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A/L Science to SriLankan Airlines Captain

Path to Commercial Airline Pilot · Transport & Aviation

Duration

12.0–18.0 yrs

Upvotes

0

Est. Cost

LKR 15000k+

Score

0

About This Path

One of Sri Lanka's most aspirational careers. The path to becoming a commercial airline pilot is long, expensive, and highly competitive. Sri Lanka Flying College (SLFC) in Ratmalana is the primary pathway. The investment is large but earning potential and job satisfaction are very high.

Path Overview

Education

GCE A/L — Physical Science (Maths, Physics)

Government or private schools with science stream

⏱ 2 yr₨ Rs.0k
Education

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) — Sri Lanka Flying College

Sri Lanka Flying College (SLFC) — Ratmalana · Overseas flying schools (Australia, USA, UK)

⏱ 1 yr₨ Rs.3000k–Rs.8000k
Education

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) + Instrument Rating (IR)

SLFC Ratmalana · Australian, UK, or USA flying academies

⏱ 2 yr₨ Rs.8000k–Rs.20000k
Experience

First Officer (Cadet / Junior FO) — SriLankan Airlines or Regional

⏱ 5 yr₨ Rs.3000k–Rs.8000k
Experience

Captain (ATPL Holder)

⏱ 5 yr

Step-by-Step Detail

  1. 1
    Education

    GCE A/L — Physical Science (Maths, Physics)

    A/L with Physics and Mathematics is mandatory for pilot training. Class 1 CAA Medical Certificate required (vision, cardiovascular, neurological). English proficiency (ICAO Level 4 minimum) essential.

    ⏱ 2 years₨ LKR 0
    Government or private schools with science stream
  2. 2
    Education

    Private Pilot Licence (PPL) — Sri Lanka Flying College

    40+ hours flight training at Sri Lanka Flying College (SLFC), Ratmalana, or abroad (Australia, UK, USA, South Africa). PPL is the first licence before commercial training. SLFC is CAA-approved. Overseas training is common due to better aircraft availability.

    ⏱ 1 years₨ LKR 3,000,000 – LKR 8,000,000
    Sri Lanka Flying College (SLFC) — RatmalanaOverseas flying schools (Australia, USA, UK)
  3. 3
    Education

    Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) + Instrument Rating (IR)

    200 hours total flight time required for CPL. Includes instrument flying training. CAA Sri Lanka issues the licence. Most students train overseas (total cost LKR 8–20 million for the full CPL/IR course). Multi-engine rating also required.

    ⏱ 2 years₨ LKR 8,000,000 – LKR 20,000,000
    SLFC RatmalanaAustralian, UK, or USA flying academies
  4. 4
    Experience

    First Officer (Cadet / Junior FO) — SriLankan Airlines or Regional

    Join SriLankan Airlines Cadet Programme or a regional airline (FitsAir, Cinnamon Air). Type Rating on specific aircraft (A320, A330, ATR) costs a further LKR 3–8 million. Build flight hours toward ATPL (4,000 hours required for ATPL). Monthly salary: LKR 250,000–450,000.

    ⏱ 5 years₨ LKR 3,000,000 – LKR 8,000,000
  5. 5
    Experience

    Captain (ATPL Holder)

    After 4,000+ hours and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence), promoted to Captain on narrow-body (A320) or wide-body (A330) aircraft. Monthly salary: LKR 500,000–900,000+ at SriLankan Airlines. Overseas opportunities with Middle East carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) at USD 10,000–20,000/month.

    ⏱ 5 years