How to Get Aircraft Type Rating in India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Aircraft type rating India isn’t just another aviation course—it’s the certification that determines what cockpit you’re allowed to sit in. For a freshly minted CPL holder, this is where theory ends and aircraft-specific reality begins.

Whether you’re targeting a domestic First Officer seat or planning to apply abroad, your license alone won’t qualify you to fly commercial jets. Airlines need pilots who are type-rated on specific aircraft like the A320 or B737—and that rating must be officially endorsed by DGCA.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the real process: how to prepare, when to enroll, which format to choose, and what to expect once you’re rated. No fluff—just a clear path to making your license airline-ready.

Aircraft Type Rating India – Independent vs. Cadet-Program Route

When it comes to getting your aircraft type rating India, there are two major paths: join an airline’s cadet program or fund the training independently.

Cadet programs often include the type rating bundled with the CPL course and come with a conditional job offer—provided you pass all phases. These are backed by airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express but are highly competitive and require early commitment.

On the other hand, independent type rating gives you more flexibility. You choose your aircraft, training provider, and timeline. It’s the preferred route for pilots who already hold a CPL and want to prepare for the job market quickly—especially if they didn’t get into a cadet program.

Quick tip: If you’re already licensed and job-ready, going independent can fast-track your airline applications. Just make sure you align your aircraft choice with current hiring trends.

Prerequisites for Aircraft Type Rating India

Before you enroll in any aircraft type rating course in India, you’ll need to tick a few boxes—some mandatory, others highly recommended:

A valid DGCA-issued CPL, or a foreign CPL converted to Indian standards
A current Class 1 DGCA Medical Certificate (must be valid through training)
While not always compulsory, most training institutes prefer you have an Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER)
Some programs include aptitude screening or simulator assessments before confirming your admission—especially if bundled with job assistance

Keep your documents ready, especially your logbook, exam results, medical history, and license verification if you trained abroad.

When Is the Right Time to Begin Aircraft Type Rating India?

Timing your aircraft type rating in India is just as important as choosing the aircraft. Go too early, and you risk wasting money. Go too late, and you might struggle with sim currency or miss hiring windows.

The ideal window is between 6 to 12 months after completing your CPL. This allows you enough time to polish your ground knowledge, build confidence, and monitor airline job trends—without letting your paperwork or sim readiness expire.

Starting too soon, especially before airline hiring picks up, can lead to:

A valid rating but no job opportunities
Risk of having to repeat simulator training to meet airline requirements
Expired endorsements by the time interviews arrive

On the flip side, waiting too long can be equally problematic:

Airlines often prioritize recently rated candidates (within the past 12 months)
Simulator skill declines if you’re not actively practicing
You may have to pay for additional sim refreshers

Think of your type rating as a timed asset—schedule it close enough to airline hiring cycles to make it count.

Choosing the Right Aircraft Type Rating in India

Every aircraft you can get rated on comes with a different career path. So instead of asking “Which jet is popular?”, ask “Which one fits my hiring target?”

Here’s how to make the right match:

Airbus A320: The most in-demand rating in India. IndiGo, AirAsia, Vistara, Akasa, and Air India all use A320 family jets. If your goal is to get placed in a domestic carrier quickly, this is your best bet.

Boeing 737 NG/MAX: Ideal if you’re eyeing international airlines like FlyDubai, Ryanair, or Air India Express. It’s slightly less common in India but opens broader opportunities abroad.

ATR 72-600: A solid option for those looking to enter regional or charter flying quickly. Ratings are cheaper, and operators like Alliance Air or FlyBig hire fresh CPL + ATR pilots for turboprop routes.

How to choose:

Base it on airline alignment (which carriers are hiring for which fleet)
Consider budget—type rating costs vary depending on aircraft and location
Look at job conversion rates—how many graduates land FO interviews after training

If you’re not sure where to start, look at current job listings and see what aircraft types they’re hiring for. Then match your rating accordingly.

Modular vs Integrated Type Rating India

When selecting a program for aircraft type rating India, most pilots are offered two formats: modular and integrated. Both lead to the same certification, but the structure, flexibility, and value can be quite different.

Modular Training

In this format, each phase is paid and completed separately:

Ground school
Simulator sessions (usually 30–40 hours)
License Skill Test (LST)
DGCA documentation and endorsement
This format is often more flexible and slightly less expensive upfront, but requires careful planning to ensure you stay within recency limits and don’t miss simulator slots.

Integrated Type Rating

These programs are all-inclusive and typically offered as fixed-duration packages. They often come with:

CRM (Crew Resource Management)
UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
MCC (Multi-Crew Coordination)
Briefing kits and mock interview support
Some even offer line training tie-ins or conditional job assistance. While the cost is higher, integrated formats are popular among airline-bound candidates who want structure and faster transitions to employment.

Choose modular if you’re budget-conscious and flexible. Go integrated if you want a streamlined, airline-style experience.

Budgeting for Aircraft Type Rating in India

The cost of an aircraft type rating India is more than just the headline number. What looks like ₹22–₹30 lakhs on paper can shift significantly depending on what’s included—and what’s not.

