Full Commercial Pilot Program
for Indian students

Why enroll with AeroCadet?

As a leading aviation training and airline pilot career development consulting agent serving the largest international market, AeroCadet offers a tailored approach, expert support, and valuable industry knowledge to help pilots maximize their potential, stand out from the crowd, and achieve their desired career goals in the aviation industry.

Why holding a commercial pilot license will not land you an airline job?

Let's face the truth: the top airlines have high pilot recruitment standards that go beyond the basic qualifications of a newly-graduated commercial pilot. The goal for student pilots is to attain the necessary flight time, licensing, and aeronautical experience to become employable by these airlines, which means gaining an edge over the vast applicant pool competition, not just satisfying the basic legal commercial pilot qualification requirements.

Most international student pilots aim for first officer positions with prestigious passenger carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, AHK, Fly Dubai, ANA, and more. These airlines hire pilots from diverse citizenship and ethnic backgrounds on multi-year contracts. However, securing these coveted positions requires meeting specific requirements that newly-graduated commercial pilots may not fulfill.

These requirements typically include holding a full, unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) issued by a recognized ICAO member state. Preferably, the license should be from a developed, English-speaking country like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and others. This ensures a high level of English language proficiency, which airlines consider crucial. It also helps verify that the pilot has acquired their qualifications legitimately and not through fraudulent means, which unfortunately can be an issue in some developing countries' flight training industry.

Furthermore, significant aeronautical experience is necessary, usually exceeding 1500 flight hours, with a balanced combination of propeller and turbine/jet flight time. For a newly-graduated CPL holder with only 200 hours of flight time, achieving these qualifications and experiences can be a significant challenge, considering the high cost of acquiring flight hours. This is why many new pilots face the dilemma of gaining the required transitional aeronautical experience, leading them to search for underpaid and potentially risky jobs like bush-flying or banner-towing. Some even give up on their aviation dreams in frustration and let their pilot licenses expire, seeking employment in other industries. However, there are alternatives to this discouraging path.

Aerocadet, with its team of consultants who are experienced current (or retired) airline pilots, has developed fully-integrated flight training and internship programs to address this transitional experience challenge. These programs offer a comprehensive solution, taking students from zero experience or any other level they have already achieved to obtaining a full FAA (United States) and TCCA (Canada) ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Licenses. In the process, students gain valuable propeller and/or turbine experience, meeting the pilot recruitment requirements of major airlines that hire contract pilots for long-term, well-paid positions.

By providing a structured training program and internship opportunities, AeroCadet equips its students with the qualifications and experience necessary to stand out and succeed in the competitive airline job market.

How does this program achieve Your career objectives?

This integrated ab-initio fast-track FAA Commercial Pilot Program (coded "FCPP-IND-US") offers Indian flight students a unique and efficient path to complete their flight training and obtain multiple licenses. The program begins with training at Hercules Aviation Training School in Hyderabad in India to obtain DGCA ATP pass certificates. Once this 3-month Indian ground-school phase is complete, students will proceed to our designated Flight Training Provider (FTP) in Ormond Beach, Florida, following a fast-track part-61 curriculum, which requires no intermediate stage-checks. Our FTP in Ormond Beach offers DGCA-compliant courses and aircraft. All training includes 250 total hours, with 200+ in-aircraft hours, using DGCA-approved Piper Seneca PA34 for multi-engine training. We don't use "shared time" for PIC hours, as it's not recognized in India and reduces hands-on flight experience. Students will graduate with FAA Commercial Pilot License, with Single-engine and Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings (FAA CPL/ASEL/AMEL/IR).

Upon completion of this initial training, graduates have two options:

Option 1 is to return to India to complete their FAA CPL to DGCA CPL license conversion, followed by employment placement assistance program with HATS. Employment assitance can be either directly with the Indian airlines, such as Indigo, or can include flight training to DGCA Instructor License, followed by guaranteed employment placement with HATS as a flight instructor to build additonal flight time.

