Best Flight Schools In India for Aspiring Commercial Pilots

If you’re interested in knowing about the best flight training institutes in India – whether it’s to become a pilot or out of sheer curiosity – I’ve put together a list of the top flying schools in the country that provide exceptional commercial pilot training in India.

I have compiled a list of aviation academies in India that includes their location, courses offered, and other important details. Knowing the location is critical for some people when choosing a school, so I have ensured that it is included. Take a look at these outstanding aviation academies and pick the one that is best suited for your needs and situation

1. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA):

Located in Uttar Pradesh, IGRUA is one of the oldest and most prestigious flying schools in India. It was established in 1985 and has trained more than 11000 pilots over the years. The institute offers a wide range of courses for aspiring pilots including Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating Course (IRC), and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME).

The admission is based on a written test, aptitude test, and interview. The fee for the Ab Initio (Zero to CPL) CPL course is around 45 lakhs INR. For more information about the fees, courses offered, and admission requirements check here

2. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC):

A premier flying club in India, founded in 1951. It is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Flight Instructor Rating (FIR).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 35 lakhs INR. For more detailed information about the fee structure click here. For information on the courses and programs offered click here

3. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)

This is one of the leading aviation academies in India. It is a joint venture between CAE and the Airport Authority of India, established in 2007. It is located in Gondia, Maharastra. They offer courses such as CPL, PPL, Multi-Engine Ratings, and Aviation Management. They have advanced simulators, aircraft, and other necessary equipment for practical training.

The institute also conducts workshops and seminars to keep students updated on the latest industry trends. The admission is based on an online test, interview, and medical examination. The fee for CPL course is around 42 lakhs INR. More details about the fee and program can be found here

4. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA)

A leading flying school in India, established in 1994. It is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course, Instrument Rating (IR) course, and Multi-Engine Rating (MER) course.

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 31 lakhs INR. You can check more information about the fee structure and other requirements

here.

5. Bombay Flying Club

Founded in 1928, this is one of the oldest flying clubs in India. It is located in Bombay, Maharastra. The academy has trained over 1000 pilots and offers courses such as CPL, PPL, Multi-Engine Ratings and Instrument Rating Course. The academy also has a fleet of aircraft and modern simulators that are regularly upgraded to provide the best training experience for its students.

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for CPL course is around 30 lakhs INR. The school offers other graduation courses related to aviation. Check out more information here

6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy

Located in Hyderabad Telangana, this is one of the most reputed flying schools in India. It is one of the most modern flying schools in India, established in 2008. The institute offers courses such as CPL, PPL, Instrument Rating Course, and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME). The institute also has simulators for pilot training and a flying club that provides hands-on flying experience for students.

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 35 lakhs INR.

7. Government Flying Training School

A government-run flying school in India, founded in 1950. It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Flight Instructor Rating (FIR).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 22 lakhs INR. For information on the courses offered and fee structure check here

8. Orient Flights Aviation Academy

A professional flying school in India, located in Mysore, Karnataka, and established in 2010. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 29 lakhs INR. For more information about the courses offered check here

9. Adventure Flight Education Private Limited

A dynamic flying school in India, established in 2007. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 27 lakhs INR. More information about the courses offered here

10. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy

A world-class flying school in India, established in 2008. It is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 35 lakhs INR. For more information check here

11. Bihar Flying Institute

A historic flying school in India, founded in 1946. Located in Patna Bihar. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Flight Instructor Rating (FIR).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 20 lakhs INR. A review of Bihar Flying Institute can be found here.

12. Chimes Aviation Academy

A leading flying school in India, established in 2008. It is located in Dhana, Madhya Pradesh. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 34 lakhs INR.

13. Gujarat Flying Club

A prestigious flying school in India, founded in 1958. It is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 26 lakhs INR. More information on their CPL program is here.

14. Mams Air Private Limited

A modern flying school in India, Mams Air Private Limited was established in 2010. It is located in Mumbai, Maharastra. It offers courses for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Multi-Engine Rating (MER).

The admission is based on merit and availability of seats. The fee for the CPL course is around 28 lakhs INR. More information on their course here

Conclusion:

If you want to pursue a career in aviation, it’s crucial to choose the right flying school. While this list doesn’t include all options, it does feature some of the top and most flying schools in India.

hope this list of the top flying schools in India has provided you with an idea of the available options. In case you require assistance in deciding how to choose a flight school, I have an article that might be helpful. I have also curated a list of top-flight schools in the USA and Canada.

More Information on Flight Training and Aviation in India:

Are Pilots In Demand In India?

Pilots are in high demand in India. According to various sources, it is estimated that India requires around 1,000 pilots every year for the next five years due to the growth in the aviation sector. However, the country lacks the adequate pilot training infrastructure to produce trained pilots. Currently, there are only 34 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and six Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) that provide training to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders. The country also has a large number of DGCA-approved flight schools to meet the need for skilled, well-trained pilots. However, the fees for flying schools in India are comparatively high and admission is based on merit and availability of seats. Therefore, becoming a pilot in India is not an easy task and requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and investment. 

What is the retirement age of pilots in India?

The retirement age of a commercial airline pilot in India is 65 years, as per the regulations of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This is the maximum age limit allowed by the DGCA for pilots to fly in India.

Are pilots paid well in India?

Pilots are certainly among the highest-paid professionals in India. Air India pays its pilots an average starting salary of ₹15 lakhs per year which can go up to ₹1 crore per year after gaining substantial years of experience. Indigo pays its pilots an average starting salary of ₹11 lakhs per year which can go up to ₹97 lakhs per year after gaining substantial years of experience.