The pay is between Rs 37,244 a month (for a Flying Officer) and Rs 75,081 (for an Air Commodore). There are five rungs in between, and there is a big jump in pay, about Rs 18,000, from Squadron Leader to Wing Commander. These are the gross monthly emoluments, including allowances. Over and above this, pilots earn flying pay of Rs 9,000-Rs 14,000 pm, depending on rank. They are also entitled to accommodation, insurance cover, medical facilities and loans to buy house, car and computer.

• 7.30 am: Mission briefing
• 8.30 am: Breakfast
• 9 am: Check meteorological forecasts and current weather with the ATC (air
• traffic control) and signals
• 9.30 am: Check the aircraft and carry out administrative and operational requirements
• of the mission
• 11 am: Leave for ‘mission’ — in this case, a mock combat organised as part of an
• IAF ‘exercise’
• 11.30 am: Follow up with colleagues on radio for status check
• Noon-2 pm: Carry out flying exercises
• 3 pm: Post-landing checks and formalities
• 5 pm: Fly back
• 6 pm: Spend time with ‘buddies’ in the mess

• You must display a high order of team spirit and the ability to co-ordinate.
• You should also learn to be independent as there might be a hundred situations when you cannot bank on anyone.
• Technical acumen as engineering aspects must be learnt before flying an aircraft. 
• Ability to handle challenges and make split-second decisions under pressure. 
• Leadership qualities, as an officer handles a team that needs to remain motivated at all times.

• You are one of the safeguards of the nation
• You live an exciting life and get to handle beautiful flying machines
• A great lifestyle, thanks to clubs and numerous sports facilities at IAF bases
• Even after joining the IAF as an officer, you will not get a chance to fly until you
• qualify in some key examinations

There are four entry points to become an IAF pilot — three in permanent commission and one in temporary commission. These are:
 

• NDA (National Defence Academy): Meant for 10+2 candidates who have studied physics and maths at 10+2 level
• CDSE (Combined Defence Services Exam): For graduates who studied physics and maths at 10+2 level
• NCC entry: Open only to first-class graduates who studied physics and maths at 10+2 level and who possess senior division air wing NCC ‘C’ certificate
• Short-service commission entry: Open to first-class graduates who studied physics and maths at 10+2 level

Note: Women can join the IAF through short-service commission only. The maximum age for applying is 23 in all the above categories, except NDA, where the maximum age is 19

Though cadets undergo three years’ training at the National Defence Academy, flying is taught at the five academies mentioned below:

• Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Andhra Pradesh
• AFA, Bidar, Karnataka
• AFA, Hakimpet, Secunderabad
• Basic Flying Training School, Allahabad
• Transport Training Wing, Yelahanka, Bangalore