# Charlie Foxtrot Aviation Academy > DGCA CPL and ATPL ground school, RTR(A) and airline cadet programme preparation in New Delhi, India, beside IGI Airport. Batches run in the classroom, live online and hybrid; every class is recorded for students. - Address: Plot 17/18, Khasra No. 439, Shahbad Mohammadpur, South West Delhi – 110061 - Phone: +91 11-47557023 - Email: info@charliefoxtrotacademy.com - Hours: Mon–Sat · 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM ## DGCA Ground Classes - [CPL Ground Classes · Combo](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/cpl-ground-classes-combo/): All CPL subjects in one batch (8–12 months, ₹240,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Air Navigation](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/air-navigation/): General & radio navigation (2 months, ₹70,800, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Aviation Meteorology](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/aviation-meteorology/): Weather & synoptic charts (1 month, ₹35,400, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Air Regulations](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/air-regulations/): CARs & ICAO Annexes (1 month, ₹47,200, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Technical General & Aircraft Systems](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/technical-general-aircraft-systems/): Aircraft & engines (2 months, ₹70,800, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Technical Specific (Type Specific Aircraft)](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/technical-specific-type-specific-aircraft/): Type-specific aircraft (2 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [RTR(A) Part 1](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/rtra-part-1/): Radio telephony · written (45 days, ₹30,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [RTR(A) Part 2](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/rtra-part-2/): Radio telephony · practical (15–20 days, ₹30,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) ## Airline Cadet Program (National & International) - [IndiGo Cadet Program Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/indigo-cadet-program-prep/): CAA / FTA / Skyborne / Marigold (15 days, ₹75,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Air India Cadet Program Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/air-india-cadet-program-prep/): Selection preparation (15 days, ₹75,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Akasa Air Cadet Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/akasa-air-cadet-prep/): Selection preparation (15 days, ₹50,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Flydubai Cadet Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/flydubai-cadet-prep/): International selection (15 days, ₹90,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Emirates Cadet Program Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/emirates-cadet-program-prep/): International selection (15 days, ₹90,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Singapore Airlines Cadet Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/singapore-airlines-cadet-prep/): International selection (15 days, ₹90,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Air Arabia Cadet Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/air-arabia-cadet-prep/): International selection (15 days, ₹90,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Qatar Airways Cadet Prep](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/qatar-airways-cadet-prep/): International selection (15 days, ₹90,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Airline Psychometric Assessment & GD/PI](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/airline-psychometric-assessment-gdpi/): Airline-specific assessment practice (5–7 days, ₹35,000, Hybrid (classroom + online)) ## Other Aviation Courses - [English Language Proficiency (ELP)](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/english-language-proficiency-elp/): ICAO level 4 / 5 / 6 (6 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Ground School](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/airline-transport-pilot-licence-atpl-ground-school/): DGCA ATPL papers (6 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Type Rating Preparation (A320 / B737)](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/type-rating-preparation-a320-b737/): Before your type rating (6 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medical Guidance](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/dgca-class-1-2-medical-guidance/): Medical process support (6 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) - [Airline Selection Preparation · CPL Holders](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/airline-selection-preparation-cpl-holders/): For licensed pilots applying to airlines (6 months, Hybrid (classroom + online)) ## Key pages - [All courses](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/): fees, durations and syllabus - [Upcoming batches](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/courses/batches/): start dates, mode and seats - [Admission](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/admission/): online application - [FAQ](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/faq/): eligibility, medicals, DGCA