Option 2 is to transfer to our Canadian FTP to continue their training. Here, they will have the opportunity to obtain an additional license CPL from Canada, which only requires one written air-law exam. Further training with the FTP will enable them to acquire a Canadian flight instructor license.

After completing their optional flight instructor training, graduates will be eligible to apply for an internship permit under the terms of the Canadian Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for a duration of 12 months. This permit allows them to work as flight instructors or charter pilots anywhere in Canada, gaining valuable aeronautical experience.

Following this 12-month internship period, graduates will qualify to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. If approved, they will receive an unrestricted employment permit, which allows them to seek full-time employment with Canadian airlines and charter companies, enabling them to accumulate valuable turbine flight time. (The Canadian Experience Class point-based system is discussed in detail on our blog here >>>)

Essentially, this integrated ab-initio fast-track FAA Commercial Pilot Program for Indian Students program combines the advantages of a comprehensive Zero-to-CPL program in the United States with the Pathway to TC ATPL program in Canada. This integrated approach provides a more efficient and streamlined path for students to achieve their training goals and gain valuable experience in both countries, ultimately enhancing their career prospects in the aviation industry.

This program is structured in such a way that every segment leads our students to the ultimate goal: employment in the airlines. The program is divided into the following stages:

Mandatory, included in base cost phases:

Optional, add-on phases

The mandatory duration of this integrated ab-initio fast-track FAA Commercial Pilot Program program is approximately 6 months in the United States. During this period, the pilot will undergo training to obtain the FAA Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by the Instrument Rating (IR), Single-Engine Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and finally, the FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

In addition to the mandatory program, there are optional add-on phases available that can extend the program duration by up to 2 years. These additional phases provide opportunities for pilots to further develop their aviation careers. The first optional phase involves obtaining a Canadian CPL license, which expands the pilot's qualifications and opens up opportunities in the Canadian aviation industry. Subsequently, the pilot can progress to achieve the Canadian Flight Instructor license, enabling them to work as a flight instructor under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

By opting for these additional phases, pilots can enhance their skills, gain valuable experience as instructors, and continue their professional growth in the aviation industry. The extended program duration allows them to build a strong foundation and pursue various career opportunities in both the United States and Canada.

More details about the program and its phases:

At this phase student will be required to complete enrollment application form (here >>>) and provide documents for initial consideration by our company. After application details and document screening, student will be contacted for the initial interview to check his/her knowledge of English. Our requirements are simple: high school diploma (or higher), English knowledge on upper-intermediate level or better, international passport and good health with no disqualifying conditions (see full list of enrollment requirements here >>>) Once all requirements are satisfied, student will be furnished with the flight training agreement, visa support paperwork, preliminary aviation training study materials and TSA security clearance. 

DGCA Ground School & Exams (3 months). In order to ensure that our graduates have a wide spectrum of domestic and international airline employment opportunities with a diverse number of air carriers, as well as to lay foundation for a swift Canadian visa approval process, the students will be required to take DGCA (ICAO-India) ground school and sit through the DGCA theoretical CPL and ATPL exams. The classes are conducted by our Indian partner Hercules Aviation Training Schools (HATS)

Upon arrival at the flight training center in Ormond Beach, the student will undergo a brief FAA pilot medical examination. Following this, they will commence their theoretical and practical training, which includes both ground school and flying. The training program aims to provide 3-4 hours of ground school instruction per day, focusing on the theoretical aspects of aviation. Additionally, the student will engage in 2-3 hours of flight training sessions, which will be combined with the ground school lessons. This integrated approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the concepts covered in ground school and their practical application during flight training.

