India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, with a projected annual growth rate of 14% over the next decade.
This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for air travel, which has led to the establishment of new airlines and the expansion of existing ones.
As a result, the demand for trained and skilled pilots is also rising, making it a lucrative career choice for many.
However, becoming a pilot is challenging, requiring hard work, dedication, and financial investment.
The first step towards becoming a pilot is to enrol in a flying school, where one can learn the fundamentals of flying and gain the necessary flying hours to qualify for a commercial pilot licence.
India has several flying schools that offer high-quality training to aspiring pilots. In this article, we will look at some of the best flying schools in India, which are listed below.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is one of the best flying schools in India, offering a range of courses for aspiring pilots. Established in 1985, IGRUA is located in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. The institute has a fleet of aircraft, including Cessna 172R, Diamond DA40NG, and Diamond DA42NG.
The courses offered at IGRUA include a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) program, a Multi-Engine Rating (MER) program, and a Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) program. The duration of the CPL program is 18 months, and the course fee is around INR 40 lakhs. The MER program takes 2-3 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 10 lakhs.
National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
The National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) is another top flying school in India. Located in Gondia, Maharashtra, NFTI has a fleet of modern aircraft, including Cessna 172R, Piper Seneca V, and Diamond DA42.
NFTI offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a Private Pilot License (PPL) program, and an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) program. The duration of the CPL program is around 18-20 months, and the course fee is around INR 35-40 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 4-6 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 5-6 lakhs. The ATPL program takes about 12-14 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 55-60 lakhs.
Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Ltd (AAA)
Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Ltd (AAA) are one of the oldest flying schools in India, established in 1994. IAA has a fleet of modern aircraft in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, including Cessna 172R, Piper PA-34, and Diamond DA40.
AAA offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a PPL program, and a Ground Training program. The duration of the CPL program is 18-20 months, and the course fee is around INR 35-40 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 4-6 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 5-6 lakhs. The Ground Training program takes about six months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 1.5 lakhs.
Bombay Flying Club (BFC)
The Bombay Flying Club (BFC) is one of the oldest flying schools in India, established in 1928. Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, BFC has a fleet of aircraft, including Cessna 172R, Diamond DA40, and Piper PA-34.
BFC offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a PPL program, and a Private Pilot License with Instrument Rating (PPL-IR) program. The duration of the CPL program is around 18-24 months, and the course fee is around INR 30-40 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 6-9 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 6-7 lakhs. The PPL-IR program takes about 12-14 months, and the course fee is around INR 20-25 lakhs.
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC)
The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC) is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and is one of the top flying schools in Central India. MPFC has a fleet of modern aircraft, including Cessna 172S and Piper PA-28.
MPFC offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a PPL program, and a Multi-Engine Rating program. The duration of the CPL program is around 18-20 months, and the course fee is around INR 30-35 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 6-9 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 5-6 lakhs. The Multi-Engine Rating program takes 2-3 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 7-8 lakhs.
Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA)
Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) is located in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, one of India's most renowned flying schools. CAA has a fleet of modern aircraft, including Cessna 172R, Diamond DA40NG, and Piper PA-34.
CAA offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a PPL program, and a Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program. The duration of the CPL program is around 18-24 months, and the course fee is around INR 40-45 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 6-9 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 5-6 lakhs. The MPL program takes 18-24 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 55-60 lakhs.
Indian Aviation Academy (IAA)
The Indian Aviation Academy (IAA) is located in New Delhi and is one of India's leading aviation training institutes. IAA offers a range of courses, including a CPL program, a PPL program, and a Type Rating program.
The duration of the CPL program is around 18-24 months, and the course fee is around INR 30-40 lakhs. The PPL program takes about 6-9 months to complete, and the course fee is around INR 5-6 lakhs. The Type Rating program takes 2-3 months to complete, and the course fee varies depending on the aircraft type.
Career prospects
The demand for pilots in India has been increasing rapidly over the years as the aviation sector in India is growing at an unprecedented rate.
According to a report by Boeing, India is expected to require around 8,700 new aeroplanes and 230,000 new pilots by 2038.
Therefore, there are ample career opportunities for pilots in India, both in commercial and non-commercial aviation.
After completing the CPL program, one can apply for a job with various airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara, etc. The starting salary for a commercial pilot in India is around INR 2-3 lakhs per month, which can increase with experience.
Apart from airlines, there are also opportunities in noncommercial aviation, such as chartered flights, air ambulance services, and crop dusting services.
Pilots can also pursue a career in the defence sector by joining the Indian Air Force or the Indian Navy.
Choosing the right flying school is crucial for anyone pursuing an aviation career. In India, several flying schools offer world-class training and have state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The cost of flight training in India is relatively less expensive than in other countries, making it an attractive destination for aspiring pilots.
Pursuing a career as a pilot can be a fulfilling and exciting profession, and choosing the right flying school is the first step towards achieving that goal.
