Dreaming of becoming a pilot? Captain Reena Varughese from Kerala shares insights on aviation careers

Captain Reena Varughese, a skilled helicopter pilot, recently made headlines for her courageous rescue of an injured army officer, who had sustained severe injuries during a Maoist attack in Maharashtra's Koparshi region. With few women in aviation, and even fewer flying helicopters, her achievement is especially notable.

Reena, originally from Konni in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, has been a helicopter pilot for 15 years. Working with Pawan Hans, a public sector helicopter company, she shares insights on the potential and challenges of the field in this interview.

Q. Is the job situation in India supportive of women pilots? How does it compare internationally?
A. India actually leads globally in the number of women pilots. Successive governments have supported this as part of women’s empowerment, and government-approved flying schools offer merit-based subsidies. Over the past decade, the sector has experienced significant growth, with job opportunities increasing in tandem with the economy. High-profile business figures have been on a purchasing spree of private helicopters.

In India, age limits apply to airline roles only and there are no such limitations for joining chartered airlines. However, awareness of helicopter piloting as a career remains low in Kerala.

Q. Who encouraged you to pursue this career?

A. I decided on this career path at a young age. Initially, my family suggested I choose the medical field, but once I stood firm on my career in aviation and began researching it, they started recognising the potential of the sector and offered me full support. The most important thing is to stay determined and self-motivated.

Q. The prohibitive cost of pilot training often keeps common people away from this sector. Do you have any suggestions to address this?

A. Yes, cost is a major factor. Earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL-A) can require about Rs.40 lakh, plus nearly the same amount for Aircraft Type Rating and Ground Course. Type Rating, a certification required by pilots from the aviation authority for training each type of aircraft, adds further expense. The cost of type rating for each type of aircraft or helicopter will incur additional expenditure. The cost of earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL-A) will be double this amount.

However, high salaries make this career very rewarding. Ideally, candidates can join a commercial pilot programme only after completing a graduate degree. They can also consider cadet pilot programmes offered by aviation companies. Since there are no age limits, some individuals save money by working in other fields before attending the training. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates applying for a license within five years of starting training. Otherwise, flying hours in one's credit will gradually expire, affecting employment eligibility. The tests are rigorous, so earning flying hours after passing exams is ideal.

Q. Could you share the differences in career paths and missions between helicopter and aircraft pilots?

A. Flying a helicopter is more adventurous than piloting an aeroplane. Helicopters are widely used for high-terrain missions. Private helicopters are primarily used by owners for personal and guest travel. However, charter companies hold contracts with state governments, oil companies, and others. Hence, helicopters are used in elections and for police support, among other critical operations.