Guide to finding the best Flight Training Schools in India vs Abroad.
Are you exploring flight training academy in India and abroad?
If so, you must choose the country that provides the necessary exposure and flight training for global exposure.
Table Of Contents
In this blog, you will explore the minimum eligibility criteria to become a pilot in India and abroad. You will learn about some of the top countries with the flight training academies in the world. You will learn their costs. You will learn about scholarships for flight training too.
Finally, we will do a brief analysis of what a career as an airline pilot can look like if you choose to do your flight training in India vs abroad.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Pilot in India vs Abroad
DGCA exams in India are essential to get admission to pilot training schools in India and abroad. If you are an Indian student, it is suggested to clear the DGCA exams. This will support your application to flight training schools abroad.
1. Minimum Eligibility to become a Pilot in India
Age Requirements:
You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India.
Educational Qualifications:
The minimum education requirement is a 10+2 or equivalent in Physics and Maths. Students who do not have these subjects in 10+2 can choose to complete them from a recognized institute, such as the NIOS.
Communication in English:
Being proficient in English is a vital obligation. You must be able to understand and communicate during your flight training in English.
Medical Requirements:
Get a Class 2 Medical Certificate which tests your fitness to train as a student pilot. To become a commercial pilot, you must complete a Class 1 medical certificate which is a specialized certificate for pilots.
Clear DGCA Exams:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is a statutory body of the Indian government. It regulates civil aviation in India. Every student is assigned a unique computer number from DGCA, making them eligible to apply for the exams.
The DGCA conducts theoretical exams four times a year. A student must clear all 5 subjects to join a flight training school in India. Results of the DGCA exams help you get admission to flight training schools abroad.
Read the detailed guide about How to Become a Pilot in India.
2. Flight Training in the US: Minimum Eligibility
Age Requirements:
If you're an Indian student make sure you're at least 17 years old to start flight training in the USA.
Educational Qualifications:
You would need a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification to get admission.
Communication in English:
Being proficient in English is a vital obligation. You must be able to understand and communicate during your flight training in English.
Get a Visa:
If you plan to study at the Flying Training Academies in the USA, you'll need an M-1 visa for vocational studies.
Financial Capacity:
It's crucial to show that you reflect your financial strength. This proves you can cover your tuition and living expenses.
Medical Requirements:
To become a pilot, you must meet health standards and pass the medical exam for aviation.
3. Pilot Training in the UK: Minimum Eligibility
Age Requirements:
You must be at least 17 to apply and 18 to start flight training.
Educational Qualifications:
Students must have completed high school with English, mathematics and physics.
Communication in English:
Being proficient in English is a vital obligation. You must be able to understand and communicate during your flight training in English.
Get a Visa:
You must be eligible to live in the country you choose for the flight training academy.
Medical Requirements:
To become a pilot, get a Class 1 Medical Certificate. The certificate tests your hearing, eyesight, coordination, and health. Additionally, you should be between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 3in (191cm).
Criminal Record Checking:
You need a criminal clearance from your country to become a pilot in the UK.
Checklist to Find the Right Flight Training Academy
1. Cost of Flight Training
The training fee offered by flight training academies does not include food, accommodation, travel, local transportation, or other expenses in most cases. Be sure to factor those in. Additionally, you may have to pay flight charges, documentation fees, etc. while signing up for a pilot training course if not in india but abroad.
Many countries provide cheap pilot training courses like S. Africa and the Philippines. Here are some features to consider while comparing the costs of flight training academies in India vs abroad:
Type of Aircraft
Type of Cockpit
Age of Aircraft
Airport Used
Simulator Type
Fuel Used
2. Quality of Training
Learn about the technologies used by the school before finalizing the flight training school. Find out the number of training aircraft and instructors to know how updated they are with their training quality. The student-instructor and the student-aircraft ratio will give you an idea that you’ll have more access to a plane or not. This will help you determine if you can complete your flight hours more quickly.
