15 Best Flying Schools in India: Top Pilot Training Institutes

Choosing the best flying school in India is one of the most important decisions an aspiring pilot can make.

The DGCA approval, the aircraft availability, the experience of instructors, training facilities, course fees, flying conditions and the prospects are some of the things that can impact the quality and the period you spend in the pilot training program.

There are a large number of top pilot training institutes in India and all of them are not set up in the same manner. Some pilot institutes in India are specialized in offering ab-initio flight training and CPL programs, while others provide a wider range of aviation training facilities such as the simulator training, cadet program, type ratings, and pilot training.

In this guide, you will learn about the top 15 flying schools in India with details about the training programs offered, features, location, and some factors to consider when selecting the best pilot training institute.

Quick Comparison: Best Flying Schools in India

Rank Flying School / Institute Location Key Strength

1 FSTC Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai Integrated FTO + ATO and full pilot-training ecosystem

2 IGRUA Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Established government-backed training

3 National Flying Training Institute Gondia, Maharashtra Professional flight training

4 Chimes Aviation Academy Madhya Pradesh Large-scale flight training

5 Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ahmedabad, Gujarat Established CPL/PPL training

6 Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Government-supported training

7 Bombay Flying Club Mumbai, Maharashtra Long aviation legacy

8 Dunes Aviation Academy Gujarat/Rajasthan Private CPL training

9 Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Madhya Pradesh Established regional training

10 Orient Flights Aviation Academy Mysuru, Karnataka CPL and multi-engine training

11 Redbird Aviation India Professional flight training

12 Flytech Aviation Academy Hyderabad, Telangana Pilot and aviation training

13 Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Telangana Aviation training

14 Vision Flying Training Institute Amreli, Gujarat Newer training infrastructure

15 Garg Aviation Limited (GAL) Kanpur Newer training infrastructure

Emphasis on solo flying training

How to Use This List of Top Pilot Training Institutes in India?

Rather than treating the list as an official ranking, use it as a starting point for comparing top pilot training institutes in India.

For each school, prospective pilots should evaluate:

• Current DGCA approval
• Aircraft fleet and availability
• Instructor experience
• Flying hours and training structure
• Simulator access
• Training location and weather
• Course fees and additional costs
• Average CPL completion time
• Career and airline pathways
• Student reviews and testimonials

How to Choose the Best Flying Schools in India

There isn't any one feature that distinguishes the schools as the best pilot training institutes in India.

However, some features that need to be considered in conjunction with each other are:

1. DGCA approval

It is important to verify that your pilot training organization has the correct DGCA approval for the type of training that you want to do.

DGCA is responsible for regulating the flight training organizations and has created a classification scheme where the organisations are rated from A+ to C depending upon their scores.

2. Availability of the aircraft

While the schools may claim a substantial fleet of planes, the important question for students is the availability of the plane for training.

A plane being out of service can result in:

• Cancelled sorties
• Extended training period
• Increased accommodation cost
• Living expenses
• Prolonged licensing process

3. Instructors availability

Number and experience of the instructors can affect the schedule in a pilot training academy.

It is preferable that there are enough instructors in a good pilot training academy who can cope with the students' numbers.

4. Weather and air conditions

Weather and airport traffic conditions may affect the frequency of flying.

An un-congested training airport can give more opportunities for productive flying than a congested urban airport.

5. Pilot training infrastructure

Some points that should be considered by a pilot candidate include:

• Flight simulators
• Classrooms for ground school
• Navigation devices
• Briefing rooms
• Aircraft maintenance facility
• Electronic resources
• Student accommodation

6. Training duration

It is important not to take the training course duration stated in the brochure seriously.

It is advisable to ask the institute:

"How long did the last few batches take to finish the CPL training?"

15 Best Flying Schools In India

1. FSTC – Flight Simulation Technique Centre

Locations: Delhi-NCR, Narnaul, Bhiwani, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and many others operational locations

To select the best flying school in India, you need to look deeper into what is offered by them aside from just flight training.

