From Cabin Crew to Pilot: How to Kickstart Your CPL Journey on Your Own

CPL is costly and financially draining. However, if you plan it well, you can do it on your own.

Hi, I am Sandhya, aka flyingbird, a former cabin crew executive who left a high-paying job to transition into a pilot. I’ve worked for 7 years with an airline and have saved quite a few bucks. I’m going to do it on my own as much as possible. Now, I know many cabin crew members dream of transitioning from the cabin to the cockpit. If you're one of them, the good news is that you can start your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training independently, without airline sponsorship.

Set Your Goal and Research Requirements

Before diving in, understand the eligibility criteria for a CPL in your country. Generally, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics
• Pass a Class 1 Medical Examination

After this, apply for a computer number. Now, once everything is done, start your ground preparation to understand it better, as being early never hurts anyone.

In CPL, you have to pass Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and RTR.

While a lot of information will be new to you. You can start your preparation from the Air Regulations or the Air Law. Do you want to know WHY?

Because it will be quite familiar and will boost your confidence initially, which is much needed. It will have all those AVSEC security topics with advanced knowledge. Hence, it is easy to follow through.

In the next article, I’ll share the hacks through which you can remember annexures easily.

I hope it’ll be helpful to you.