Here’s a breakdown to help you compare modular vs integrated training packages, and avoid unexpected expenses:

Cost Component	Included in Modular?	Included in Integrated?	Estimated Cost (INR)
Ground School (Theory + Tech)	✅	✅	₹1.5 – ₹2 lakhs
Full Flight Simulator (30–40h)	✅	✅	₹10 – ₹14 lakhs
LST (License Skill Test)	🔁 Optional Add-on	✅	₹1 – ₹1.5 lakhs
MCC + CRM Training	❌ Often Extra	✅ Usually Included	₹1 – ₹2 lakhs
UPRT (if required by airline)	❌ Optional	✅ Sometimes Included	₹75,000 – ₹1.25 lakh
Accommodation & Meals	❌ Extra	🔁 Sometimes Included	₹1 – ₹2 lakhs
Simulator Briefings & Debriefs	🔁 Limited Hours	✅ Unlimited/Flat Hours	₹30,000 – ₹75,000
DGCA Endorsement & Fees	❌ Pay Separately	✅ Included	₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
TOTAL ESTIMATED PACKAGE COST	Varies by items selected	One-time bundled payment	₹22 – ₹30+ lakhs

Modular gives you control over cost and scheduling—but adds complexity. Integrated makes things simpler, but always confirm what’s bundled in writing.

Also, don’t forget to ask about:

EMI options or student loan tie-ups
Refund policies for program delays or exam failures
Simulator slot rescheduling penalties

DGCA Licensing & Endorsement: From Completion to Cockpit

Completing your aircraft type rating India is just the beginning. For it to be legally recognized, the DGCA must endorse the rating on your CPL. This final step is often underestimated—but it’s crucial for airline applications.

Here’s how it works:

LST (License Skill Test): This is your final checkride in a full flight simulator. It’s conducted by a DGCA-approved examiner and evaluates your handling of normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.

eGCA Submission: Once you pass the LST, your documents—training records, simulator logs, examiner report, and medical—must be uploaded to the eGCA portal under the license endorsement section.

Timeframe: On average, DGCA takes 2 to 4 weeks to process endorsements. However, delays are common if any documentation is missing or incorrectly formatted.

What Can Delay Approval?

Incomplete or illegible simulator logs
LST report errors (missing signatures, outdated forms)
Medical certificate not updated on eGCA
Non-standard file formats during upload

📎 Pro tip: Have your training provider assist with the submission—they usually know exactly how to package the documents for faster turnaround.

Post-Rating Strategy: Maximize the Value of Your Type Rating

Getting your aircraft type rating India doesn’t guarantee a job—but how you use the next 3–6 months can make the difference between being job-ready and jobless.

Here’s what smart-rated pilots focus on immediately after certification:

Maintain Simulator Currency

Airlines prefer candidates who’ve been active on their rated aircraft. If you’re idle too long, your sim skills decline—and interview readiness drops.

Consider monthly sim practice sessions (paid or refresher modules).

Apply Strategically

Target airlines that operate the exact aircraft you’re rated on—this increases your hireability. Check fleet requirements, current openings, and simulator test expectations.

Explore Line Training or Internship Paths

Some regional operators and training academies offer paid line training. Others may connect you with low-cost charter operators or private jets. It’s not always glamorous, but it builds hours and credibility.

Consider a Second Type Rating (Only If Strategic)

If you’re already rated on the A320 and see consistent B737 hiring, or you want international mobility, a second rating might make sense. But only pursue it if:

You’re financially ready
You’ve applied broadly with no traction
You plan to work abroad in a specific market

Focus less on adding more licenses—and more on turning your rating into cockpit time.

Conclusion: Your Aircraft Type Rating India Is More Than a Certificate

In aviation, timing and alignment matter as much as skill. Getting your aircraft type rating India is one of the most decisive steps you’ll take between earning your CPL and landing your first airline job.

But it’s not just a course—it’s a career lever. Done too early, it gathers dust. Done without strategy, it drains resources. Done right, it launches you into the seat you’ve worked for.

So don’t just chase the cheapest or fastest option. Choose a program that:

Trains you for the cockpit, not just the test
Prepares you for interviews, not just simulators
Helps you convert your license into paid flying hours

Ready to get airline-ready? Start with Florida Flyers Flight Academy India—a DGCA-approved school offering CPL, career-aligned type rating pathways, and post-training guidance built for real pilot careers.

FAQs: Aircraft Type Rating India

Question	Answer
Should I wait for cadet program results before starting type rating?	Yes—unless you’re sure you’re not selected. Starting early may waste time or money.
Can I use a foreign type rating for airline jobs in India?	Yes, but it must be endorsed by DGCA and recognized under ICAO standards.
How recent must my type rating be to get hired?	Ideally within 6–12 months. Airlines often prefer candidates with recent sim exposure.
What happens if I fail the LST?	You can retake it, but you’ll pay extra for the simulator and examiner slot.
Do airlines provide type rating after hiring?	Rarely. Most Indian airlines expect candidates to be type rated before applying.
Can I apply for international jobs with an Indian type rating?	Yes, but the rating must be ICAO-compliant and you may need a local conversion.
Is a second type rating worth it?	Only if it aligns with hiring demand or opens doors in specific regions or airlines.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at 91 (0) 1171 816622 to learn more about the Private Pilot Ground School Course.