FSTC (Flight Simulation Technique Centre) offers aviation training in general including flight training, simulator training and even type-rating programs all together under one company.

Being established in 2012 and based in Gurugram, FSTC offers the combination of Flying Training Organization (FTO) and Approved Training Organization (ATO). Besides, it is certified by DGCA in India and EASA in Europe.

This is one of the distinctive features of FSTC.

In contrast to providing pilot training alone, FSTC covers a range of levels in pilots' career path:

Flight training → CPL training→ Multi-engine/Instrument training → Airlines training → Type Rating → Advanced simulator training

A significant development in FSTC's history took place in November 2025.

On 27 November 2025, for FSTC, becoming part of the Adani aviation ecosystem adds another layer of institutional strength to an organisation that already operates across flight training, simulator training and aviation technology.

For aspiring pilots, this provides an additional reason to consider FSTC when comparing the best pilot training institute in India.

What Do FSTC Students Say?

One of the strongest ways for prospective students to evaluate a pilot training academy is to look at feedback from people who have actually completed training.

2. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)

Location: Fursatganj, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is one of the most reputed pilot training institutes. Based in Fursatganj Airport of Uttar Pradesh, this institute is founded by the Government of India and is responsible for imparting pilots' training both for commercial and general aviation purposes.

IGRUA imparts professional pilot training programs which are tailored according to the demands of earning Commercial Pilot Licence. The ecosystem of training program includes ground and practical flight training with an aim to satisfy all theoretical and practical aspects of gaining a professional pilot licence.

The institute's past performance and connection with the government make it known among students searching for a reputed pilot training institute in India.

Why consider IGRUA:

• Government-established aviation academy
• Long history of pilot training
• Structured CPL-oriented training
• Dedicated training environment
• Established aviation infrastructure

Best suited for: Students looking for an established institution with a long track record in professional pilot training in India.

3. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)

Location: Gondia, Maharashtra

National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) is an institute that offers professional flight training services and is situated in Birsi Airport in Gondia, Maharashtra.

The facilities offered at the airport make it easy for the students to practice flying and meet all the criteria for professional pilot training.

For those students who are comparing DGCA certified flying schools in India, NFTI can be a good choice especially when looking for training grounds that are not in the big metropolitan areas of India’s aviation industry.

Why choose NFTI?

Professional flight training facility

Based in Birsi Airport

Focused on CPL pilot training

Good for students interested in learning how to fly

Experience in India’s aviation training industry

Most suitable for: Students considering a commercial pilot training institute in India.

4. Chimes Aviation Academy

Location: Dhana, Madhya Pradesh

Chimes Aviation Academy is an FTO based in India that offers professional pilot training in India. The school operates out of Dhana airport, located in Madhya Pradesh.

Chimes aviation academy is an FTO that trains aspiring pilots through their ground and practical flight training courses. Students interested in joining Chimes can check their fleet of aircraft, instructor experience, training schedules and complete path to obtain a CPL.

Prospective students interested in joining the best flying school in India should assess the actual availability of aircraft and number of flying hours.

Reasons why students should consider Chimes Aviation Academy:

• Dedicated Flight Training Environment
• Private professional Flying School
• Professional flight training (CPL)
• Ground and Practical Flight Training
• Training Base not located in Metropolitan airports that are busy

Most suitable for: Students looking for a private FTO for professional pilot training institute in India.

5. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA) is a well-known aviation training institute based in Gujarat. The institute offers pilot training courses and has the experience of training candidates who are interested in availing themselves as pilots professionally.

The institute’s location in Ahmedabad allows the students to get exposure to the already existing aviation market in the western part of India. Candidates who are in search of the best flying schools in India could include AAA as one of the other DGCA approved training institutes.

What makes this an option worth considering:

• Well-established aviation training institute
• Based in Ahmedabad
• Professional pilot-training courses
• Choice for students in western India
• Experience in CPL training

Best suitable for: Pilot training aspirants in Gujarat and western India.

6. Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology is a government-run flight school situated at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport in the state of Kerala, India.

Rajiv Gandhi Academy offers flight training programs for pilot aspirants and is one of the options that can be considered by students who are looking for government pilot training institutions in India.

As it is located in Kerala, the institution is especially suitable for the students of south India who would like to get trained closer to their home.

Why choose Rajiv Gandhi Academy:

• Government-supported flight academy
• Situated in Kerala
• Flight training courses
• Proven experience in aviation education
• Adequate choice for students seeking training in south India

Most appropriate for: Students searching for government-supported pilot training institutes in Kerala.

7. Bombay Flying Club

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Bombay Flying Club is one of the oldest and one of the top pilot training institutes in India. Operating out of Mumbai, the flying club has had a rich history of aviation training and pilot training programs in India.

Operating from an aviation hub in the country may be appealing to students interested in taking pilot training programs in Mumbai and staying close to a major aviation sector.

In assessing the institute, prospective students will need to consider the institute's DGCA recognition status, the number of aircraft available, the course curriculum, program schedules and overall cost of CPL training at the institute.

Reasons to choose Bombay Flying Club:

• Rich aviation history
• Mumbai-based aviation training
• Well-established aviation training institute
• Professionally run pilot training programs
• Operating from a major Indian aviation hub

Ideal for: Students who prefer taking pilot training courses in Mumbai.

8. Dunes Aviation Academy

Location: Gujarat and Rajasthan

Dunes Aviation Academy is a private flight training organization that offers courses to train future pilots. Its training facilities will give a choice to students outside some of India's bigger metropolitan flight training centers.

Students researching the best flight schools in India can make comparisons of Dunes Aviation Academy by taking into consideration its current aircraft fleet, flight base, instructors' experience, training cost, and CPL course completion time.

Since the process of flight training depends on aircraft availability and weather, it would be advisable for prospective students to ask about current flight hour and completion times prior to making any decisions.

Why go with Dunes Aviation Academy:

• Private flight training organization
• Professional pilot training courses
• Western India-based training facilities
• CPL focused program
• Choice among other private FTOs

Best choice for: Students seeking private flight training in Western India.

9. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club

Location: Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Flying Club is an experienced aviation club that offers a tradition of flight training in the region.

Being a regional aviation club makes it an ideal choice for students seeking pilot training in India without resorting to large metropolitan areas of the country.

It would be wise for students to evaluate the existing training location, available aircraft, instructors, and flying schedule.

Reasons to choose Madhya Pradesh Flying Club:

• Experienced regional aviation club
• Presence in Madhya Pradesh since its inception
• Flight training programmes
• Regional flight training environment
• Good choice for students seeking training in central India

Good choice for: Students seeking training in a regional flight training environment in central India.

10. Orient Flights Aviation Academy

Location: Mysuru, Karnataka

The Orient Flights Aviation Academy is a pilot training institution that operates from Mysuru, Karnataka. This institution offers training programmes to individuals aspiring to have a career in aviation.

Its South Indian location makes it suitable for candidates who are comparing various top pilot training institutions in India and seeking pilots training in locations other than the northern aviation regions of the country.

The students are advised to compare the present aircraft of this institution, the experience of the instructors, flight hours, charges, and completion period of CPL programme among others with other FTOs.

Reasons for considering Orient Flights Aviation Academy:

• Operating from Karnataka
• Professional pilot training
• South Indian location
• Training focused on CPL
• Suitable for students comparing private flight institutions

Best for: Students looking for pilot training in Karnataka and South India.

11. Redbird Aviation

Location: India, with various training locations

Redbird Aviation is a private aviation training company providing pilot training programs in India. The company has managed to make a place for itself in the fast-growing flight training industry of India.

For students who are thinking about joining Redbird, the top criteria to look at would be its existing DGCA certification, aircraft fleet, training facilities, instructors and average CPL program duration.