The flight training segment is divided into three courses: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. Each course progresses the student to a higher aeronautical license and proficiency level. Upon completion of this phase, the student will be certified as a Commercial Pilot with FAA/ICAO licenses. They will be qualified to operate both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, and will have the necessary skills to fly in normal (VMC) and limited visibility (IMC) conditions. To complete this stage of training, the student will accumulate 250 flight hours. Out of these, up to 15 hours will be conducted in a flight training device, specifically allocated towards the Instrument Rating. The flight training device allows for simulated instrument flight training, providing valuable experience and practice in instrument flying procedures.

At this stage student can convert his/her FAA flight crew license to Indian flight crew license. Essentially, it is not a "conversion", but an add-on, as the DGCA license is added to the FAA license, and the pilot ends up with two valid licenses: the FAA and the DGCA. Both remain valid. This conversion/add-on process is fairly easy for those applicants who already passed their DGCA ATP exams with Hercules Aviation Training Schools (HATS), and is fully-supported by them. This phase is not required, but recommended to ensure that students can apply for airline pilot positions in the domestic employment market. Despite the Indian market being competitive, our graduates will have a huge advantage over the competition, not only because they would have both ICAO Canadian pilot licenses and ICAO Indian pilot licenses, but also because they would be fully airline employment ready: with high total flight time, high jet flight time, and valuable airline environment flying experience,as well as excellent recommendation letters from several companies (Aerocadet,Global Air, HATS and the internship companies).

Overall, this phase focuses on providing comprehensive theoretical knowledge, practical flight training, and the necessary flight hours to attain the desired licenses and ratings, ultimately preparing the student for a successful career as a commercial pilot.

add-on stages:

Upon arrival at the flight training provider's center in Canada, operated by Canadian Aviation College, you will undergo a short TC Class I pilot medical examination. If you have already passed the TC medical examination in your own country, this step can be skipped.

After the medical examination, you will be required to take a theoretical exam that focuses on the differences between the FAA (US) and TCCA (Canada) airspace and air-law regulations. This exam aims to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the specific regulations applicable in the Canadian aviation context. Upon successfully passing this exam, you will be issued a full, unrestricted TCCA CPL (Canadian Pilot License) with multi-engine and single-engine instrument ratings. This license will allow you to operate aircraft in Canadian airspace.

Following the completion of your Commercial License conversion, you will proceed to obtain a TCCA Certified Class 4 Flight Instructor rating. This rating is necessary for you to participate in the internship phase of the program, where you will work as a flight instructor and begin accumulating valuable flight time towards your unrestricted ICAO ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License). Additionally, during this phase, you will be compensated for your work as a flight instructor. The duration of this phase is typically 12 months (it is designed to take 12 months to ensure that you will qualify for at least 12 months of PGWP after your graduation).

By obtaining the TC Certified Class 4 Flight Instructor rating and participating in the internship program, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience, build flight time, and progress towards achieving your ultimate goal of obtaining an unrestricted ICAO ATPL license. This phase provides a valuable stepping stone in your aviation career and allows you to develop the necessary skills and experience for future opportunities in the industry.

Once you have obtained your flight instructor license, you will have the opportunity to apply for Canada's Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This permit is specifically designed for students who have completed a minimum of 12 months of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and wish to gain work experience for an additional 12 months after graduation.

If you meet the basic training standards requirements outlined by the program (refer to the terms and conditions box for more details), you will be given the chance to apply for full-time employment as a flight instructor at our partner Flight Training Provider (FTP) in British Columbia. In the event that there are no available flight instructor positions at the FTP at the time of your graduation, we will provide assistance in securing an internship placement with other flight schools or flight charter companies in Canada. This assistance includes referral and reference letters.

With the PGWP, you will have the flexibility to work full-time in any aviation field of your choice throughout Canada. This can include flight instruction, charter flying, bush flying, and more. However, it is important to note that at this stage, you will not be eligible for employment with airlines, as it requires a full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with a minimum of 1500 hours of flight time and permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

The PGWP offers you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the aviation industry within Canada, further enhancing your skills and knowledge. It serves as a stepping stone towards fulfilling the requirements for airline employment and permanent residency, paving the way for future career progression in the aviation field.