exams, cadet programmes - [Free study materials](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/free-materials/) - [Blog](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/): DGCA, cadet programme and industry updates ## Frequently asked questions ### What does commercial pilot training cost in India and the USA? It depends on the flying school, aircraft and timeline. Our counsellors give you a current, itemised comparison for India and abroad. ### Can I become a pilot after 12th? Yes. You can start DGCA ground classes straight after 12th if you studied Physics and Mathematics, and begin flying once you have a Class 2 medical and are at least 16. ### Which is the best flying school in India? The right school depends on your budget, timeline and the fleet you want to train on. We help you compare DGCA-approved schools in India and abroad. ### How do I become a cadet pilot with IndiGo or Air India? Apply when the airline opens its cadet programme and clear its selection stages: online tests, aptitude and psychometric assessment, and interviews. Our cadet prep courses train each stage. ### How do I get a DGCA computer number? Register on the DGCA eGCA portal with your 10+2 certificates, ID proof and medical details. We guide every student through it. ### Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses? Often yes. DGCA medical standards allow corrected vision within set limits. A DGCA medical examiner will confirm for your case. ### Are classes online, offline or both? Every batch runs in our classroom and live online at the same time, and every class is recorded in the student portal. Choose classroom, online or hybrid. ### How do I become a commercial pilot in India? Pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, get a DGCA Class 2 medical and a DGCA computer number, clear the DGCA theory papers (Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, Technical Specific) and RTR(A), complete about 200 hours of flight training at an approved flying school, and get a Class 1 medical. The DGCA then issues your CPL. Most airlines add a type rating, often through a cadet programme. ### What is the eligibility to become a pilot in India? You need 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (NIOS is accepted), a DGCA Class 2 medical to start flying and a Class 1 medical before the CPL is issued. The minimum age is 16 for a student pilot licence, 17 for a PPL and 18 for a CPL. ### Can commerce or arts students become pilots? Yes, by passing Physics and Mathematics through NIOS. The DGCA recommended in 2025 that the subject requirement be dropped, but the change applies only once the government notifies it. Check the current DGCA rules before you plan. ### How much does commercial pilot training cost in India? The total usually ranges from about ₹70 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, depending on the flying school, whether you train in India or abroad, and whether a type rating is included. DGCA ground classes are a small part of this. Ask every school for a written, all-inclusive breakdown. ### How long does it take to get a CPL in India? Usually two to three years in total: a few months to a year for DGCA papers, around 12–18 months of flight training, and time for licence issue. Clearing DGCA papers before or during flying avoids long waits at the end. ## Recent articles - [Cadet programme or self-sponsored CPL? How to choose in 2026](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/cadet-programme-vs-self-sponsored-cpl-2026/): An airline cadet programme links training to a specific airline and type rating, with selection before you train. A self-sponsored CPL gives more flexibility but no job link. In 2026 IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air all run cadet pathways, while total training costs commonly range from about ₹70 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. - [Pilot rest rules: DGCA extends FDTL relaxations to March 2027](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/fdtl-relaxation-extended-march-2027/): In October 2026 the DGCA extended temporary relaxations of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules from 31 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, the third extension. Airlines asked for more time citing fuel costs and crew shortages, while pilot federations want the relaxations withdrawn. The government has said no further exemptions will follow. - [Train in India or abroad? What 2026 data says about choosing where to fly](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/pilot-training-india-vs-abroad-2026/): In the first half of 2026, about 41% of new Indian CPLs went to pilots trained abroad. Training abroad can be faster, but requires DGCA licence conversion, while India is adding flying schools and ranking them. Either way, every Indian CPL holder must clear DGCA theory papers and RTR(A). - [Is India really short of pilots? What the 2026 numbers say](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/india-pilot-shortage-2026-analysis/): India issues around 1,300–1,650 commercial pilot licences a year, while Airbus forecasts the country's pilot requirement rising from about 12,000 to 35,000 by 2035. Experts argue the sharper shortage is of experienced captains rather than fresh first officers, so new CPL holders