Why Redbird Aviation:

• Private aviation training company
• Pilot training programs
• Various training locations
• Good choice for students evaluating Indian FTOs
• Pilot development

Best choice for: Students seeking private flying school in India and evaluating FTOs.

12. Flytech Aviation Academy

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

Flytech Aviation Academy is an aviation training institute located in Hyderabad, which offers pilot training programs. It is a good choice for candidates who are searching for aviation training institutes in South India.

As Hyderabad is developing into an aviation hub, it becomes a suitable location for students who want to develop their network in aviation along with their professional training.

Candidates must check out the current course structure, DGCA accreditation, availability of aircrafts, cost of training and duration of training before joining any course.

Why choose Flytech Aviation Academy?

• Aviation training from Hyderabad
• Pilot training programs
• South India location
• Professional aviation training
• A choice for candidates comparing aviation colleges

Most suitable for: Students looking for top pilot training institutes in India, particularly in South India.

13. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy

Location: Telangana

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy is a pilot training institute In India catering to students who are seeking professional aviation training.

This institute is an additional choice for the students researching pilot training institutions in India, based on the location, training facilities, and the structure of the courses.

It is necessary to check the latest DGCA approval status of the course as well as the availability of the aircraft, charges, and training duration.

Reasons to choose Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy:

• Aviation training in Telangana
• Pilot training programs
• Regional pilot training facility
• Good choice for students analyzing South Indian institutes

Best fit for: Students who are seeking pilot training institutes in Telangana.

14. Vision Flying Training Institute - VFTI

Location: Amreli, Gujarat

Vision Flying Training Institute is an organization offering flying training services, situated in Amreli, Gujarat. This is among the choices for students who want to seek information about flying training in Western India.

Just like other flying schools, the candidate must look beyond the curriculum being offered and consider other important things such as availability of planes, experience of the instructor, schedules of training and the real CPL time of the training.

Reasons why Vision Flying Training Institute would be chosen:

Based in Gujarat flying school

Professional flight training

Training locally

Flying school in Western India

Most suited for: Candidates seeking regional flying school in Gujarat.

15. Garg Aviation Limited (GAL)

Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Garg Aviation Limited (GAL) is a flying training institution that operates from Civil Airport, Kanpur. The institution traces its origins back to 1995. It provides DGCA approved flying training services to self-sponsored students and those sponsored through government programs.

It provides training in different aspects of piloting, including Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Multi-Engine Rating, Flight Instructor training, instrument related and other flying courses. Its training program particularly emphasizes actual solo flying so that students gain confidence, practical flying skills and good decision making skills.

Why choose Garg Aviation Limited:

Established flight training institution founded in 1995

Operates from Civil Airport, Kanpur

DGCA approved flying training

Provides CPL and PPL training

Provides Multi-Engine Rating program

Provides Flight Instructor training

Places emphasis on solo flying training

Best suitable for: Students seeking pilot training institution in India with established track record and Kanpur based flight training environment.

There are several other reputable aviation institutes that include Gujarat Flying Club (Vadodara), GATI (Government Aviation Training Institute, Bhubaneshwar), Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation (Karnal, Hisar, Pinjore), Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (Trivandrum, Kerala), Redbird Aviation (private FTO with bases in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam), and Falcon Aviation Academy (UP and MP) and more.

Each of these institutes has its advantages and disadvantages. But when comparing them, you should look at the most up-to-date reviews about the serviceability of their fleet, availability of instructors and the safety record.

But before deciding upon a flying academy, you should definitely know what kind of money it is going to cost you. The information you are looking for is available in our guide on Pilot Course Fees & Duration.

What makes FSTC stand out amongst Best flying schools in India

1. One FTO & ATO

FSTC is one of the unique institutions in India where flight training and airline level training is done by the same organisation.

This gives an advantage to the student to pursue training in the overall aviation ecosystem rather than jumping around multiple organisations as the need for training changes.

