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Type rating

A type rating is an add-on to your pilot licence for one specific aircraft, like the A320, B737 or ATR. Airlines need it. It is for CPL holders heading to the airlines.

Before you start

A CPL with Instrument Rating

Technical Specific (and Performance, if it applies)

Pass the DGCA paper, or the training organisation's own exam, before simulator training starts.

Source: CAR Section 7 Series B Part XIX (Endorsement training on aeroplanes)

What the course looks like

  1. 1Ground classes
  2. 2Full-flight simulator sessions
  3. 3Skill test with a different examiner
  4. 4Base training, before you use the rating
What the course involves
  • Ground training: 72 hours for jets (Type A) and turboprops over 5,700 kg (Type B), and 54 hours (or the aircraft maker's figure if higher) for other jets (Type C). Technical and performance only, with no home study credit.
  • Full-flight simulator: 8 sessions for Type A and B, 6 for Type C (or the maker's figure if higher). Each is at least 4 hours: 2 flying, 2 monitoring. At least 6 sessions must be on a Level D full-flight simulator. No more than one session in 24 hours.
  • MCC (multi-crew) training: 12 hours of theory, plus 20 hours in a simulator for Type A and C, or 12 for Type B.
  • UPRT (upset prevention and recovery): first type rating only. At least 5 hours of theory and instruction, including at least 2 hours flying with an instructor.
  • Skill test: day and night, with an examiner who did not train you. At least 2 hours in a Level D simulator.
  • Base training: aircraft familiarisation, done before you use the rating.
  • Time limit: the whole course must be finished within 45 working days of starting, unless DGCA approves otherwise.

Source: CAR Sec 7 Series B Part XIX, Issue II Rev 2 (Type A: A320, B737 and similar; Type B: ATR, Q400 and similar; Type C: other jets)

Source: CAR Section 7 Series B Part XIX

Where you do it

An ATO

An ATO is an approved training organisation, approved by DGCA. Or you can do it through an airline programme.
ATO directory: coming soon.

Source: CAR Section 7 Series D Part IV (ATOs for type rating); Part V (Airline Type Rating Programme)

Two ways to pay

Self-funded

You choose and pay for the type rating yourself.

Airline programme

Airline cadet or sponsored programmes.

Type rating from abroad?

Foreign type rating

It must be endorsed by DGCA on your Indian licence. The aircraft type must be registered in India.

Source: CAR Section 7 Series G Part I (Foreign licence conversion)

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