still compete hard for each opening. - [Can arts and commerce students become pilots in India? The 2026 position](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/arts-commerce-students-pilot-india-2026/): As of 2026, a DGCA commercial pilot licence still requires 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. The DGCA recommended in 2025 that arts and commerce students be allowed to train, but that change has to be notified by the government before it applies. Students without these subjects can currently qualify by passing Physics and Mathematics through NIOS. - [DGCA exams in 2026: regular sessions, on-demand exams and the Pariksha portal](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/dgca-exams-2026-regular-olode-pariksha/): DGCA pilot theory exams are computer-based. Candidates apply online and can sit papers in scheduled regular sessions or in On-Line On-Demand Examination (OLODE) sessions held between them. CPL candidates need Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Technical Specific, plus RTR(A), which the DGCA now conducts itself. - [IndiGo cadet intakes hit records in 2026](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/indigo-cadet-programme-record-intakes-2026/): IndiGo's cadet pilot partners reported their largest intakes in 2026. Chimes Aviation Academy inducted a record 74 cadets on 17 September 2026, and Skyborne announced 48 Letters of Intent signed for the IndiGo programme in October 2026. Both pathways lead towards an Airbus A320 first officer role, subject to completing training. - [DGCA sets the first training syllabus for gyroplane pilot licences](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/dgca-gyroplane-pilot-licence-syllabus/): In September 2026 the DGCA issued a new Civil Aviation Requirement, CAR Section 7, Series B, Part XXI, setting the ground and flying training syllabus for a pilot licence in the gyroplane category. It is India's first step towards allowing gyroplanes for uses such as joy-rides, aerial survey, crop spraying and surveillance. - [Andhra Pradesh opens its first flight training organisation in Kurnool](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/andhra-pradesh-first-fto-kurnool/): Andhra Pradesh's first Flight Training Organisation, Orient Flights Aviation Academy in Kurnool, was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in late September 2026. He said five more FTOs are planned in Kurnool, Rajahmundry and Kadapa as part of a wider aviation plan for the Rayalaseema region. - [DGCA audit flags serious findings at four airlines before the FAA's November review](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/dgca-audit-airlines-faa-iasa-review-2026/): DGCA audits completed in August 2026 found 'serious findings' at IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet, according to a September 2026 report. The audits came ahead of a five-member US FAA team's visit from 16 to 20 November 2026 to assess India's aviation safety oversight. India currently holds FAA Category 1 status. - [Airbus 2026 forecast: 42,060 new aircraft, and India's pilot need nearly triples](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/airbus-2026-forecast-india-pilot-demand/): Airbus's 2026 Global Market Forecast expects demand for 42,060 new passenger and freight aircraft by 2045, with traffic growing 3.9% a year. For India specifically, Airbus forecast earlier in 2026 that the commercial fleet will triple to about 2,250 aircraft by 2035 and the pilot requirement will rise from about 12,000 to 35,000. - [Air India's Amravati flying academy moves closer to training cadets](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/air-india-flying-academy-amravati-2026/): Air India's flying academy at Amravati, Maharashtra, received DGCA CAR-CAO approval on 5 August 2026 to maintain its training fleet of 34 aircraft. The academy can hold up to 180 cadets and plans a 200-hour CPL syllabus over about 18 months. As of August 2026 flight training had not yet begun. - [11 new flying schools approved to add 750 pilot cadets a year](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/11-new-ftos-750-cadets-2026/): On 5 August 2026 the Civil Aviation Minister awarded Letters of Intent for 11 new Flying Training Organisations at seven Airports Authority of India airports. They are expected to raise India's pilot training capacity by about 750 cadets a year. India already has 41 FTOs operating from 63 bases. - [Boeing's 2026 outlook: the world needs 674,000 new pilots by 2045](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/boeing-2026-outlook-674000-pilots-2045/): Boeing's 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook, published in July 2026, says commercial aviation will need 674,000 new pilots between 2026 and 2045. South Asia, which includes India, needs 48,000 of them and has the fastest forecast fleet growth of any region at 6.9% a year. - [India issued 1,331 commercial pilot licences in the first half of 2026](https://www.charliefoxtrotacademy.com/blog/india-cpl-issued-h1-2026/): India issued 1,331 commercial pilot licences (CPLs) between January and June 2026, according to a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. 791 went to pilots trained at Indian flying schools and 540, about 41%, to pilots trained abroad. India issued 1,652 CPLs in all of 2025.