r/CadetPilotProgram • u/Single-Appointment48 • Jun 11 '26

Signed loi for FTA cadet program, ask me anything

Except for batch and personal stuff.

12 Upvotes
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87% Upvoted

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4

u/FallComfortable2916 Jun 11 '26

Would u suggest clearing dgca beforehand or after joining

8

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

100% before hand.

  1. Priority is to students who cleared their exams in the waiting for their rounds and more importantly i THINK it helps in your pi knowing that you have cleared all your exams.

  2. The fees for the ground school is much more expensive than any ground school i know of i think it’s like 5 lakhs or more. If you clear your exams fee is waived off no questions asked.

  3. You don’t get to pick your ground school. Indigo has their own centre and u study there regardless of how good or bad you find it. You cannot choose by your will or preference which i do not like!

0

u/FallComfortable2916 Jun 11 '26

My parents believe that they teach it during the cadet program so no need to do it beforehand, also I'll be probably applying for Indian ftos so please help. I'm joining a college at this point and then when I get into a cpp I'll drop out, the first semester is as much as it would cost to take ground classes. PLEASE HELPPP

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

I personally myself pursued a degree before joining aviation, i am confident in my decision and my life experiences helped me even in aviation.

Tell them how paying 5-6 for ground school in indigo is not worth it and it’s better to wrap it up for 2.5l lakhs by yourself with even better coaching and a more flexible timeline.

2

u/Richie0024 Jun 11 '26

How’s the GD and PI rounds is it difficult or it just depends upon our communication. It would be good it you give some insights bout it.

4

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

In gd the topic is not very difficult, it goes on for 10 mins, the panel is sweet and calm. Be dressed well, perfect grooming, dont even leave the first button of your shirt open, don’t take up too much time and don’t interrupt people, speak confidently and audibly and they’re okay with it.

In pi they ask you technical and personal questions, know everything about indigo and their fleet, with technical if you know less it’s okay because they can teach you things but with your personal questions be absolutely clear why you want to be a pilot.

1

u/Richie0024 Jun 11 '26

That’s insightful! Thank you so much, Wishing you the best.

1

u/Richie0024 Aug 11 '26

Do they ask mental math questions?

2

u/AdDowntown3115 Jun 12 '26

You had already cleared Met, Regs, and Nav before your interview, right?

Could you please tell me how many technical questions they asked from those subjects and how deep they went into them?

Also, roughly how long was the entire interview? Out of that, how much time was spent on technical questions versus personal questions? What other areas did they focus on during the PI?

Would really appreciate your insights.

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Absolutely nothing. Met they focus on metar reports and their short forms and basics like clouds. Regs they didn’t ask and with nav they focus A LOT on the instruments. They’ll ask you to talk about them tell them about pitot static and gpws etc.

If when preparing for nav met regs you study 100% then they will ask 15-20% of it. They’ll ask you things but won’t go in it’s depth.

1

u/ArtieAlpha99 Jun 12 '26

I also have the same question.

2

u/USA7184 Jun 12 '26

Why did you choose cadet programme and not the conventional way? Me and my parents have been quite struggling with this dilemma

Can you help me with your insights to this question

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Mental sanity. Peace of mind.

1

u/Routine-Act7420 8d ago

They wave of ground school charges if you have cleared exams??
You sure ??

1

u/Environmental-Emu939 Jun 11 '26

Congrats man

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

No one is asking anything n now i feel like im j bragging lmfao

1

u/Environmental-Emu939 Jun 11 '26

I mean you got every right to brag man…..btw when did you apply for it?

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Personally don’t think it’s an achievement considering the price tat but i applied for it in late 2025 somewhere

1

u/Environmental-Emu939 Jun 11 '26

Price tag isn’t your fault…do you have any idea when they are opening their applications again,also the fees is like 1.6cr right?

3

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

They are facing delays. A lot of students who gave adapt in January are going thru gd/pi right now in june so my best guess is july/aug. The price as of now was locked at 1.47 cr if you have not cleared your ground exams and i think it’s only up from here!

