The aviation industry in India is on the rise, and many aspiring individuals dream of a career in this field. However, with the increasing demand for professionals in the Indian aviation industry, it is essential to be informed about the basics before making a career choice. Joining the aviation industry in India involves more than just a passion for flying; It requires determination, skills, and industry knowledge.
This industry in India offers exciting opportunities for growth, lucrative salaries, and the thrill of being a part of it. However, aspiring individuals must know the necessary qualifications, training, and various roles in the aviation industry to compete with other potential candidates.
Before deciding on a profession in aviation, it is essential to know the most recent industry developments, the laws and regulations, and the opportunities. This article will help you to gather all the insights.
Training and Education Requirements to Join Aviation Industry in India
The industry needs a trained workforce for a wide range of occupations, including pilots, air traffic control, cabin crew, maintenance engineers, and many other areas.
Due to strict regulations, all professionals must complete training and educational requirements. Therefore, although many people desire this career, not all succeed.
Now in the following, we will outline the training and academic requirements for working in India’s aviation sector.
1. Education Requirements
The minimum educational qualification required to join the Indian aviation industry is a 10+2 or equivalent certificate, with physics and mathematics as compulsory subjects. A degree in a related field, such as aerospace engineering, aviation management, or aircraft maintenance engineering, is beneficial for some professions.
Many airlines and airports offer on-the-job training for non-technical roles, such as cabin crew, where they have to know how to Become a Flight Attendant in India, ticketing, and ground staff.
2. Technical Training
A specialized training program is essential for technical roles, such as pilots, maintenance engineers, and air traffic controllers. For instance, a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is mandatory to become a commercial pilot.
The CPL training program covers subjects such as air regulations, navigation, meteorology, and principles of flight. It also includes practical training on simulators and actual aircraft. Similarly, aircraft maintenance engineering (AME) is a three-year program that trains students in various aspects of aircraft maintenance, including airframe, engine, and avionics systems.
3. Non-Technical Training
Non-technical roles in the aviation industry, such as cabin crew, ticketing, and ground staff, require a different type of training. For instance, cabin crew training covers emergency procedures, customer service, first aid, and grooming. Similarly, ticketing and ground staff training include airport operations, passenger handling, and cargo handling.
4. Soft Skills Training
Apart from technical and non-technical training, soft skills training is also essential for the aviation industry. Communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, and leadership are some of the critical soft skills required for most roles in the industry. As a result, many airlines and airports provide soft skills training to their employees to enhance their performance and productivity.
5. Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is crucial for roles that require communication with passengers, air traffic controllers, or other professionals. Therefore, fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for most roles in the aviation industry.
For instance, pilots and air traffic controllers must achieve a minimum proficiency in English, per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Similarly, cabin crew and ground staff must have excellent communication skills in English and other local languages.
6. Licensing and Certifications
The aviation industry in India is highly regulated, and licensing and certifications are mandatory for most roles. For example, pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers must hold a valid license issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Cabin crew and ground staff must possess relevant certifications, such as the Certificate of In-flight Services or the Airport Operations Certificate.
7. Continuing Education and Training
Continuing education and training are vital for professionals in the aviation industry. The industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies and regulations require professionals to regularly update their knowledge and skills.
Many airlines and airports offer ongoing training programs to their employees to keep them updated with the latest developments in the industry.
The aviation industry in India requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Training and education requirements vary for different roles, and aspirants must know the specific requirements before choosing a career in the industry.
Technical training, non-technical training, soft skills training, language proficiency, licensing, and continuing education are some of the crucial requirements for joining the aviation industry in India. By fulfilling these requirements, aspirants can start a promising and rewarding career in the aviation industry. The degrees appreciated by the aviation industry are listed below-
1. BBA in Airport Management (3-4 years undergraduate program)
2. Commercial Pilot Training (Required for commercial pilot license)
3. Diploma in cabin crew training, ground staff training, and aviation hospitality
4. BSC in aviation (Undergraduate program)
5. Aeronautical Engineering (Undergraduate and postgraduate programs)
6. Aircraft maintenance engineering
7. Diploma in ticketing management
Preferable Jobs that Are Available in Indian Aviation
With the rapid growth in Indian aviation also comes many job opportunities. From flying commercial planes to managing airport operations, the aviation industry offers various roles for aspirants.
Whether it’s ground staff or pilots, the industry requires a diverse range of professionals to function effectively. Here are some of the jobs available in the Indian aviation industry:
1. Pilot
Pilots are undoubtedly the most well-known job in the aviation industry. To become a pilot, one must complete the necessary training and certifications from recognized institutes in India or abroad.
Commercial airline pilots are responsible for flying passengers and cargo to their destinations while ensuring safety.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are critical in ensuring planes take off and land safely. They communicate with pilots, issue flight clearances, and monitor the airspace for potential conflicts. The job requires excellent communication skills, quick thinking, and decision-making.
3. Ground Staff
The ground staff is responsible for airport operations such as baggage handling, check-in, security, and customer service. These jobs require good interpersonal skills, physical fitness, and a positive attitude toward customer service.
4. Cabin Crew
Cabin crew, also known as flight attendants, are responsible for ensuring passengers’ safety, comfort, and well-being during a flight. To become a flight attendant in India, one must have completed a 10+2 education and be fluent in English and Hindi. In addition, they should possess excellent communication skills, a pleasing personality, and be physically fit.
Aspiring flight attendants must attend a training program from an aviation training institute or an airline. The training includes safety and security procedures, customer service, and emergency medical training. After completing the training, one can apply for flight attendant positions at different airlines.
5. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Aircraft maintenance engineers ensure that the aircraft is in top condition and safe to fly. They carry out scheduled maintenance, repairs, and inspections of the aircraft. To become an aircraft maintenance engineer, one must complete the necessary training and certifications from recognized institutes in India.
6. Aircraft Dispatcher
Aircraft dispatchers are responsible for creating flight plans and ensuring the aircraft is ready for takeoff. They work closely with the pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground staff to ensure a safe and smooth flight.
7. Aviation Management
Aviation management involves managing the operations of an airport, airline, or aviation-related organization. This job requires excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
8. Flight Simulator Technician
Flight simulator technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing flight simulators used for training pilots. They work closely with the training staff to ensure that the simulators are in top condition.
9. Airport Operations Manager
Airport operations managers oversee an airport’s day-to-day operations, including security, facilities management, and customer service. This job requires excellent organizational and management skills.
Recently, India has also become the first country in Asia and the third in the world to receive amazon’s air cargo service. Although not a part of the aviation industry, this is still a lucrative opportunity. Currently, they are hiring project managers, area managers, and SDEs.
10. Airline Revenue Manager
Airline revenue managers are responsible for maximizing the revenue generated by an airline. They work closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop pricing strategies and manage inventory levels.
Final Thoughts
The Indian aviation industry offers many job opportunities, from pilots to ground staff and engineers to air traffic controllers. These jobs require different skill sets and educational qualifications.
To pursue a career in aviation, one must identify their interests and strengths and choose a job that suits them best. With the industry’s growth, the demand for skilled professionals is rising, making it a promising career option for the youth.
