India Pilot Program
High-Quality Commercial Pilot Training for International Students From India
AeroGuard Flight Training Center provides excellent training for international students from India that allows them to accomplish their dreams of becoming a professional pilot. Aligned with DGCA regulations, students can rest assured they’re on track to achieving their aviation goals of becoming a pilot in India throughout the Program, completing their training at one of the many locations across the United States of America.
AeroGuard offers the right program for your needs.
Demand for Indian Pilots
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that airline passenger growth in India will climb to nearly 572 million by 2037, increasing significantly from 158 million in 2017. With this, India will jump from the 7th largest passenger market to the 3rd largest passenger market in the world. In order for that growth to occur, airlines in India will need to staff all new flights, which means hiring thousands of pilots. When they start the Program now, students have the opportunity to begin their journey toward one of the most in-demand careers in the world.
As this career is so in demand, being a professional pilot is also an incredibly lucrative job. A commercial airline pilot can make up to $120,000 a year or more, meaning AeroGuard graduates have a high return on investment for their training, and a great start to their career earning potential.
With ample resources, relentless academic and student support as well as high graduation rates, AeroGuard is committed to its pilots and their bright futures.

DGCA Indian Pilot Program Details
AeroGuard offers a tailored training program, geared to meet the DGCA requirements needed for a position with the airlines in India. For Indian nationals, AeroGuard provides accelerated training curriculum that meets the same high standards of our other programs. These high standards at AeroGuard include:
- Safety first curriculum, focused on creating well-rounded, professional commercial airline pilots
- On-site FAA Diamond Award-winning maintenance staff tending to a fleet of over 70 aircraft made up of Piper Archer (single engine) and Piper Seminole (multi-engine)
- 20+ years’ experience training international pilots for airlines and universities with over 6,000 successful graduates
- Efficient enrollment process and support staff facilitating visas, TSA clearance and housing near campus
Flight Time & Experience
In total, pilots training for Indian regulations will complete 200 flight hours in accordance with the DGCA including:
- 100 Hours Pilot In Command time
- 50 Hours Pilot In Command cross-country time
- 40 Hours instrument time
- 5 Hours Pilot In Command night flight time with 10 Night landings
There are two different routes students can take on their flight training journey, obtaining either a Commercial Single Engine Rating and a Type Rating in their home country, or a Commercial Multi-Engine Rating directly. With each track, students will achieve their Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot License through the FAA, returning to India to convert their license with the DGCA.
Ready to begin your flight training journey with AeroGuard? Get connected with an International Program Coordinator today!
Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine
Private Pilot License
- 24 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 3 Hours Archer Flight Training Device (Simulator) Time
- 11 Hours Archer Solo Time
- 20 Hours Briefing
- PPL Ground School
Instrument Rating
- 35 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 3.5 Hours Archer Flight Training Device (Simulator) Time
- 20 Hours Briefing
- IR Ground School
Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine
- 12 Hours Seminole Dual Instruction Time
- 40 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 83 Hours Archer Solo Time
- 30 Hours Briefing Time
- CPL Ground School
Commercial Pilot Single Engine
Private Pilot License
- 24 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 3 Hours Archer Flight Training Device (Simulator) Time
- 11 Hours Archer Solo Time
- 20 Hours Briefing
- PPL Ground School
Instrument Rating
- 35 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 3.5 Hours Archer Flight Training Device (Simulator) Time
- 20 Hours Briefing
- IR Ground School
Commercial Single Engine
- 40 Hours Archer Dual Instruction Time
- 83 Hours Archer Solo Time
- 30 Hours Briefing
- CPL Ground School
Each of these routes put students on a path toward success in their future.
Additional Indian Pilot Requirements
In addition to the above flight time requirements, other qualifications must be met for students to be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate with the DGCA:
- Class 10 plus 2 or an equivalent examination with Physics and Math from a recognized board/university
- DGCA medical examination
- Complete exams in air regulations, air navigation, meteorology, aircraft and engines and signals
- Have a current Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s License

Indian Pilot Training in the United States
Indian students looking to train with AeroGuard Flight Training Center in the U.S. are able to pick their training location in either Arizona, Florida or Texas. AeroGuard campuses are placed across the U.S. in areas with ideal flight conditions, favorable weather and varying levels of airspace complexity to match your stage in training.
At a chosen AeroGuard location in the U.S., when you aren’t soaring the sky, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Florida beaches, Arizonan deserts or Texas’ Capital City to enjoy your time. Learn more about the different AeroGuard Campus Locations.
Success in the Program
AeroGuard’s Program is built to provide students with the knowledge needed for a successful career with the airlines in India. Students will earn their PPL, IR and Commercial certificate, developing and honing their skill as they move through the Program, whether it be the Commercial Pilot Single Engine or Commercial Pilot Multi-Engine path.
At AeroGuard, students are provided with ample resources to help them reach their goals.
To learn more about becoming an AeroGuard pilot, be sure to contact an International Program Coordinator now!