During this phase, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and apply for permanent residency in Canada. This opens up avenues for employment in Canadian airlines or any other aviation companies without specific employment terms or limits. The application process for CEC typically takes around 6 months.

While your application is under review by the government authorities, you will be allowed to continue working under the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for the duration of the decision-making period. This allows you to maintain your employment and continue building valuable experience in the Canadian aviation industry.

Once your permanent residency application is approved and you have obtained your full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) as part of phase 6 of the program, you will be eligible to apply for employment as a First Officer with most regional Canadian airlines. This opens up further opportunities for career advancement and growth within the aviation sector.

By taking advantage of the CEC program, you can secure your future in the Canadian aviation industry and enjoy the benefits of long-term employment prospects without specific restrictions or time limits. This phase marks an important milestone in your career progression, allowing you to pursue your dream of working as a First Officer in reputable Canadian airlines. (The Canadian Experience Class point-based system is discussed in detail on our blog here >>>)

Upon completing 12+6 months and 1500 hours of total flight time under the PGWP, you will be able to apply for the Transport Canada Airline Transport Pilot License under provisions of Division VIII - Airline Transport Pilot Licence 421.34 Aeroplanes. This license is a full, unrestricted ICAO ATPL and can be converted to any other ICAO ATPL, if needed. Practical and theoretical ATPL exams do not have any specific training pre-requisites, so pilots can take them as soon as their reach personal aeronautical experience of 1500 hours. The minimum requirements for this licence are experience are: 1500 Flight Hours, incl. 250 PIC, 100 PIC Cross Country, 100 Night, and 25 Night Cross Country PIC, and 75 Hours Instrument; successful completion of a 2 Part Written Exam. There is no Flight Exam required for the issue of a Canadain ATPL.

In the unlikely event that you are unable to obtain Canada's permanent residency permit, Aerocadet has a partnership with Global Air BVI Inc, located in the Caribbean. Global Air offers employment opportunities as an international ferry pilot. As an international ferry pilot, you would work on a charter pilot basis, performing 1-3 aircraft repositioning flights per month from various destinations around the world to/from North America, Europe, Middle East and SE Asia.

Global Air will provide all the necessary training and support for obtaining the D-type crew visa, which is required for this position. As an international ferry pilot, you will have the opportunity to build over 1500 hours of valuable international cross-country flight time over a period of 24 months. This flight time will be accumulated on various types of light piston and turbine aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) below 7500kg.

Throughout this stage of the program, Aerocadet will provide comprehensive administrative support to facilitate the smooth progression of your career as an international ferry pilot. While this option may deviate from the initial plan of obtaining permanent residency in Canada, it offers an alternative pathway to gain valuable flight experience and exposure to international operations.

By working as an international ferry pilot with Global Air, you can continue to build your flight time, expand your aviation skills, and gain unique experiences in different parts of the world.

*Please note: the training and internship time-lines are estimates and will depend on weather and student skills levels. CEC applicatoin is based on a point-system and results may vary. Administrative support for PGWP and CEC is provided by Canadian Immigration Services (45 Sheppard Ave E #500B, North York, ON M2N 5W9).

Students will receive the following amount of flight training hours during the licensing phases of the program:

The academic segment of theoretical training holds significance for students who have aspirations of furthering their education to an Associate or Bachelor's level. While many airlines in the Middle East and Asia do not have a strict requirement for a college degree for pilot employment, having such a degree can provide a competitive advantage in the airline pilot job market and broaden the range of employment opportunities.

To support our students in pursuing higher education, we have established partnerships with fully-accredited universities in the United States, namely Thomas Edison State University (TESU) located in New Jersey, and Liberty University. These universities offer 100% online admission and educational programs, specifically tailored to our program graduates who have already obtained their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) licenses.

