We get asked a lot about how to become a pilot with SpiceJet. One possible route especially for aspiring pilots is through the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program and we have put together the information that we could find on this through this guide entitled, “How can I join the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program”.
Please note to always check with SpiceJet directly on the latest information on the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program including entry requirements and if the program is active and accepting applications.
As of June 2021, the official website for the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program is the Spice Star Academy website which provides detailed information and a brochure on the cadet program of SpiceJet. As SpiceJet has over 200 aircraft on order, the cadet pilot program aims not just to train new pilots but also provide them with an assured job at SpiceJet. Pilot ground training, as stated on the website, will be done in Gurgaon, India while flight training will be done with a SpiceJet affiliated Indian DGCA-approved Flight School with a fleet of 20 aircraft.
The cadet program of SpiceJet was established to:
- Have an airline cadet pilot program that is entirely managed by SpiceJet to get First Officers for the airline’s Q400 and Boeing B737 aircraft
- Provide the student pilots with the ability to get a Commercial Pilot License (from the Indian DGCA) and a type rating (advanced simulator training) for one of SpiceJet’s two aircraft types, Q400 or Boeing B737
- Provide enrollees with a ‘Letter of Intent’ which ensures them that a First Officer job will be offered by SpiceJet upon completion of the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program
The Spice Star Academy also offered the option to do the Cadet Pilot Program and combine it with either a BBA Degree or for graduate students who are enrolling in the cadet pilot program, the option to also get an MBA degree. These additional degree options will enhance the skill set of the student pilots and increase their chances of taking on Flight Operation management roles in the future.
How long does the SpiceJet Cadet Program take?
Approximately 30 months which can be broken down by the different stages:
- 2 months of classroom training in the Spice Star Academy in India;
- 9 months of flight training in a SpiceJet designated flying academy;
- 7 months of converting the US FAA Commercial Pilot License to Indian DGCA approved Commercial Pilot License;
- 5 months of SpiceJet Airline Pilot Induction training which is classroom-based training; and
- 7 months of advanced pilot simulator training (known as type rating).
SpiceJet Cadet Program training course overview
To give you an overview of how can you join the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program, we have gathered the below information.
The Cadet Program pilot training is done both in India and in the US and is done in 3 Stages:
- Stage 1 – Getting the Commercial Pilot License and Instrument Rating (Single Engine). First 2 months will be 140 hours of classroom teaching at Spice Star Academy in India followed by 9 months of flight training at a SpiceJet designated flight school where 200 hours of flight training will be done in line with the Indian DGCA requirements to get a Commercial Pilot License. It is important to note that the flight training of the SpiceJet Cadet Program does not include Multi-Engine flight training and obtaining a Multi-Engine Rating as SpiceJet does not have this as a specific requirement. Currently, the location or name of the SpiceJet designated flight school is not shown on the website but as the program mentions the conversion of a US FAA Commercial Pilot License to Indian DGCA pilot license it can then be assumed that the flight training will happen in a Flight School in the US. Conversion Stage – 7 months to convert a US FAA commercial pilot license to Indian DGCA approved commercial pilot license. This will involve theory classroom training, exams as well as flying a single-engine aircraft in India.
- Stage 2 – SpiceJet Airline Pilot Induction Training – 5 months of classroom training in India to learn the SpiceJet specific airline standards and procedures
- Stage 3 – Advanced Pilot Simulator Training (Type Rating) – 7 months of class room and simulator training to teach commercial pilots the specifics of flying a certain type of aircraft (for SpiceJet this being either the Q400 or Boeing 737)
Entry requirements for the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program
- Must be an Indian Citizen or an OCI (and have a valid Indian passport)
- Should be taller than 158cm
- Should be able to speak fluently and write in english
- Should have Higher Secondary (10+2) with a minimum score of 60% in English, Physics and Mathematics
- Must be medically fit to be able to pass the Class 2 Medical test of the Indian DGCA requirements
How old do I need to be to join the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program?
Between the age of 17 to 35 when enrolling in the airline cadet pilot program.
SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program application
Spice Star Academy follows a three-stage application process:
- Step 1 – Online Registration
Applicants must submit an application to https://apply.spicestaracademy.edu.in/pta but before they do ensure that they meet all the entry requirements. Submitting an application has a non-refundable cost of 10,000 rupee.
- Step 2 – Application Screening
The Team at Spice Star Academy will review the application and contact applications through email.
- Step 3 – Selection Process
Successful application candidates will be informed that they can proceed to the screening process. The SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program selection process test has a non-refundable cost of 25,000 rupees and involves 4 phases:
Phase 1 – Compass Test is a 90-minute multiple-choice test done on the computer which tests memory, mathematics, orientation, and task management.
Phase 2 – Complex Control Task (CCT) is a 10-minute test on a computer that has a special joystick and rudder pedal set connected which will test eye, hand and foot coordination to see if the applicant can fly an aircraft. Phase 2 will only need to be done upon the passing of phase 1 and there will be an introduction to the test.
Phase 3 – Psychometric Test which is a 60-minute analysis of personality and psychological suitability to become an airline pilot.
Phase 4 – Personal interview with a Spice Star Academy team member to check verbal communication skills and personality.
What is the cost of the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program?
The total cost (without the BBA/MBA degree option) is 90 Lac rupee (approximate US$120,000) which is paid across 4 instalments. Please note that there could be additional costs for additional flight training or accommodation requirements. The cost of the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program including the BBA/MBA degree option is an additional 2 lac rupee (US$2,600).
Are there SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Scholarships?
Yes – Spice Star Academy does provide information on possible scholarships for SpiceJet pilot training. It currently states that 10 scholarships are offered every year but that SpiceJet can withdraw or change the scholarship programme without any prior notice.
The current SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Scholarship is offered for two categories:
- Category 1: 96% and above aggregate marks in 10+2 examination in 3 subjects (Physics, Maths & English) or JEE Rank 1 to 1500 for which an applicant can apply for a possible scholarship of up 30 lakhs which is spread across the different installments.
- Category 2: 92% and above aggregate marks in 10+2 examination in 3 subjects (Physics, Maths & English) or JEE Rank 1500 to 3000 for which an applicant can apply for a possible scholarship of up 15 lakhs which is spread across the different installments.
What will be the SpiceJet Pilot Salary following the completion of the SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program?
For accurate information kindly contact SpiceJet directly. Estimate information found when doing an online search is that a SpiceJet pilot salary range between 2 to 5 lac rupee per month (US$2,000 to 5,000) per month (source: Google). Please note that this varies greatly depending on the experience the SpiceJet Pilot has whether or not it is a SpiceJet First Officer or SpiceJet Captain, and the type of aircraft that the pilot is flying.
SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Website
SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Brochure
Last Update: June 2021