10 Best Flying Schools in India
Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered what it feels like to be up there, flying among the clouds? If the thought of being a pilot excites you, you’re in the right place! India has some of the best flying schools that can help you turn your dream of becoming a pilot into reality. These schools give you the training, knowledge, and confidence to take control of an aircraft and make the sky your second home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top pilot training options in India in a simple and easy way—so you’ll know exactly where to start your journey. So, fasten your seatbelt, keep your dream alive, and let’s take off together to explore the right wings for your flying career!
Why Choosing the Right Flying School in India Really Matters
When it comes to becoming a pilot, the flying school you choose can make all the difference. Here’s why picking the best one is so important:
1. Quality Training
A top flying school gives you solid training and teaches you everything you need to know to become a skilled and confident pilot. Good training is the foundation of a successful aviation career.
2. Strong Focus on Safety
Safety is everything in aviation. The best schools follow strict safety rules to protect both students and instructors during every step of the training.
3. Better Career Opportunities
Airlines and aviation companies prefer pilots who are trained at well-known and trusted flying schools. Graduating from a recognized institute can open more doors for your future job.
4. Modern Facilities & Aircraft
Good schools invest in advanced classrooms, simulators, and well-maintained aircraft. This gives you real, up-to-date flying experience that prepares you for today’s aviation industry.
5. Experienced Instructors
Learning from highly qualified and experienced instructors makes a huge difference. Their knowledge, tips, and guidance help shape you into a confident and skilled aviator.
👉 At Capt. Ahluwalia Aviation Academy, we believe that the right training is the first step toward turning your flying dream into reality.
✈️ Top 10 Flying Schools in India – Qualification Standards You Need to Know
If you dream of becoming a pilot in India, the very first step is meeting the eligibility requirements set by flying schools. While each institute may have its own rules, most of the top aviation schools in India follow similar standards. Let’s break it down for you in simple terms:
Core Eligibility
Age
You can start your pilot training at 17 years (some schools even allow at 16).
Education
You must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board.
Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects (if you didn’t have them, you can clear them through NIOS or other recognized boards).
Medical Fitness
A DGCA-approved medical examination is required. This ensures you are physically and mentally fit to handle the demands of flight training.
Academic Performance
Minimum 50% marks in Class 12 (45% for reserved categories).
Beyond the Basics
Entrance Exams
Some flying schools conduct their own entrance exams. Many also require you to clear the DGCA Computer-Based Test (CBT) for subjects like Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and Technical General.English Proficiency
Since aviation is an international career, being able to speak and understand English well is very important.Passion & Motivation
More than marks, what really matters is your dedication, discipline, and love for flying. Aviation demands hard work, focus, and commitment.
👉 At Capt. Ahluwalia Aviation Academy, we not only prepare you for the eligibility requirements but also guide you step by step—right from ground school training to clearing DGCA exams and getting ready for your flying journey.
10 Best Flying Schools In India
1.Capt. Ahluwalia Aviation Academy
Our Director, Capt Ahluwalia a pilot with passion to excel has a rich flying experience of 35 years of instructional and corporate flying. Few of his students rose to the prestigious level of Chief Flying Instructors (CFI) who are presently working with major flying clubs in India. We are One Stop Solution for Pilot Training. In our Academy you are provided with DGCA Ground Classes, Indigo cadet program preparatory classes, Air India cadet program preparatory classes, Spicejet cadet program preparatory classes, IGRUA Entrance Exam preparatory classes.
We check students aptitude and help them choose the Best flying school in India.
✈️ Courses Offered by Capt. Ahluwalia Aviation Academy
1. DGCA CPL Ground Classes
Covers all DGCA exam subjects: Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, and RTR‑(A).
Duration: Around 3–6 months.
Merit-based scholarships may be available.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training
Complete pilot training including ground theory and flying.
Total duration: Approximately 12 months (ground ~3–6 months; flying ~6–10 months).
3. Cadet Program Preparatory Classes
Coaching for airline cadet entry programs.
Prepares for written tests, interviews, and pilot aptitude tests.
Programs for airlines like Indigo, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Air India, and IGRUA.
4. Radio Telephony (RTR A) Preparation
Training for the Restricted Radio Telephony exam, including practical transmission and theory.
5. Flying Training Abroad
Assistance and guidance for completing flying hours in countries like the USA, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa.
6. Pilot Medical Guidance
Guidance for DGCA Class 1 & 2 medical requirements, including vision and overall fitness standards.
7. Mock Tests & Study Material
Small batch coaching, mock tests, and study material to help students pass DGCA exams with confidence.
2. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
NFTI is a joint venture between CAE Inc. and the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It is the second-largest flying school in India based on its aircraft fleet. The institute has partnerships with airlines such as Flyeasy, Air Asia, Air Costa, Jet Airways, Indigo, and SpiceJet. NFTI offers 17- and 19-month pilot training programs structured according to ICAO and DGCA standards.
3. Bombay Flying Club
Located at Juhu Aerodrome, the Bombay Flying Club is one of India’s most prestigious flying schools. Known for professionalism, it has trained thousands of private pilots, engineers, and airline captains for national and international airlines like Indian Airlines, Air India, Sahara, Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates.
4. Hindustan Aviation Academy
Based in Bangalore, Hindustan Aviation Academy emphasizes learning as an experience rather than just an activity. Experienced instructors, including former Indian Air Force personnel, offer courses in aviation, engineering, science, and management. The academy ensures students are up-to-date with industry trends to succeed in aviation careers.
5. Indian Government’s IGRUA
IGRUA (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics) is among India’s most prestigious flying schools. Many top pilots have been trained here. Admission is competitive and involves a two-hour written exam, aptitude test, and panel interview.
6. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
Founded in 1951, this club was initially operated by the Madhya Pradesh government until 1982 and worked closely with the Indian Air Force to train fighter pilots. It remains a well-known flying school, and students must have completed 10+2 education to enroll for commercial pilot training.
7. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd
Established in 1994, this school aims to develop skilled pilots. It owns Mehsana Airfield at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport and has a fleet of trainer aircraft, including Cessna 152 single-engine planes.
8. Orient Flight Aviation Academy (OFAA)
Located in Mysore, OFAA is DGCA-approved and offers commercial, private, and student pilot licenses, along with a BBA in Aviation. The school uses advanced technology and maintains a strong fleet of training aircraft.
9. Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RGAAT)
Originally Kerala Flying Club, later renamed Kerala Aviation Training Centre, this institute became Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology in 2006. It operates under the Travancore Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Act and is approved by DGCA.
10. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy (APFTAL)
Situated at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, APFTAL aims to be Asia’s leading pilot training provider. Their focus is on producing pilots with high professionalism, integrity, and self-discipline while providing top-quality training.