Through these partnerships, students can enroll in online-only academic programs and earn fully-accredited degrees at the Associate, Bachelor, and even Master's levels. The universities recognize the value of the previously obtained pilot licenses such as the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and ATPL, as well as certain aviation practicum, such as turbine type-ratings or airline experience as a First Officer (FO) or Captain (CA). This allows students to receive a significant number of academic credits for their prior aviation training.

One advantage of these online academic programs is that no student visa is required to continue studying for a Bachelor's degree with TESU or Liberty University. Students can pursue their studies from any country in the world, offering flexibility and accessibility.

By partnering with accredited universities and facilitating online educational programs, we aim to provide our graduates with the opportunity to pursue higher education and expand their knowledge and qualifications beyond their pilot licenses. This holistic approach equips our students with the skills and credentials to excel in the aviation industry and opens up new avenues for career growth and opportunities.

Each pilot license and rating earned by our students carries the following academic course equivalent:

More information about pilot licenses/ratings conversion into academic credits may be found on TESU website here >>>

More information about pilot licenses/ratings conversion into academic credits may be found on Liberty University website here >>>

The listed above academic courses and their respective credit hour ratings may be converted into any college or university accreditation scale using the standard European Academic Credit Transfer System.

Please note: all academic credits are approximate and subject to admissions board review and evaluation by the target college or university. Normally, the level of education and practicum upon completion of the training and internship phases equals to Associate Degree in Aeronautical science. Hence, most pilots are able to obtain a full Bachelor's Degree in just 2 years after transferring the academic credits.

During the primary stages of training, flight students are required to stay near the flight training center. The accommodation is provided by our FTP via a contract with Integra Shores Apartments. Because students will not be able to work for the initial 6 months of this program (the flight training phase), we have to include the cost of accommodation in the program cost estimate.

Improvised campus apartments are located only a few minutes bycicle ride from the airport and approximately 10-15 minutes drive from the beach. Bicycles will be provided to students upon request. A dedicated student shuttle will be availble at no charge several times per day to transport students from their accommodation location to the flight training center and back.

6 months of standard shared accommodation is included in this program. In case Students are not able to complete the phase 2 of the program during the designated 6-month time-frame, they will be able to extend it by paying monthly rent fees, which will include utilities and gym.

Please note: accmmodation contracts frequently change. FTP may elect to drop and pick-up other accommodation contractors depending on price-hikes and availability. Although Integra Shores Apartments is the currently contracted provider, due to student volume, other contractors may be used to accommodate student overflow.

The Full Program Cost Estimate for the Mandatory Phases

The full cost estimate is based on student's compliance with the FAA flight training curriculum, 6-month accommodation costs, and all estimated government fees. The cost is broken down into the following segments: [a1] estimated cost of training Zero to FAA CPL/AMEL/ASEL/IR (Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 for single-engine training and Piper Seminole for multi-engine training): $51,999.00; 6 month accommodation, shared: $4050.00; [c] government fees (medical, visa, TSA): $1120.00; [c] Aerocadet admin fees: $550.00; [d] ferry pilot internship: $1950.00; [e] DGCA ground school and DGCA CPL add-on: $5,000.00.

Cessna 172 Upgrade Fee

Students can upgrade all segments done in a Cessna 152 to Cessna 172 for any portion of flight training or hour-building by paying additional $41.91 USD per flight hour.

Additional Expenses

It is important for students to understand that if they fail any of the required check-rides or do not adhere to the curriculum set forth by the flight school, they will be responsible for additional fees resulting from the additional training hours. These fees will be billed separately and will depend on the type of additional training required and the type of aircraft or Flight Training Device (FTD) used.

Furthermore, it's important to note that living expenses, excluding accommodation, are not included in the cost estimate provided. Living expenses typically encompass food and entertainment expenses. We recommend that students allocate a budget of at least $20 per day for food expenses. Considering that students may not be eligible for employment for the first 6 months, it is advised to include a minimum of $3650 USD in the living expenses budget.

