Exit Row Seating

Introduction

Most of us are familiar with the emergency exit seats which is also called as the exit row seating in Aviation. As common passengers, we often request for the exit row seating for its space and comfort, but let me tell you it’s way more important than that. The CAR SECTION 8 – AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SERIES ‘O’ PART VIII ISSUE I, 16th August 2017, Section 5A of Aircraft Act 1934 and Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules 1937 state the requirements to be followed by the operators for exit row seating.

The definition of exit row seating goes as follows:
Each seat having direct access to an exit i.e. a seat from which a passenger can proceed directly to the exit without entering an aisle or passing around an obstruction.

Continue reading Exit Row Seating

The Student Pilot License SPL

Introduction

When I started into aviation, the first step I took is to do my medicals. But a prerequisite before starting your flying training is to get your student pilot license.

I still remember my Student pilot license interview, in which my chief flying instructor, ground instructor, and a representative from DGCA was present. I was sweating profusely even with the air conditioning set at 19 degrees. However it went, you can read my experience in detail here.

Continue reading The Student Pilot License SPL

Class 1 medical initial/renewal tests

Close up of an airplane pilot equipment epaluetes with doctor’s stethoscope, forms, medical and pilot certificate. Conceptual image of medical exam.
INTRODUCTION

The first step towards becoming a pilot is your medical. Unless you don’t clear your medical, there isn’t any point in taking any steps further. So first comes your class 2 medical and then class 1. The Class-1 Renewal medical is usually done within one day. The Class-1 Initial Medical may take up to 3 days and class 2 might take upto 2-3 days as well. In this section we will be reading about the tests taken during your class 1 medical initial and renewal and also its validity.

Continue reading Class 1 medical initial/renewal tests

Helicopter pilot- DGCA Detailed syllabus

Helicopter pilot

Introduction

So you have decided a life of adventure and fun. You have decided to become a helicopter pilot. But, let it be in case of airplanes or helicopters, becoming a pilot is expensive. As I keep saying, research extremely well before you jump in, as every wrong step can prove very expensive. So let’s have a look at the requirements and detailed flying syllabus to become a helicopter pilot.

Continue reading Helicopter pilot- DGCA Detailed syllabus

5 Questions you should ask before joining flying school

Flying school
Introduction

So you have pinpointed a flying school and the reviews on google are great. Their website seems legitimate and the schools initial interaction with you is good as well. But still there are a few questions you need to ask the flying school before you pay the initial fee and join. Let’s look at a few of them.

Continue reading 5 Questions you should ask before joining flying school

How to become a flight instructor in India

Flight instructor
Introduction

In India, being a flight instructor is not a very common profession, but abroad, this is how many pilots start their careers. In India, this profession is generally practiced by majority of the airforce, army and naval veterans, but I’m here to tell you, that anyone can make it. Though you will have to spend some more money to get this done, but if you like teaching and flying, this might be your dream profession.

Continue reading How to become a flight instructor in India

Flying training hour requirements for CPL DGCA

Introduction

Any student who is going abroad for flying training, knows that he or she needs 200 hours of flying training to get a Commercial pilot license. But where they get stuck is when they don’t have an idea of how to fly these 200 hours and make the most out of it. How many PIC, Dual, Cross country hours is needed is always a doubt. The diagram below taken from the dgca website gives a good idea about the documents and the hours needed while doing your CPL but I still think there’s a need to elaborate further.Let’s have a look after you glance through the diagram below.

Continue reading Flying training hour requirements for CPL DGCA

How to become a Seaplane pilot in India

Seaplane
Introduction

Seaplanes are widely used around the world, but in India, it hasn’t been able to see much light. However, the government of India is planning to bring seaplanes to the spotlight. A few years back I read the news, “Modi govt plans over 100 routes for seaplane services: Civil aviation and waterways ministries have signed MoU to develop seaplane services. At least 28 routes awarded so far under UDAN scheme & bids are under evaluation for 78 more.”

Continue reading How to become a Seaplane pilot in India

What is flying in VFR and IFR as per DGCA

Introduction

When you think of flying, you often imagine a pilot sitting in a cockpit transfixed onto multiple instruments. In most cases this is true, but it’s not always the case. When it comes to flying there are two major rules. Your whole career as a pilot will revolve around these rules.

Continue reading What is flying in VFR and IFR as per DGCA

A normal flight

Flight

Introduction

Let me take you through a normal sortie in case of a helicopter pilot flying in India. I’m talking about the flight I did this morning. The route is between Cochin International Airport(VOCI) to Kavaratti via Androth . Let me tell you, Kavaratti and Androth are two islands of Lakshwadweep which is off the south western coast of India. To be more precise,Kavaratti is on a radial of 278 degrees and distance of 225 nm from VOCI and Androth is on a radial of 286 degrees and distance of 165 nm from VOCI. So now you know the route and where we are going. Departure time this morning was 1100. So hop on and enjoy the flight.

Continue reading A normal flight