2. Training that is approved by DGCA & EASA

FSTC holds dual approval from two of the most popular aviation authorities and this is another difference-making factor for FSTC.

The training ecosystem at FSTC holds the following approvals:

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The student must always ensure which approval applies to which course he is joining before joining the said course.

3. From Cessna to Airbus and Boeing

At FSTC, the training ecosystem includes all types of pilot training.

Some of the aircraft in the flying training fleet are:

• Cessna 172
• Piper Archer
• Diamond DA42
• Tecnam P2006T

Some of the simulators in the advanced simulator fleet are:

• Airbus A320
• Boeing 737
• ATR
• Dash Q400

This makes FSTC offer a unique cadet-to-captain training program under one aviation organisation.

4. Commercial Pilot License training

FSTC has a CPL training program that includes both ground and flight training.

The CPL path has topics like:

• Air Navigation
• Meteorology
• Air Regulations
• Aircraft Technical Knowledge
• Radio Telephony
• Flight training
• Multi-engine training
• Instrument training
• Simulator sessions

Therefore, FSTC becomes an important consideration while deciding a commercial pilot course in India.

5. Cadet Pilot Program

Students interested in airline pathway can also join the FSTC Cadet Pilot Program that includes ground and flight training focused towards the airline career.

6. Advanced type rating training

FSTC not only does CPL training but its ATO also includes other advanced type-rating programs.

These courses are of:

• Airbus A320
• Boeing 737 NG
• ATR 72-600
• Dash Q400

And much more advanced aviation programs.

Therefore, FSTC is a perfect choice for licensed pilots looking for a top pilot training institute in India.

Related: CPL vs PPL vs Type Rating

Ready to Get Started on Your Pilot Training?

If you want structured pilot training delivered by seasoned aviation experts through an advanced training infrastructure, check out what we have for you at FSTC.

FSTC can provide you with training programs ranging from CPL and Cadet Pilot training programs to Multi-engine, Simulators and Aircraft Type Ratings.

Find out what FSTC’s pilot training programs can offer you.

Explore Pilot Training Programs

Contact an FSTC Admissions Specialist

FAQs

Which is the best flying school in India?

There is no single school that is objectively best for every aspiring pilot. FSTC, IGRUA, NFTI, Chimes Aviation Academy and other established FTOs are among the organisations students can compare. FSTC stands out for its integrated FTO and ATO model, DGCA and EASA approvals, flight-training fleet and advanced simulator/type-rating ecosystem.

Which is the best pilot training institute in India?

The right institute depends on your goals, budget and preferred training pathway. Students should compare DGCA status, aircraft availability, instructor experience, training infrastructure, completion times and total cost.

Is FSTC DGCA approved?

FSTC operates a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation and an Approved Training Organisation. It also holds relevant EASA approvals. Students should verify the approval applicable to their specific course before enrolling.

What makes FSTC different from other flying schools?

FSTC combines FTO and ATO capabilities, allowing it to offer training ranging from initial flight training and CPL programmes through advanced simulator and type-rating training. Its ecosystem also includes DGCA and EASA-approved training capabilities.

Is FSTC part of the Adani Group?

Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd and Prime Aero Services LLP announced the acquisition of a majority stake in FSTC in November 2025. Adani Enterprises subsequently reported a 72.8% effective stake acquisition in FSTC.

How much does a commercial pilot course cost in India?

Commercial pilot course costs vary significantly by school and programme. Students should compare the complete cost, including flying, ground school, multi-engine training, simulator sessions, examinations, accommodation and possible additional flying hours.

How long does pilot training take in India?

The advertised duration and actual completion time can differ. Weather, aircraft availability, instructor availability, maintenance and examination schedules can all affect completion time.

What should I check before joining a flying school?

Verify the school's current DGCA status, aircraft availability, instructor experience, total fees, additional-hour charges, training facilities, average completion time and student feedback.