The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has directed all flying training organizations (FTOs) in the country to maintain dedicated and updated websites. This move, announced on May 16, 2025, is aimed at bringing transparency and empowering aspiring commercial pilots to make well-informed decisions when selecting a flying school.
The DGCA's directive mandates that these websites prominently display key parameters crucial for prospective students. This includes the minimum and maximum time typically required to complete the mandatory 200 hours of flying, a critical requirement for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. Furthermore, the websites must provide details on the number of aircraft available at the FTO, the strength of the instructor pool, the availability of designated examiners, and access to ground school and simulator facilities.
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai initiated this reform to ensure that information is readily accessible to the public, enabling students to make informed choices. This transparency is expected to foster competition among FTOs, driving them to enhance safety standards and become more student-friendly. The DGCA's communication to the flying schools emphasized the need for regular updates to these websites, ensuring that the information remains current and accurate for prospective cadets. Additional parameters for publication may be advised in due course.
This initiative addresses a significant concern in the Indian aviation sector: the time it takes to complete the required flying hours. Due to factors such as aircraft availability, instructor shortages, and varying training quality, many aspiring pilots opt to pursue CPL training abroad, where the licensing processes are often more efficient. By making information on completion times and resource availability transparent, the DGCA aims to encourage more students to train within India.
The DGCA is also considering introducing a ranking system for FTOs based on various performance metrics, including CPL completion time, fleet strength, safety record, and instructor-to-student ratio. Such a system could further incentivize flight schools to improve their infrastructure, streamline training programs, and adopt best practices, ultimately benefiting both students and the aviation industry.
Moreover, the DGCA is exploring the possibility of allowing students from arts and commerce backgrounds to be eligible for CPL training, a move that could significantly increase the number of aspiring pilots. Currently, a science background with Physics and Mathematics is typically required. This proposed change, coupled with the increased transparency measures, could democratize access to aviation careers and address the growing demand for pilots in India's rapidly expanding airline industry.