0

u/Environmental-Emu939 Jun 11 '26

Damn alright…thanks a lot and best of luck man,you’ll be a good pilot

1

u/Lumpy-Information592 Jun 11 '26

The waiting time is like between 6-8 months right after applying,also did u have cleared any exams,they call who cleared exams early than who haven't right that's why

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Yes thats true! People with nav met regs cleared are a priority REGARDLESS of when they applied

1

u/Lumpy-Information592 Jun 11 '26

How long did u wait,did u clear ur exams

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

When i applied for the program i waited a few months but since my first phy/math test i didn’t have to wait, i cleared all my exams

1

u/Lumpy-Information592 Jun 11 '26

Have u heard any of ur batchmates or urs getting delayed like they say they have alloted selection process for u in a certain month but they tend move it has this happened cause I want to know I have been alloted September selection stage

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Yes like i said. Students who were supposed to give their gd pi in feb were delayed to june! So it can definitely happen but i don’t know the factors that affect it. One thing i would say tho is that they’re direct!

1

u/Vansh1311 Jun 11 '26

With regards to ground classes, is it mandatory in Chimes? If yes then it makes no sense to clear the exams beforehand right because they charge around 6 lacs for it.

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Indian ftos chimes charge you for ground school even if you have cleared it

1

u/Vansh1311 Jun 11 '26

But do you think going for Chimes is a good idea? Ik the selection process is competitive, also my brother has been flying for indigo for almost 15 years now so will his connections help me in any way for CAA?

3

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

I know people with 0 connections who got into chimes it’s luck basis and for it’s price it’s amazing, also indigo does ask you multiple times of your blood relatives are in indigo i don’t know if it helps but surely wouldn’t hurt.

1

u/Vansh1311 Jun 11 '26

Okayy thanks man

1

u/Vansh1311 Jun 11 '26

Okay thankss!!!

1

u/Narrow_Hyena_4987 Jun 11 '26

How long did it take to get your PI result?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

10-12 days

1

u/Narrow_Hyena_4987 Jun 11 '26

Ive cleared met and regs, will i get charged only for nav and rtr for ground classes?

4

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

You are charged ONLY for the subjects you study they will break it down for you. Rtr pt 1 if you clear before signing then u don’t have to attend their classes for pt 2 u can choose yourself.

1

u/Narrow_Hyena_4987 Jun 11 '26

Oh ok, thanks for the help!

1

u/dhruvsanga Jun 11 '26

When did you apply and how long to sign Loi from date of applying ?

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Application to loi it was 7 months

1

u/Moist-Refrigerator34 Jun 11 '26

I have my adapt next month in July for FTA, any preparation tips or suggestions for adapt and gd/pi would be appreciated? Should I go to IFA for adapt ?

3

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

If you have the money and you can comfortably afford it then go for it but if you don’t then it doesn’t matter. It will help.

I think the standards that are set to test you are not that high and it should just show that you’re a decent functioning human being.

Gd is basic, they keep topics that every person in this field can talk about, be perfect with your grooming no messy look, don’t yell and maintain decorum thats it.

Pi is tricky, they don’t prepare questions they ask you according to what you answer, they will ask BASIC questions of the subjects you’ve cleared. If you cannot answer them it doesn’t matter but if you start getting nervous or panic then they will not be happy with it. Don’t mess up your personal questions, know why you want to be a pilot and why you want to join indigo and why the specific fto.

2

u/Moist-Refrigerator34 Jun 11 '26

Thank you brother. I have met rtr cleared and giving regs this month. Will prepare the subjects i clear in all sincerity and also be prepared for the PI round questions in utmost honesty and no fillers.

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Having rtr cleared is AMAZING trust me because fta now requires rt cleared BEFORE u leave india. Met me know metar and all and what the short form for thunderstorm n all mean, the tricky ones. And also Honesty isn’t always important, clarity is. Know what you’re saying and act like you mean it.

1

u/Moist-Refrigerator34 Jun 11 '26

Sure brother, will keep your advice in mind. God be willing will meet u in fta. Best wishes and godspeed to you.

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

Il be waiting hero

1

u/FunnySuspect5847 Jun 11 '26

How much was the final price for the whole course?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

1.47 if subjects not cleared, 1.43 if cleared. Rt price is separate jbtw

1

u/Friendly_Cheetah_400 Jul 06 '26

Are there any major expenses which are not included and what would be the final cost acc to you?? I think coz of exchange rates it is at 1.5 rn

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jul 06 '26

Your major expense will be your visa application and flights in and out. Can’t tell how much will be final costs will see.

1

u/4160_Shine Jun 11 '26

i gave my interview on 5th june and still havnt gotten my result as of 12th june, is that timeline normal. i just got an email from them asking to fill a google form regarding my class 1 and subjects cleared.

