factors are there to consider.
- The financial commitment is not fixed, as the final cost is directly tied to the specific training institute and the programme’s structure.
- It is very important to understand the long-term contractual obligations, as many of these pathways require cadets to sign a bond agreement, committing them to fly for the airline, such as Air India. Before making any financial commitment, you must verify the most up-to-date details, including costs, programme inclusions, and the exact terms of any service bond.
How to Make the Cadet Pilot Programme More Affordable
The significant investment required for an Airline Cadet Pilot Programme can be managed through strategic financial planning. By exploring various avenues, student pilots can make their goal of joining one of these Cadet Pilot Programmes more attainable.
Explore Financial Institutions
The upfront cost of an Airline Cadet Pilot Programme often necessitates external financing. It is highly advisable to compare finance options from various banks & Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), as many offer specialised education loans with lower interest rates tailored for aviation students.
Seek Scholarship Opportunities
Proactive candidates should diligently check for scholarships to help subsidise their training. While not always widely advertised, some state governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offer partial scholarships or financial grants specifically for students pursuing aviation careers.
Monitor Airline Promotions
Finally, it is beneficial to watch for direct promotions from the airlines themselves. In an effort to attract high-quality candidates, airlines like IndiGo & Air India will occasionally run promotions that reduce the overall programme cost or introduce flexible payment plans, such as Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs).
Conclusion
Cadet Pilot Programmes take you from absolutely zero experience to a commercial airline cockpit and help you pass all the exams and skill tests. Leading Indian airlines like IndiGo & Air India offer these major programmes in partnership with flight schools. When you finish this programme successfully, you will even get a direct letter of intent for an airline job. However, the main downside is that this path requires a very large initial financial investment.
But don’t worry. At Airship Aviation Academy, our TRIs are specialised in assisting student pilots through the important stages of the pilot selection process. Our programme delivers tailored practice sessions, mock assessments, and personalised coaching to develop candidate skills and confidence. Contact Us Today!