3. Duration of Training
For different courses, the time of training varies. While comparing courses, note if your training duration is justified with the course's benefits.
4. Career and Job Availability
Pilot jobs are not limited to being an airline pilot. You can start your career as a flying instructor, chartered pilot, or private jet pilot. However, note that no school guarantees job security unless you compromise on job quality. To get a good placement you will have to struggle after getting your CPL. With good skills, it is in your hands to get placed in a lucrative airline cockpit soon after completion.
5. License Conversion
If you are planning to train abroad but pursue a career in India, you must convert your foreign license to Indian. To get an Indian license as a pilot you need to clear conversion exams such as CPL-CG exams. If you plan to settle abroad, do not worry about conversion.
Best Countries for Flight Training Abroad
With so many flying schools and institutes worldwide, choosing the one that best suits your needs can be overwhelming. Indeed, it's not just the school which matters.
Some of the best countries for Pilot Training are:
USA
UK
Canada
1. The United States of America
The USA is home to top aviation schools, which are also among the oldest in the world. The country offers world-class trainers, instructors, faculty members, and training facilities. Aviation Schools in the USA have global accreditation. They adhere to the highest educational and training standards.
Students get to learn with access to cutting-edge aircraft and the best equipment and other infrastructure. It will also help aspirants benefit from working with retired airline veterans and industry bigwigs. They can also work with instructors and network to carve out better opportunities for themselves.
2. The United Kingdom
Pilot Training in the UK offers ample opportunities to gain practical professional experience. This can be through either an internship or an apprenticeship. The hundreds of airports across the UK lay the ground for different exposures for student pilots.
It is a good choice for someone seeking a future and settling in the UK. In 2023, UK and European airlines have hired more pilots. BALPA, the British Airline Pilots Association, has seen increased recruitment. In 2024 it predicts an increase in demand for newly-qualified pilots.
3. Canada
Canadian Flight Training Schools are famous for their modern air traffic control systems. The diverse weather conditions in Canada lay the ground for varying exposure to trainee pilots. The training schools make the best of it with their comprehensive programs. They cover a wide range of flying conditions. This includes mountain flying, cross-country flights, and adverse weather situations.
Besides, the Canadian Aviation License is one of the most prestigious licenses. The tuition fees clubbed with the quality of education make it a perfect destination for international students.
Flight Training in India
Aspiring commercial pilots find India a comforting option to learn flight training. India is an affordable option in comparison to flight training in many international options. It may lack quality training but provides an affordable choice. Indian students are accustomed to the culture. They find the training, language, and customs comforting. This is in contrast to the uncomfortable change in lifestyle when moving abroad.
For someone planning to settle in India in the future, flight training in India is a good option. It will give them time to establish connections with the Indian aviation industry. This can also be helpful while they are seeking employment after their CPL training. Additionally, as a pilot, they will be trained and familiar with the Indian weather conditions and DGCA rules in the Indian sky.
During flight training in India, the student may face limitations. These may concern outdated technology and aircraft. Such an environment may restrict students from good exposure and learn flying in modern and diverse conditions.
Indian flight training schools may boast about their modern facilities. However, it is recommended to do a thorough cross-check before finalizing your flight school. Obsolete infrastructure, training machinery, and resources can impact your training's overall quality.
Flight Training in India vs Abroad
Read the compassion in the image below or learn the details of comparative analysis while choosing the right flight school in India vs abroad.
1. Training and Technologies
India:
Some aviation schools in India boast modern facilities. Others may lack adequate infrastructure, training equipment, and resources. This could impact the quality of training.
Abroad:
Aviation Schools abroad offer world-class trainers and training facilities. Schools abroad advances in technology and flying instruments. They provide better exposure to technology than in India.
2. Time to Earn Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
India:
Training in India takes an average time of 18-24 months (about 2 years) till the student earns their CPL. This period includes clearing DGCA papers, flying training, and gaining essential licenses.
Abroad:
For a student training abroad, it takes about 12 months to earn their CPL before they are ready to join an airline as a commercial pilot.
