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Big News DGCA to Rank Flying Schools in India
Starting October 1, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will begin ranking all Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in India, not once, but twice a year.
This might sound like just another update, but for aspiring pilots, parents, training providers, and the aviation sector as a whole, this is a big deal.
Here’s why it matters.
What does this mean for students and parents?
For decades, selecting a flying school in India has primarily depended on personal research, peer recommendations, or marketing claims. But this new ranking system changes that.
It gives students and families:
- A transparent, DGCA-approved benchmark to compare flying schools
- Clear insights into how each FTO is performing on safety, timelines, and student support
- The confidence to choose an institute that meets national training standards
- A way to make informed, career-shaping decisions
No more guesswork. No more relying on reputation alone. The ranking system puts data and performance at the centre.
What will DGCA consider in the rankings?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation - India will evaluate every FTO on:
- Safety practices and culture
- Availability of training aircraft and instructors
- Timeliness and structure of training
- Compliance with aviation regulations
- Student experience and support
This is not just about ticking boxes, it’s about whether the school truly delivers on what future pilots need.
Why this move matters for indian aviation?
This is a step toward:
- Promoting a culture of training excellence
- Raising and standardising safety across schools
- Encouraging continuous improvement
- Helping regulators and policymakers track performance
- Empowering students and families to choose wisely
It makes the system more fair, more honest, and more student-focused.
At Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), we welcome this initiative. Because for over 15 years, we’ve already been doing what this system will now begin to measure:
- Structured, well-paced training
- A strong safety-first mindset
- Consistent fleet and instructor availability
- Transparent operations and student support
- Trusted Airline Partnerships- Our partnership with the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme
This move aligns with our belief that aspiring pilots and their families deserve clarity, safety, and trust at every step. As the industry evolves, so will we, always prioritising students' needs. This isn’t just a new rule. It’s a shift in how pilot training is viewed in India-more transparent, more accountable, and more focused on what matters.
To every student and parent: Ask questions. Do your research. Choose a school that prioritises your growth and safety.