By being aware of these potential additional fees and budgeting for living expenses, students can better prepare themselves financially for the duration of their flight training program. It is essential to plan and manage finances effectively to ensure a smooth and successful training experience.

Canadian CPL, CFI and internship add-on

Additional phases from 3 through 7A/B can be completed at our FTP in Canada. The cost is:

More information about this add-on program can be found here >>>

Discounts

Also, some students will be eligible to discounts. The discounts include the following items:

So, What is Included in the Base Cost?

Our academy does not require students to pay for the entire flight training program in advance. We have a payment structure that needs to be followed by all students, with some exception. Students must submit the following payments:

Please note: conditions of deposit refund are outlined in the flight training agreement, which students are required to sign upon enrollment and before any payments are due.

Great news! Aerocadet can provide administrative support for students to obtain Financial Aid from their respective banks and financial institutions. Such support is offered by providing conditional employment offer letters and training bond contracts. Read the details here >>>

Many students from India successfully applied for student loans from the following banks, and got approved with the help of our SLAS package. (Contact us if you want us to forward to you Indian student reviews and recommendations)

Review additional financing options for the Indian students >>>

Top Education Loans Providers in India for Studying Abroad

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank is one of the largest private banks offering education loans abroad. The maximum loan amount offered by the bank it up to INR 20 lakhs. In order to avoid the last-minute rush, the bank offers study loans abroad even before the student has secured admission at the university.

State Bank of India

SBI offers a maximum amount of INR 30 lakhs as an education loan for studying abroad with a loan margin of 15%. The Interest rate charged on the loan amount is up to 2% on the current base rate of SBI. Further, the loan repayment tenure can be 1 year to 15 years.

Axis Bank

Axis bank offers study loans abroad at competitive interest rates. A margin of 15% has to be arranged by the borrower if the loan amount exceeds INR 4 lakhs. The bank offers a maximum of INR 20 lakhs and covers different costs like tuition, accommodation, and books.

Punjab National Bank

PNB Udaan is the education loan scheme offered by the Punjab National Bank to students going to study abroad. The bank offers foreign education loans for students going to pursue graduate, post-graduate, job-oriented professional and technical courses. The borrower needs to show a loan margin of 15% for the loan amount of above INR 4 lakhs. Also, the bank offers the base rate as the interest rate on loans taken for pursuing an education at the top 200 universities across the world.

Study Abroad Education Loan from NBFCs (Non-banking financial companies)

Apart from the nationalized banks, student loans can also be availed from non-banking financial companies/institutions (NBFCs). Non-banking institutions offer complete tuition fees to the students. Borrowers need to provide collateral as security to the banks as the loan amount is generally more than INR 7.5 Lacs. Students looking for education loan for abroad studies can now have the option to secure a loan from NBFCs. Some of the NBFCs options are:

• Credila: Credila is part of the renowned HDFC bank and provides loans to Indian students wishing to study abroad. The loans are given at a competitive floating rate of interest and can be repaid within a period of 10 years.
• Avanse: Part of the DHFL group, it is considered as one of the most popular non-banking financial institutions in India. Student loans from Avanse cover tuition fees up to 100% and other expenses. Apart from this, the interest rates are floating and the processing fee can go up to 1 to 2 percent of the loan amount.    
• International Student Loan Program (ISLP): This program is specially designed for international students who want to study in the US. Through this program, students can borrow an amount as little as $1500 and can extend the repayment period up to 25 years. The loan disbursed under this program covers tuition fees and other expenses.
• Global Student Loan Corporation (GSLC): The GSLC offers loans to international students to pursue their higher studies in the US without the requirement of any co-signer.

Please contact each of these banks directly to inquire about their application process and eligibility requirements.

To enroll into this program, an applicant must have the following documents:

If you need a personal consultation regarding the flight training program, please email one of our highly qualified consultants with a full list of your questions, and receive a structured response within 24 hours.

Download program base structure and pricing break-down here: