Flying Training Organisations: Civil Aviation Ministry Releases Phase 2 FTO Rankings; Check Full List of Pilot Training Institutes
For the first time, one FTO has been placed in Category ‘A’, compared to none in the previous phase.
New ranking framework aims to enhance transparency, safety standards, and informed decision-making for aspiring pilots
New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the second phase of rankings for DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), aimed at strengthening India’s pilot training ecosystem through transparency, performance benchmarking, and quality oversight.
The rankings, developed under the guidance of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, build on the first phase published in October 2025. The framework, compiled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is designed to standardize evaluation metrics, promote accountability, and enable objective comparison across training institutions.
Addressing the initiative, the minister said the objective is to make pilot training more transparent and aspirational for youth, helping candidates and families make informed career decisions.
The move comes amid rising demand for pilots driven by expanding regional air connectivity and airport infrastructure. The ministry noted that India now has over 5,000 aircraft orders and a historic pool of around 29,000 trained or aspiring pilots, indicating strong long-term growth potential in aviation.
Key highlights of Phase 2 rankings
The latest rankings show measurable improvement across institutions. For the first time, one FTO has been placed in Category ‘A’, compared to none in the previous phase. Category ‘C’ has also been introduced to reflect overall performance standards.
Training capacity has improved significantly, with flying hours increasing from 32% to 50%, alongside expansion in aircraft fleets. Digital reforms such as online CPL examinations and RTR licensing have further streamlined the training process.
Top-ranked FTOs (April 2026)
- Category ‘A’
Avyanna Aviation Pvt. Ltd. - Category ‘B’ (Top performers include):
Academy of Carver Aviation
FSTC Flying School Pvt. Ltd.
National Flying Training Institute Pvt. Ltd.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi
Flytech Aviation Academy
Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd.
Garg Aviation Ltd.
Chetak Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Chimes Aviation Academy
Dunes Aviation Academy
Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt. Ltd.
Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Alchemist Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Ambition Flying Club
Orient Flight Aviation Academy
The Bombay Flying Club
The Gujarat Flying Club - Category ‘C’ (Selected institutions):
Sha Shib Flying Academy
Indian Flying Academy
Wings Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Asia Pacific Training Academy
Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation
Telangana State Aviation Academy
Nagpur Flying Club
Bihar Flying Institute
Patiala Aviation Club
SVKM NMIMS Academy of Aviation
BlueRay Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Pioneer Flying Club Academy Pvt. Ltd.
Government Aviation Training Institute
Redbird Flight Training Academy Pvt. Ltd.
The ministry emphasized that the ranking system is part of a broader effort to align India’s aviation training ecosystem with global benchmarks, improve competitiveness, and ensure quality training infrastructure.
By fostering transparency and healthy competition among FTOs, the initiative is expected to enhance skill development and support India’s ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
