Pilot Training Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Aircraft Type Rating
Everything Every Commercial Pilot Must Know Before Joining an Airline (India 2026)
Obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is a major milestone—but it is not the final step toward becoming an airline pilot. Before you can operate a large commercial aircraft such as an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, you must complete an Aircraft Type Rating.
Think of it like this:
- CPL = Driving Licence
- Type Rating = Learning to drive a specific vehicle (e.g., a bus or truck)
A CPL allows you to fly many aircraft within the privileges of your licence, but an airline requires additional training on the exact aircraft type in its fleet.
What is a Type Rating?
A Type Rating is a specialised training programme that qualifies a pilot to operate a specific aircraft type safely and efficiently.
For example:
- Airbus A320 Family
- Boeing 737 NG/MAX
- ATR 72
- Embraer E170/E190
- Boeing 777
- Airbus A350
- Airbus A330
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Each aircraft has different:
- Cockpit layout
- Flight management system (FMS)
- Engines
- Automation
- Emergency procedures
- Operating limitations
- Flight characteristics
Therefore, pilots require separate certification for each aircraft type.
Why is Type Rating Required?
Large transport aircraft are highly complex.
A type-rated pilot must know:
✅ Aircraft systems
✅ Electrical systems
✅ Hydraulic systems
✅ Fuel systems
✅ Pressurisation
✅ Flight Management Computer (FMC)
✅ Autopilot
✅ Flight Directors
✅ Performance calculations
✅ Emergency handling
✅ Abnormal procedures
Which Aircraft Need Type Rating?
| Aircraft | Type Rating Required? |
|---|---|
| Cessna 152 | ❌ No |
| Cessna 172 | ❌ No |
| Diamond DA40 | ❌ No |
| Piper PA-28 | ❌ No |
| Airbus A320 Family | ✅ Yes |
| Boeing 737 | ✅ Yes |
| ATR 72 | ✅ Yes |
| Boeing 777 | ✅ Yes |
| Boeing 787 | ✅ Yes |
| Airbus A350 | ✅ Yes |
When Do You Need a Type Rating?
Typical sequence:
Class 12
│
DGCA Exams
│
CPL
│
Multi Engine Rating
│
Instrument Rating
│
Type Rating
│
Airline Line Training
│
First OfficerIs Type Rating Included in CPL?
No.
A CPL course normally includes:
- Ground School
- Flying Training
- Instrument Rating
- Multi Engine Rating
Type Rating is generally a separate programme.
Most Common Type Ratings in India
Airbus A320 Family
Used by:
- IndiGo
- Air India Express
- Air India (part of the fleet)
- Akasa Air (B737 fleet, not A320)
- Several international airlines
Boeing 737
Used by:
- Akasa Air
- SpiceJet
- Many international airlines
ATR 72
Used by:
- Alliance Air
- IndiGo (regional operations through partners in some contexts)
- Several regional airlines worldwide
What Do You Learn?
Phase 1 – Technical Ground School
Usually 3–5 weeks
Subjects include:
- Aircraft systems
- Electrical
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Fuel
- Air Conditioning
- Engines
- Landing Gear
- Flight Controls
- Flight Management System
- Performance
- Weight & Balance
- Limitations
- SOPs
Phase 2 – Computer Based Training (CBT)
Interactive training covering:
- Cockpit familiarisation
- Aircraft systems
- Normal procedures
- Emergency procedures
Phase 3 – Fixed Base Simulator
Students learn:
- Cockpit layout
- Switch locations
- Checklist procedures
- FMS programming
- SOP flows
Phase 4 – Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
The most important phases
Students practise:
- Engine failure
- Fire
- Hydraulic failure
- Electrical failure
- Windshear
- Stall recovery
- Rejected Take-Off
- Emergency landing
- CAT II/III approaches
- Go-around
- Single-engine operations
These sessions are conducted in Level D Full Flight Simulators, which replicate real aircraft behaviour.
Phase 5 – Skill Test
Conducted by an approved examiner.
The pilot demonstrates competency in:
- Normal operations
- Abnormal procedures
- Emergencies
- CRM
- SOP compliance
Duration
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Ground School | 3–5 weeks |
| CBT | 1–2 weeks |
| Fixed Simulator | 1 week |
| Full Flight Simulator | 2–3 weeks |
| Skill Test | 1–2 days |
Total Duration
6–10 weeks
Approximate Cost (2026)
| Aircraft | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | ₹18–30 lakh |
| Boeing 737 NG/MAX | ₹20–32 lakh |
| ATR 72 | ₹12–20 lakh |
| Embraer E-Jet | ₹18–28 lakh |
The fee usually depends on:
- Training organisation
- Simulator location
- Aircraft type
- Number of simulator sessions
- Whether accommodation is included
Is Type Rating Worth ₹20–30 Lakhs?
Yes—but timing matters.
A Type Rating is valuable only if you have a realistic pathway to airline recruitment. Completing one without a hiring opportunity may mean your qualification begins ageing before you can use it, and recurrent training or additional checks may later be required.
Who Pays for Type Rating?
Different airlines follow different models:
1. Airline Sponsored
The airline pays the full cost.
2. Self Sponsored
The pilot pays.
Most common in India.
3. Bond Model
The airline arranges training.
The pilot signs a service agreement for a specified period.
4. Cost Sharing
The airline and pilot share expenses.
Documents Required
- Valid CPL
- Multi Engine Rating
- Instrument Rating
- Valid DGCA Class 1 Medical
- Passport
- RTR(A) (if applicable)
- English Language Proficiency
- Logbook
Can I Do Type Rating Abroad?
Yes.
Many pilots complete type ratings in:
- India
- UAE
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Turkey
- Spain
However, ensure the training organisation and course meet DGCA acceptance requirements if you intend to fly in India.
After Type Rating
You are not immediately a fully operational airline pilot.
You normally complete:
- Airline induction
- SOP training
- CRM
- Safety & emergency procedures
- Base training (aircraft take-offs and landings)
- Supervised Line Flying (SLF)
- Line check
Only after successfully completing these stages are pilots released for normal line operations.
Common Myths
❌ “After CPL, I can fly an Airbus.”
False.
You need a Type Rating.
❌ “One Type Rating covers every aircraft.”
False.
Each aircraft family requires its own rating.
❌ “Every airline gives free Type Rating.”
False.
Many Indian airlines expect pilots to self-fund or follow a cost-sharing model.
❌ “After Type Rating, I immediately become a Captain.”
False.
You join as a Junior First Officer or First Officer and progress based on experience, performance, and airline requirements.
Which Type Rating Should I Choose?
Generally:
Airbus A320
Best if targeting airlines operating the A320 family.
Boeing 737
Suitable if targeting airlines operating the B737 fleet.
ATR 72
Ideal for regional airline operations.
The “best” choice depends on the airline(s) you intend to apply to, rather than the aircraft alone.
Pilot18 Expert Advice
Avoid paying ₹20–30 lakh for a Type Rating without first understanding current airline hiring trends, eligibility criteria, and aircraft fleet requirements.
At Pilot18, we help students:
- Choose the right training pathway
- Compare airline requirements
- Understand when to pursue a Type Rating
- Evaluate training organisations
- Plan finances effectively
- Prepare for airline interviews and simulator assessments
📞 Need Guidance?
Pilot18 Pilot Training Academy
We provide complete guidance on:
- ✅ CPL to Airline Roadmap
- ✅ Type Rating Planning
- ✅ Airline Selection
- ✅ Airline Interview Preparation
- ✅ Simulator Assessment Preparation
- ✅ DGCA Career Guidance
- ✅ India & Abroad Pilot Career Counselling
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