Phase-II Ranking of Flying Training Organisations

• 25 Apr 2026

On 24th April 2026, the Civil Aviation Minister released the second phase of ranking for DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs).

Key Points

• About FTO Ranking:
  • Developed by Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
  • Aims to improve transparency, safety, and accountability in pilot training.
• Key Outcomes (April 2026):
  • One FTO achieved Category ‘A’ (none in previous phase).
  • Increase in Category ‘B’ institutions.
  • Reduction in Category ‘C’ FTOs.
• Institutional Performance:
  • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi showed significant improvement.
  • Overall rise in operational efficiency and training standards.
• Impact on Training Ecosystem:
  • Training flying hours increased from 32% to 50%.
  • Expansion of aircraft fleet at FTOs.
  • Faster completion of Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) requirements.
• Career Opportunities:
  • Estimated need of ~30,000 additional pilots in next decade.
  • Aviation sector expanding rapidly with new airports and aircraft.
• Policy Measures:
  • Liberalised FTO policy and reduced operational costs.
  • Digitisation of CPL examination process.
  • Single-window system under Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam.
• Growth Indicators:
  • CPL issuance increased 2.5 times in last 8 years.
  • 6 new FTOs approved; 6 more in pipeline.
• Government Vision:
  • “Train in India, Fly in India” initiative.
  • Align Indian FTOs with global standards.