Is it good for future to join pilot training?

In India, the cost of training is between 25 to 40 Lacs. In US, it costs around 25 to 30 Lacs all included. For Airline job, you have to further do a type rating which costs an additional 16-24 lacs. (I did TR after getting the job, but I had to pay for it) So, yes it is expensive. Job opportunities come up with time but are very limited and highly competitive. There are about 100 airline openings for freshers a year in India and there are already 6000+ unemployed CPL holders with around 500+ type rated guys. The starting salary varies from 1 lakh to 2.5 Lacs per month in airlines. But, getting that opportunity takes time and a lot of effort. Even if you do all the right things, you might still be left out because of the market dynamics at play (airline industry in heavy losses). For example, jet airways conducted an exam for all CPL holders in 2011 Feb., then group discussions and interviews in 2013 and they are yet to give joining to all the students (had to stop fleet expansion because of losses). Students are still waiting for a call from them. These are beyond anyone's control and waiting for an airline job even after 4-years of clearing the entrance exam exacts a heavy toll financially. The banks don't have that much patience and you have to start to repay those high EMI's. Corporates hire only experienced people or those with military flying background. Regional aviation is still in its nascent stages in India. That leaves flying clubs, where the starting salaries can be abysmally low. Ground instructors being paid 5000 INR per month. For becoming a flying instructor, you have to do an additional training after CPL which costs additional time (6-9months) and money- 12 Lacs+. Even after which flying clubs offer a salary starting at only 25000 - 35000 INR per month. It is all demand and supply in the market, leading to these low wages. The only safe option would be to join Indigo Cadet Pilot Programme. You have a selection process after which selected cadets get a job contact with indigo. Yes, a airline job assurance before you even start flying. But, it is expensive at 36-40 Lacs for CPL and 21-22 Lacs for type rating. My advice: Before doing CPL, be financially prepared for the eventuality of a long wait for job. But, with time and effort, you can definitely make it to an airline. All the best.

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