Top 10 Flying Schools in India: Entrance Exams, Fees, Eligibility

Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, IGRUA, National Flying Training Institute, Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd, the Bombay Flying Club, Hindustan Aviation Academy, Indian Institute of Aeronautics, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, and Government Flying Training School are listed among the best flying schools in India. 

Most of these colleges provide admission to students based on their merit. However, students must have completed their 12th with Physics and Mathematics. Also the top flying schools in India fees range between INR 12 Lakhs to INR 45 Lakhs.

Top 10 Flying Schools in India

The best flying schools in India provide students with in-depth aviation knowledge and training. The top 10 flying schools in India with their courses offered are discussed below. 

1. IGRUA
2. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
3. National Flying Training Institute
4. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd
5. The Bombay Flying Club
6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy
7. Hindustan Aviation Academy
8. Indian Institute of Aeronautics
9. Orient Flights Aviation Academy
10. Government Flying Training School

Also Check: How to Become a Pilot?

1. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi (IGRUA)

Late Capt Rajiv Gandhi founded Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi (IGRUA). Since its inception, it has been owned by the government. It remains the epitome of standardization and excellence in flying training, thus becoming the first choice for airlines when they select pilots for their company.

IGRUA is a knowledge and skill development hub of civil aviation. IGRUA is among the best flying school in India and provides on-the-job training to candidates undergoing AME in various Indian private institutes.

Students get admission to IGRUA based on their performance in the entrance examination. Further, it is also called IIT or IIM of Aviation Training.

Also Check: Aviation Courses in India

2. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club

Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore, is one of the oldest flying schools in India and is counted as the best flying school in India. The institute has single-engine and twin-engine training aircraft.

The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club also provides end-to-end knowledge of flying and training. It is also a well-equipped maintenance shop at the Indore and Bhopal Base.

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3. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)

National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) was a joint venture between CAE Inc. and the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It is the second largest flying training schools in India based on the aircraft fleet. 

Further, the institute is partnered with Indigo, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Qatar, Air Costa, Air Asia, and Flyeasy. NFTI offers 17 and 19-month pilot training programs. 

The course structure is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Upon completion of the courses, cadet pilots receive a commercial pilot license (CPL) with an instrument rating (IR) and multi-engine rating (MR).

4. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA)

Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA) is a GOI-approved Flying Training School and Air Charter Company. It is the best flying school in India. It operates from its hangars at SV Patel International Airport Ahmedabad and Mehsana Airfield.

There is no entrance test for admission to AAA. Students need to book an appointment and appear for the personal interview for enrollment. 

AAA has five single-engine aircraft and one single/multi-engine flight simulator. Modern audio-visual aids and AC rooms are offered at the ground school.

5. The Bombay Flying Club

The Bombay Flying Club is situated at the end of Juhu Aerodrome. It is famous for its professionalism and has acquired the name of the best flying school in India. 

Over the years, it has helped students to become successful captains and engineers for domestic and international airlines such as Indian Airlines, Air India, Sahara, Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates, as well as thousands of private pilots and engineers.

Further, the late Mr.J.R.D.Tata was the first Indian to obtain a pilot's licence in February 1929 from The Bombay Flying Club. the club is equipped with Cessna 152A, PIPER PA18, and Seneca.

Also Check: Salary of an Air Hostess

6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy 

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, Thiruvananthapuram, was earlier known as the “Kerala Flying Club”. This academy's main aim is to train aspiring pilot trainees who wish to become professionals in the Aviation Sector.

The significant sections of Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy are the Flight Section, headed by the Chief Flight Instructor; the Maintenance Section, headed by the Maintenance Manager; the Ground Class Section, headed by the Chief Ground Instructor; and the Administrative Section, headed by the Secretary.

7. Hindustan Aviation Academy

Hindustan Aviation Academy is situated in Bangalore, Karnataka, and is one of the best flying school in India. The academy believes ‘Learning is not an Activity, it is an Experience’.

Courses in Aviation, Engineering, Science and Management are available from expert faculty who have held high ranks in the Indian Air Force and other areas related to technical and commercial aspects of leading industries worldwide.

Further, the academy ensures aspirants get adequate exposure and knowledge of the current trends to prosper in the market.

8. Indian Institute of Aeronautics

Indian Institute of Aeronautics (IIA) is a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved Aircraft Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO). It aims to impart aspirants innovative services and added value knowledge. 

It is among the best flying schools in India. It sets a benchmark in the aviation sector by training and making the aircraft safe and airworthy.

9. Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA)

Orient Flights Aviation Academy is located in Mysuru. It focuses and trains aspiring pilots with the latest advancements in technology and safety. It is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. 

It has recently introduced the latest in-flight and off-flight training technologies for student pilots undergoing Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Private Pilot License (PPL) courses.

10. Government Flying Training School (GFTS)

The Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur, Bangalore, is one of India's oldest and best flying schools. The state-owned flying training school offers aspiring candidates a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a Private Pilot License (PPL). 

It equipped aspirants with courses that hold essential value in the aviation industry. It has 02 Cessna 152 & 02 Cessna 172 aircraft and an elite S812 Single engine simulator.

Top 10 Flying Schools in India Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for admission into flying schools is almost similar. The criteria for admission into the best flying school in India are as follows:

• Candidates must be above the age of 16 years.
• They must have completed their 10+2 from any recognized school/ board.
• Further, they must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in their 12th.
• Candidates must be physically fit and must be able to submit a medical certificate stating the same. 
• Students from the general category must have 50% marks, and from the reserved category must have 45% marks in their 12th.

How to Select the Best Flying Schools in India?

With over 100 flying schools in India, it is imperative that pursuants weigh the factors when selecting their future flying school.

• Quality training: A good flying school will have an excellent programme, provide world-class training, preparing candidates to excel in their flying careers. 
• Maintaing safety standards: Candidates must check the safety standards offered by the schools and parametres followed by the instructors to safeguard the lives of the students.
• Latest Facilities: When selecting flying schools in India candidates must ensure that the college is faciliated with the latest infrastructure like simulators, computer-assited instructions etc., which enhances the learning experience of the students.
• Well-recognised: The best flying schools in India are well renowned and trusted by Industry veterans. Students must look for a DGCA approved flying school always. In order to land their dream job at top companies, students must selected an institute which is eminent.
• Experienced Faculty: The flying school of choice must comprise of distinguised trainers and staff, as their knowledge and guidance will play an important role in shaping their careers.
• Financial investment: Flying schools can cost a significant amount of money, this may often come as hindrance in the path of aspirants. Therefore, students must seek admission only if the investments meets their financial capacities.