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Centre Releases Second Phase of Flying Training Institute Rankings, Shows Improvement

The government has released the second phase of DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation rankings for April 2026, showing overall improvement in training standards. Avyanna Aviation Pvt Ltd achieved category 'A', a significant improvement from the previous phase when no institute qualified for the top slot. Training flying hours have increased from 32% to 50%, and CPL issuance has grown by more than 2.5 times over the past eight years. The rankings aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and global competitiveness of Indian FTOs under the 'Train in India, Fly in India' vision.

Key Points: Flying Training Institute Rankings Show Major Improvement

  • Avyanna Aviation becomes only FTO in top 'A' category
  • Training flying hours rise from 32% to 50%
  • CPL issuance up 2.5 times in 8 years
  • Six new FTOs permitted in last 18 months
3 min read

Centre doubles down on enhancing safety in flying training institutes

Government releases second phase of DGCA-approved FTO rankings; Avyanna Aviation achieves top 'A' category; training hours and CPL issuance see significant growth.

"My core objective in introducing an FTO ranking system is to make pilot training more transparent and flying a more attractive career option for youth. - Ram Mohan Naidu"

New Delhi, April 24

The government has released the second phase of DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation rankings for April 2026, showing an overall improvement in training standards with one institute making it to the top 'A' category, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday.

The ranking framework, developed under the guidance of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, aims to bring transparency, accountability and enhanced safety standards across flying training institutes in the country.

The government said that Avyanna Aviation Pvt Ltd emerged as the only FTO to achieve category 'A', a significant improvement from the previous phase when no institute qualified for the top slot.

Moreover, the number of FTOs in category 'B' has increased, while those in Category 'C' have reduced which has indicated a broader upgrade in performance standards.

According to the ministry, the data-driven ranking system introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) enables objective comparison and continuous monitoring of FTOs, strengthening the overall pilot training ecosystem.

"My core objective in introducing an FTO ranking system is to make pilot training more transparent and flying a more attractive career option for youth," the aviation minister said.

Naidu added that the initiative was shaped by interactions with aspiring cadets and their families to help them make informed decisions.

Highlighting sectoral growth, the minister said India's aviation landscape is set for major expansion over the next five years, with 50 new airports, induction of around 500 aircraft by Indian carriers and development of airports into transit hubs under the hub-and-spoke model.

"With a projected requirement of nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade, there is a significant opportunity for Indian youth in aviation," according to the minister.

The government noted that since the introduction of the ranking system, training flying hours have increased from 32 per cent to 50 per cent, alongside expansion of aircraft fleets and improved efficiency in completing Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) requirements.

The minister said the broader objective is to enhance global competitiveness of Indian FTOs while promoting self-reliance through the 'Train in India, Fly in India' vision.

In addition, the number of CPLs issued increased by more than 2.5 times over the past eight years, with record numbers in 2024 and 2025.

In the last 18 months, six new FTOs have been permitted, with six more in the pipeline, according to him.

Among other notable developments, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi showed significant improvement in rankings, while several FTOs demonstrated progress in operational efficiency, safety compliance and training outcomes.

Notably, the first phase of the rankings was published on October 1, 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A much-needed step. India's aviation sector is booming - I've seen the growth at my local airport in Hyderabad. But we need quality pilots, not just numbers. The 30,000 pilot requirement over next decade is huge. Let's hope these institutes deliver. My nephew is planning to join - this gives us confidence.
V
Vikram M
Good initiative, but I hope they also monitor the actual quality of flying instructors and aircraft maintenance. Rankings can be gamed. Also, training flying hours increasing from 32% to 50% is good, but we need to aim for 80-90% like in the US. Let's not settle for mediocrity.
J
James A
As an expat working in Indian aviation, I can see the progress first-hand. The DGCA ranking system is a smart move. But the real test will be whether Category 'C' institutes can be shutdown or forced to improve quickly. Safety first, always.
A
Ananya R
"Train in India, Fly in India" - love this vision! 🇮🇳 For years parents had to send their kids abroad for quality training. Now with 50 new airports and 500 new aircraft coming, our own kids can train here and fly for Indian carriers. My daughter wants to be a pilot - this makes me hopeful. But please keep the fees affordable!
R
Rohit P
This is good but the elephant in the room is the cost. A CPL in India still costs around ₹25-30 lakhs. Meanwhile, countries like Philippines or US offer cheaper options. Unless the government subsidizes training or provides easy loans, "Fly in India" will remain

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