Flight Academy in India

Flight academy in India helps students to pursue quality pilot training and build a successful aviation career through structured ground classes and practical flight training. During the training process students learn aircraft handling, navigation, safety procedures and aviation regulations which are very important in terms of becoming a licensed pilot in India.

Aviation industry is growing fastly in India and demand for commercial pilots has been increasing dramatically every year which tend to create more strong job opportunities in passenger and cargo operations. Selecting a good flight academy to complete your training is essential so that you can build confidence, discipline and skills needed for a successful pilot career.

Courses Offered by Flight Academies

• Student Pilot License (SPL)
• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

Key Qualities of a Good Flight Academy in India

• DGCA Approval and Compliance: This is to ensure the academy is guided by the official aviation regulations and that it adheres to the necessary safety and training standards.
• Licensed and Experienced Flight Instructors: Gives the student expert advice and practical flight experience.
• Properly Supported Training Aircraft: It guarantees safe, reliable and continuous flight training.
• Advanced Flight Simulators: Latest simulators assist students in training their practices and emergency situations.
• Formal Ground School Education: Develops a solid foundation of theory and puts students through DGCA exams.
• High Safety Standards and Operational Discipline: Builds an environment of professional and safety oriented training.

 Eligibility Criteria to Join a Flight Academy in India

Training at Flight Academy in India

 Ground School Training

At start of the training student cover the theoretical part of the pilot training, in which they study below given modules: 

• Air Regulations - Aviation laws, airspace, ICAO rules.
• Air Navigation - Flight planning, navigation instruments, charts.
• Meteorology - Weather patterns, winds, icing, METAR/TAF.
• Technical General - Aircraft systems & aerodynamics.
• Technical Specific - Type-specific knowledge (Cessna, DA40, helicopters, etc.).
• Radio Telephony (RTR-A) - ATC communication procedures.

Flight Training Process  (As Per DGCA)

Flight training is the main part of your course where you fly under an instructors guidance. 

1. SPL – Student Pilot License
   • SPL (A) – Aeroplane: No fixed hours, only basic dual flying during course.
   • SPL (H) – Helicopter: No fixed hours, only basic dual flying during course.
2. PPL – Private Pilot License
   • PPL (A) – Aeroplane: Total 40 hours including minimum 20 hours solo flying.
   • PPL (H) – Helicopter: Total 40 hours including minimum 10 hours solo flying.
3. CPL – Commercial Pilot License
   • CPL (A) – Aeroplane: Total 200 hours including 100 PIC, 20 cross-country, 10 instrument, 5-night hours.
   • CPL (H) – Helicopter: Total 150 hours including 50 PIC and required cross-country/instrument hours.
4. ATPL – Airline Transport Pilot License
   • ATPL (A) – Aeroplane:  Total 1500 hours including multi-crew experience.
   • ATPL (H) – Helicopter: Total 1000 hours total PIC and cross-country requirements.

Career Opportunities After Flight Training

After completing flight training, pilots can choose from a wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry. The table below highlights common pilot job roles along with their average salary ranges in India.

Flight Training Cost in India

Cost of becoming a pilot varies depending on the institute, location and the type of license you choose.

(I) SPL (Student Pilot License)

• SPL(A) – Airplane / SPL(H) – Helicopter: Training included in PPL/CPL courses; no separate fees.

(II) PPL (Private Pilot License)

• PPL(A) – Airplane: Rs 10–15 lakh approx.
• PPL(H) – Helicopter: Rs  15–30 lakh approx.

(III) CPL (Commercial Pilot License)

• CPL(A) – Airplane: Rs  45–55 lakh approx.
• CPL(H) – Helicopter: Rs 40–55 lakh approx.

(IV) ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)

• ATPL(A) – Airplane: Usually CPL + Type Rating; Rs  50–70 lakh total approx.
• ATPL(H) – Helicopter: CPL(H) + Type Rating; Rs 55–75 lakh total approx.

Rather than pilot course fees, students need to plan for some extra costs. Accomodation and food can cost around Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per month depending on the city. Uniforms and books may cost Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh and medical tests usually cost Rs 10,000 to 25,000. Exams and DGCA charges are about Rs 50,000 or more. These costs are necessary to complete your training and get the required pilot licenses.

Infrastructure & Training Facilities

Flight academies in India provide well-maintained aircraft for practical training and advanced flight simulators for safe practice. A good infrastructure and facilities are mandatory for quality pilot training as given below: 

Why India Is a Preferred Destination for Pilot Training

DGCA-Approved Licensing: The Pilot license given within India is widely accepted globally and complies with the international aviation standards.

• Affordable Training: Flight training in India is less expensive than in a number of countries abroad.
• Multiple Flying Environment: India presents different weather, terrain and aerial space environments which assists the pilots to acquire good practical experience.
• Expanding Aviation Industry: The high growth rate of airlines is generating more and more demand for trained pilots.
• State of the art Training Infrastructure: A lot of flight academies employ state of the art aircraft and simulators to train.
• Skilled Instructors: There is a high number of skilled and licensed flight instructors in India.
• English-Medium training: English is an international aviation language and in India all the training and communication is done in the English.
• Known DGCA Regulations: Under the DGCA rules, training ensures that the Indian airlines find it easy to convert their licenses.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Flight Academy

A good pilot training academy helps students build strong flying skills and complete training smoothly. Before enrolling for any academy always compare approvals, instructors and facilities. Enquire now on pilotcet.com and get free counselling for your successful flying career