How to Become a Commercial Pilot in Nigeria

A pilot is a professional trained to operate aircraft. They don’t just fly planes; they also navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Becoming a commercial pilot is a thrilling and rewarding career path that offers unique opportunities, a lucrative salary and it is no surprise that it’s the dream job for many.

 The Pilot Dream: The dream of becoming a pilot often starts with a passion for aviation and the desire to fly. For many, it's about more than just the thrill of being in the air; it’s about mastering complex machinery and ensuring the safety of others.

According to Boeing’s 2023-2042 Pilot and Technician Outlook, there will be a demand for 649,000 new commercial pilots over the next 20 years. This high demand makes it an excellent time to pursue a career in aviation.

According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , pilots must understand weather conditions, flight principles, and how to manage emergencies in the air.

Commercial pilots, in particular, transport passengers or cargo and are employed by airlines, charter companies, and other aviation organizations.

Many pilots start their careers as flight instructors, charter pilots, or in other entry-level positions to accumulate hours and gain more practical experience. Gaining experience often involves seeking employment with various airlines, networking within the aviation industry and seeking mentorship from accomplished pilots.

Anyone can become a pilot as long as they meet certain requirements.

Do you have the passion, dedication, and strength needed to achieve this pilot dream?

Are you willing to put in the required effort to achieve this dream career?

If yes, here are some basic eligibility criteria you should know about:

Passion for Flying: A love for aviation is crucial if you want to stay motivated.

Requirements to Become a Commercial Pilot in Nigeria

Age: You can start your training at 16 but you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a commercial pilot license and finish your training.

Education: A high school certificate (WAEC or NECO) is typically required. However, a university degree in aviation or a related field is optional but is not necessary to get a job in 99% of airlines.

Medical Fitness: You must pass a medical examination (typically a class 2 medical) ensuring you are physically and mentally fit to fly.

English Proficiency: Since English is the international language of aviation, proficiency in English language is essential.

Generally, a high school certificate [WAEC or NECO] is needed. Many pilots also pursue higher education in aviation later, but it is not necessary.

Medical Certification: You must pass a Class 1 Medical Certificate exam by an aviation medical examiner.

Flight Training: Completing training from an accredited flight school or aviation academy is essential.

Pilot License: Obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) first, then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), is necessary. Checkout available pilot licenses here.

Flight Experience: You will need to accumulate at least 200 hours of flight experience to get your CPL. You will acquire all these hours in flight school.

Choosing the wrong flight school can be the difference between you spending ₦20,000,000 and 1 year on your training instead of ₦40,000,000 and 2-3 years.

Enroll in Ground School: In flight school, you learn how to practically fly an airplane. Ground school is part of your training and is where you learn all the theoretical elements on how to fly an aircraft proficiently.

Ground school provides the foundational knowledge every pilot needs, covering aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems.

It's your must-do step to learn how to fly an airplane even before you go to flight school as it will enable you to get ahead, saving you time and money. It can be done online with a certified instructor.

Enrol in a Private Pilot License (PPL) Program: On your journey to becoming a commercial pilot, the first step at flight school is to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL).  This involves completing ground school and flight training with an instructor, followed by passing a written exam and a practical flight test. This stage of training focuses on the fundamentals and sets the foundation for more advanced certificates and ratings.

Become a Pilot In Nigeria, :

Obtain an Instrument Rating (IR): Obtaining an  instrument rating is essential for flying in different weather conditions and navigating solely using your instruments. This advanced training teaches you to rely on cockpit instruments rather than visual cues, expanding your flying capabilities. This is how pilots can fly effortlessly at night time or in bad weather without having to look outside to navigate visually. During this training, you'll learn to manage flights in low visibility and complex environments, enhancing your safety and proficiency. Completing an instrument rating is a significant step in becoming a well-rounded and capable pilot.

While you don’t always need a type rating to get a pilot job, having one can really boost your chances. Airlines often prefer to hire pilots who already have the type ratings for the planes they use because it saves them time and money on training. So, getting a type rating can make you stand out when you're applying for pilot jobs and help you get hired faster.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Commercial Pilot License?

The cost of becoming a commercial pilot can vary widely depending on the flight school, and type of training. In Nigeria on average, you can expect to spend anywhere between ₦18,000,000 to ₦33,750,000.

This includes: Flight School Tuition: Covers ground school, flight hours, instructor fees, accommodation, transportation, etc.

Examination Fees: Fees for written, oral, and practical exams.

Medical Examination: Cost of obtaining a Medical Certificate.

Miscellaneous Costs: Includes materials, uniforms, and equipment.

Some institutions offer financial aid, scholarships, and loans to help manage these costs.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot?

The time required to become a commercial pilot depends on various factors, including your training schedule and the type of program you choose.

On average, it takes about 18 to 24 months to complete the necessary training and accumulate the required flight hours.

if you decide to do your flight training abroad, there are a number of popular countries to choose from. Some of which include the UK, US, France, etc. Aviationfly.com is in contact with pilot training schools abroad that have trained a large number of Nigerian pilots for CPL. One important thing to note is that after your training in a pilot school abroad, you will have to convert your license to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority

The flight hours determine the pilot’s experience level, and their rank. A new pilot enters the industry as a Second Officer, then a First Officer (or copilot), Senior First Officer and finally Captain.  To become Captain, the pilot must have attained a minimum of 4,000 flight hours and a spotless record.

The pilot’s pay also depends on the airline they work with. Second Officers can earn between ₦2-₦5 million monthly, and this figure typically increases with type rating, flight hours and the airline. Usually, the more type ratings the pilot has, the more aircraft they’re cleared to fly, and the higher their earning potential is.

Get our practical training guide on how to become a Pilot. Whether you're captivated by the idea of commanding a commercial airliner or simply have a passion for aviation, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from understanding what a commercial pilot does to completing the required training and obtaining your license in Nigeria.

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