3. Diverse Flying Environments
India:
Flight Training in India primarily focuses on familiar airspaces and weather conditions. For a student who is planning a global exposure, India does not provide varying weather conditions. However, for someone planning to settle in India, training in the same country will provide good exposure.
Abroad:
Flight training abroad can broaden your skillset. It prepares you for a wider range of flying scenarios. This is due to diverse terrain and varied weather patterns. It's also due to exposure to international aviation practices.
4. Cheaper Flight Training Fee
India:
The average fee for flight training in India is 55,000 USD which is not cheap. International exposure has advantages, but the extra fee covers it. Flight training in India has limited benefits and thus, it's almost the same package. Overall, pilot training in India expensive than that abroad.
Abroad:
Flight Training Schools in the USA charge a fee of about 70,000 USD, while those in Canada have a fee of 42,000 USD. Flight Training is an expensive course. Flight training schools abroad provide international exposure for about the same cost in India.
Scholarships For Flight Training Schools in India vs Abroad
The high cost of Flight training is a concern for many aspiring pilots. Educational institutions, aviation associations, and governmental bodies offer scholarships. They create a smooth and accessible path for talented students.
1. The USA
Some of the renowned scholarships for students aspiring to learn flight training in the USA are:
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) :
This scholarship offers flight training scholarships. AOPA members who have completed at least one solo flight can receive up to INR 83,000.
The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship:
Offered by Ninety-Nines, this international organization is made up of women pilots. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship is awarded to women who want to pursue a career in aviation, including pilot training. The scholarship is worth up to INR 83 thousand.
2. The UK
Some popular scholarships for pilot students in the UK are:
Air League Scholarship :
The Air League offers various types of scholarships for pilot training. These include flight training scholarships for those aged between 18 and 35.
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust:
It is offered to young people interested in making a career in aviation.
3. Canada
Canada sets a good ground for airline pilot enthusiasts. The top 2 scholarships for students planning to train in Canada are:
Air Cadet League of Canada:
The Air Cadet League of Canada offers several scholarships for cadets pursuing aviation careers. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement. They are also awarded based on leadership skills and involvement in the community.
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA):
COPA offers scholarships to help young pilots achieve their dream of becoming licensed pilots. The scholarships are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. They are pursuing private pilot’s licenses.
4. India
India is a choice for many aspiring pilots. Below are some scholarships open for Indian students.
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi Scholarship (IGRUA) :
The IGRUA scholarship is offered on the basis of the candidate's performance in the entrance examination. This exam is conducted by IGRUA. The scholarship covers the entire cost of training. It includes tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. The scholarship is open to candidates from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Saraswati Aviation Academy Scholarship :
The Saraswati Aviation Academy, based in Maharashtra, is a flight training school. It offers scholarships based on a candidate's financial need and academic performance. A candidate with an annual income of less than one lakh rupees is eligible for the scholarship.
Explore more scholarships for Indian students while finding schools for flight training in India vs abroad.
Conclusion
Still confused about how to choose the Best Flight Training School in India vs Abroad?
Watch this video to seek help from Capt Vikas, an Air India pilot. Listen to his story as he shares his experience and hurdles while flight training in India and abroad with MAV.
With so many options for good flight training schools, it can be a little overwhelming to make the right choice. A good option is to make a list of criteria which matter to you the most and then compare the flight training schools which match your checklist. You can use also the checklist mentioned above.
Another good option is to seek help from professionals. Consultancy firms like MAV AeroSafety Consultancy help you make an informed choice while guiding you in making a smart checklist and mindfully selecting the flight training school which matches your criteria whether it is in India or abroad.
FAQs
Is India good for Pilot Training?
Depending on the course you want to pursue do a comparative study to find out if India is the best choice for you. Use this checklist to find the right flight training school in India vs abroad.
Which country is best for flight training?
Is Pilot Training in USA cheaper than India?
Which country is cheaper than India for Pilot Training?
Which country is best for Pilot Training for Indian Students?
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