Are you interested in becoming a pilot in Sri Lanka? Being a pilot is an exciting and rewarding career, but it requires dedication, hard work, and a lot of training. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about becoming a pilot in Sri Lanka.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you can become a pilot, you need to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. To become a commercial pilot in Sri Lanka, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have completed your A-Level examination with physics and mathematics as compulsory subjects or an equivalent qualification.
- Have a Class 1 medical certificate issued by a Civil Aviation Authority-approved medical examiner.
- Be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently.
Step 2: Choose a Flight School
Once you have determined that you are eligible to become a pilot, the next step is to choose a flight school. Several flight schools in Sri Lanka offer pilot training. It is important to choose a reputable flight school that is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
Some of the popular flight schools in Sri Lanka include:
- Sri Lankan Aviation College
- Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence
- International Aviation Academy of Sri Lanka
- When selecting a flight school, consider the following factors:
- The quality of training provided
- The cost of training
- The location of the flight school
- The facilities available
- The experience of the instructors
Step 3: Complete Your Pilot Training
After you have chosen a flight school, you can begin your pilot training. The training program will consist of both theoretical and practical components. The theoretical component will cover topics such as aerodynamics, aviation regulations, navigation, and meteorology.
The practical component will involve flight training where you will learn how to operate an aircraft. You will start with a small aircraft and gradually progress to a larger and more complex aircraft. You will also learn how to perform various maneuvers, such as takeoff, landing, and emergency procedures.
The duration of the pilot training program can vary depending on the flight school and the type of pilot license you are pursuing. Generally, it takes around 18 to 24 months to complete the training and obtain a commercial pilot license.
Step 4: Obtain Your License
Once you have completed your pilot training, you will need to obtain your pilot license. In Sri Lanka, there are three types of pilot licenses:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
The PPL allows you to fly for your own personal use, while the CPL and ATPL allow you to fly for commercial purposes. To obtain a pilot license, you will need to pass a series of exams and meet the minimum flight hours required by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Step 5: Gain Experience
After obtaining your pilot license, you will need to gain experience to progress in your career. You can start by working as a co-pilot for a commercial airline or charter company. This will allow you to gain more flying experience and learn from experienced pilots.
As you gain more experience, you can progress to more senior roles, such as a captain or training captain. You may also choose to specialize in a particular area, such as cargo or passenger flights.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in Sri Lanka is a challenging but rewarding career. It requires dedication, hard work, and a lot of training. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can start your journey toward becoming a pilot in Sri Lanka. Remember to choose a reputable flight school, work hard during your training, and gain as much experience as possible.