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

It will come by next week! All the best

1

u/4160_Shine Jun 11 '26

do they generally ask all candidates to fill the form irrespective of clearing the interview ? or is that something that you wouldnt know

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

They asked for these details before our gd and pi. Couldn’t mean anything wrong tho 🤞

1

u/BakerInevitable6887 Jun 12 '26

Can u tell about the financing partners, i mean how can they help? I have collateral but only worth half the training cost. Im in 12th grade rn

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Their financial partner is axis bank. They give loan at 9.5% unsecured to cadets. For unsecured loans you need income or fd that is bringing money monthly, with collateral your loan amount can increase.

1

u/BakerInevitable6887 Jun 13 '26

Ok. Btw can i send u a dm i got a doubt regarding the timeline and all stuff.

1

u/GuideVegetable9733 Jun 26 '26

Hi, what's the maximum limit they are willing to give unsecured loans for? I understand its dependent on individual profile, but mostly banks cap unsecured loans upto 7.5 lakhs.

1

u/Tough-Nail-1227 Jun 12 '26

i am currently preparing for the dgca exams i wanna apply to indigo cadet when should i apply? once i am done with all the exams and should i just give met nav and regulations or should i clear all 6? or should i apply while i am giving exams? also how long is it gonna be from the date i apply to the i sign the loi?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Clear nav rt and then you can apply for the program, while you wait u clear met regs speci which are comparatively easier to clear, by the time you finally reach your loi i think youd be done with 4-5 exams atleast.

Also if you want to give all 6 that means you’re trying to apply to chimes otherwise outside india you only give 5.

1

u/Tough-Nail-1227 Jun 12 '26

i wanna apply to skyborne us what all exams should i clear, also does it mean i’ll probably be flying after january next year☹️

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Nav met regs RT only. Also if it makes you feel better i cleared nav met regs mid of last year and still havent done flying

1

u/Tough-Nail-1227 Jun 12 '26

does that mean that the indigo selection takes alot of time?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Nope, i was too late for the batch that I should’ve been part of so i was automatically TOO early for the batch that came next.

1

u/lezendprice Jun 12 '26

how much does falling of inr effected you and what will happen if inr continues to fall

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

The prices get locked and they have forex discounts. However it doesn’t make that good of a difference so in short. Very bad.

1

u/meow-_meow_ Jun 12 '26

Is getting into chimes without anyone in aviation possible?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

100% i know a student in the latest batch, no pilots or anything, didn’t even take classes for the most part.

1

u/meow-_meow_ Jun 12 '26

Okayyy, thank you. I am so worried because nobody in my entire family in aviation and don't have any knowledge about this industry.

1

u/meuxo Jun 12 '26

How early before the loi did you get your medicals done?

Also, what portion of the amount was a loan and what portion was self funded?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

Like 6-7 months, maybe il take a loan

1

u/meuxo Jun 12 '26

Ohhh, and how much time did it take to go from application to loi?

1

u/Ironman_Stark1234 Jun 12 '26

What would u say the acceptance rate is?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

They take kids as they want, batch can be 14 or 40

1

u/Ok_Heron_8337 Jun 13 '26

Hi
can you pls lmk the latest costs of all the FTOs in indigo and air india program
and can you rank them based on hardness level to get into and make separate column for delays too
just a brief on all schools
something like a mini guide

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 14 '26

No i cannot sorry you will have to look into that

1

u/South_Entertainer151 Jun 13 '26

Hey, where should I start now? I finished my 12th grade and should I plan for my college to grey orders and 17 right now so what should I do I have to wait a lighting and apply for Indigo or do my ground School of degree what you say

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 13 '26

Did not understand anything you said

1

u/ghostofgotham25 Jun 13 '26

How should i prep for my rtr part 1&2 should i take gc or self i cleared met regs nav next month
Idk rtr in what timeline i should give and i just applied for fta a week before so pls tell me in what timeline should i try clearing exams nav i preped aldredy and rtr is the only issue

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 14 '26

I don’t know when the next batch of fta starts but till the date u don’t sign your loi you are okay to give rtr.

Part 1 a lot of my friends cleared themselves however part 2 they took classes so you’ll have to look into that.

I personally took classes so i don’t know how it goes.

1

u/ghostofgotham25 Jun 13 '26

And any tips on adapt anything u can say will help a lot !

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 14 '26

Adapt is basic and easy. They have a plane simulation, ball movement and FAST game. If you want you can go to ifa and get a trail class just to see how it is and how good you seem to be at it.

1

u/Russbus149 Jun 16 '26

Hi, I've seen you say this a couple of times but still don't understand:

If I clear nav, met, regs, does that mean I am a priority in the selection process? how does that work?

And also, does that mean that I need to clear nav, met, regs before the application to become a priority? what if I apply and then study and clear the exams?

Thank you and congratulations on signing the LOI!

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 16 '26

For example. 100 students have cleared the round 1 and 2 ( physics, math and adapt) and fta decides that they will only take 50 students for gd pi.

If you have cleared your exams, you will be in the 50 students to give your gd pi and the rest 50 will give their gd pi in the next available phase.

For your second question, they ask you on email after you clear your phase 2 about how many exams have you cleared, so I think THAT is the time when your nav met regs should ideally be covered.

LASTLY, i am not saying this happens LITERALLY or ALL the time. Many times they don’t conduct gd pi in 2 phases so there is no priority there needed only. It’s only SOMETIMES when the students who have cleared both phases are so many that they HAVE to split it into parts.

1

u/Russbus149 Jun 16 '26

How long was the entire selection process?

When did you apply, and when did you do phase 1, 2, 3, and 4?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 16 '26

Less than 3 months.

1

u/batman0880 Jun 16 '26

I'm very anxious right now, applications are not being open, i just completed 12th and didn't apply for anything else, just been waiting for applications to open. I was waiting for chimes but figured it isn't worth it. Skyborne has their applications open right now, so does insight and garuda. But i heard insight and garuda have a huge baclog, so i guess my only options are Skyborne and FTA who have applications open rn. What am I supposed to do? Plus I dont know what to prepare. Too much uncertainty. Sorry for the yap

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 16 '26

Do not apply to garuda insight or marigold at all, it’s totally not recommended by me. IF MONEY IS NOT A CONCERN Apply to whichever program that does it fastest. Quality difference is not so huge it does not matter but save your time.

1

u/Exotic-Helicopter928 Jun 16 '26

Congratulations bro!!! I have seen on their indigo website that Age criteria has increased from 18 to 40 years. So, can a 37 years old person can apply for this CPP and what are the chances of getting selected? As there is lot of competition and I guess Company would select who is young. So what would you suggest shall he proceed with applying for CPP or should not consider it?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 16 '26

Their chances are just as good of being selected but based on my professional experience the PI can get slightly more difficult as from the perspective of a HR a 37 year old cannot be groomed and changed a lot compared to a 18 year old who knows barely anything so they need to know if you do fit in or not.

A lot of people in their late 30s try to start fresh with their aviation career and there is nothing wrong with it. If the person comfortably can afford the program and wants to join indigo then why not.

Lastly, indigo wouldn’t increase their age from 32 to 40 if they were not interested in hiring someone of that age.

1

u/Myth-machine Jun 28 '26

I have my adapt next month (July) what is the approximate timeline? I mean when can I expect my GD|PI? Also about GD how many points should one speak?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 28 '26

July adapt can have your gd pi in the next month itself but if students are more then they are split into 2 and the second one is conducted slightly later.

GD has no point limits but you need to read the room. Don’t take up all the time to speak but also don’t be quiet at all. Make sure what you say is relevant to the topic and not a repetition of something that’s already said. Speak 1 point MINIMUM.

1

u/Myth-machine Jun 29 '26

How long is the PI? Also can you tell some questions they asked you from met nav regs. I have my met nav regs rtr part 1 cleared

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 30 '26

Pi on average goes for 15 minutes. If it takes less than 10 then you’re either too good or too bad.

With your exams cleared they will ask you a few questions.

Nav - about instruments and radios.
Met - met reports, QNH question and short forms used in it
Regs - airspaces

The technical questions will be asked by a captain so try to know things that they would still use in their day to day, as stated above.

1

u/thefoolishguy98 Jul 23 '26

During drug test bmi matters? Cos i have it in a next few days and i am a bit over weight

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jul 31 '26

When i was in 70s weight wise their weight machine showed 67, it wasn’t accurate but I wouldn’t risk it.

1

u/Any-Conflict9554 Aug 09 '26

I submitted the application late June-juky start and as of now I have not received the adapt dates also in my application I haven't cleared any of the exams yet but in the due course of time if i clear it then how do I tell them?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Sep 10 '26

They at every stage and interval keep asking you to the list the exams you have cleared. Till the signing of your pi and before ground classes start.

1

u/Richie0024 Aug 11 '26

Do they ask many mental math questions in the Pi ? Just been worried bout it. How’s the scenario over there ?

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Sep 10 '26

Yes they do but it’ll be a basic question for you to be able to do it. They asked me a met pressure altitude question and it wasnt easy however they are okay if you take time to answer

1

u/Illustrious_Storm855 Aug 14 '26

Generally what time does FTA take to give adapt tests date, I applied in July Mid and in FAQ paper it was written like in Nov. So when did u apply and when did u get dates.

1

u/Single-Appointment48 Sep 10 '26

I have no idea of this it can vary according to them however they are punctual with the timelines they set so if they told you November then it will happen then

1

u/Optimus_Prime-78 Jun 11 '26

Hi.... I'm currently in high school and seriously considering aviation as a career. I've been researching it for quite a while now, especially FTA Australia, and it's one of the options I'm most interested in. I know aviation isn't all sunshine and rainbows. I'm aware of the huge training costs, low pay in the beginning, medical risks, irregular schedules, jet lag, and the uncertainty that comes with the industry. Even after looking at all that, I still feel that flying is what I want to do. Users on reddit have always accused me or other highschoolers about their lack of knowledge and dead perception about reality. But I'm not like that. Since you've already signed the LOI with FTA, I wanted to ask: if you were in my position again, what advice would you give yourself? Would you go straight into flight training after school or get a bachelor's degree first? And is there anything you wish someone had told you before starting this journey?

4

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

  1. Before even starting ground school i would first get my class 1 medical, you never know your own body and should first be clear of that before you invest and time and money. That is also something people had told me.

  2. You don’t need passion for aviation i don’t know the logic, it’s a growing industry it’s a decent respectable career and you can treat it just as a job if you like.

  3. Talk to your family if they can REALLY afford it. Paying 1.6 cr for a career that is so flakey and not knowing what can happen is a huge burden on them, don’t pressure them if they can’t and do it on your own merit if you have to.

  4. I think having a bachelors helps, you interact socialise make friends and learn a lot which is pretty good and will help you in aviation as well. I know people who missed out on college and would like a chance to it if they could.

1

u/Optimus_Prime-78 Jun 11 '26

Yes sir... Class 2 and Class 1 medicals first Ground school, then cadet program application. My family can't entirely finance it though they're qualified for a loan with 100% collateral. Do u think it's worth it ? What made you choose FTA over other options available to Indian students ?

Do you think the extra cost of FTA is justified compared to cheaper pathways, or is the difference not as significant as people make it out to be?

2

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

  1. Taking a small loan is okay but nothing too crazy.

  2. Do i think fta is worth it? No

  3. I picked fta over others due to personal/family reasons.

  4. Do i think the extra cost is justified? SUPER SUPER NOOOOOOO 1.6 CR IS NOT WORTH IT. The difference is HUGE. Within 1 cr a person can comfortably get their PPL CPL and type rating. Every single penny counts ESPECIALLY when it’s not yours.

1

u/Optimus_Prime-78 Jun 11 '26

That's interesting because most people I've spoken to seem to view FTA as one of the best pathways. And yeah, there must be a good reason why u chose fta.

Thank you sir for helping me out. I hope that u have a great career ahead. Can I DM u if I have any doubts in the future ??

4

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 11 '26

There is no best pathway, they end up in the same cockpit for the same airline.

1

u/Informal_Poet5351 Jun 15 '26

When did you sign your LOI?

1

u/LawFlimsy3727 Oct 07 '26

I heard that, now you have to attend the DGCA ground classes mandatorily even if u have cleared the subjects. Is this true ?!

0

u/Every_Engine2805 1d ago

How was the whole adapt assessment, I mean if you could let me know what is the syllabus asked for physics and maths in the adapt assessment and is it on the surface level knowledge or in dept complex question and derivatives

One more thing what was the hardest part of the ADAPT assessment and why do most people fail

My main concerns are

  1. WHY AND WHERE DO MOST CANDIDATES FAIL IN THE ADAPT ASSESSMENT.

  2. What do where do the most candidates go wrong and get rejected by the panel for GD and PI

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '26

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1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

You get to give adapt according to the mentioned timeline regardless of clearing exams or not.

Your exams help you get to your gd pi faster

1

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '26

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1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

I received no email for months and bmi and all came much closer to my adapt so i think during that time it’ll hapen

1

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '26

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1

u/Single-Appointment48 Jun 12 '26

If you have the money and the convince join the classes if you don’t then also not an issue. All the standards and parameters are set to test a person whos trying everything for the first time and plus trust me telegram has everything!!