By EFTeam Do one thing, if you can, go to a classroom full of little kids, and ask them what they want to become when they grow up. You know what most of them will answer? A Pilot! That’s what! Sure enough, it is a dream for many to fly an airplane, but only a few chase this dream and become something they really wanted to become when they were little kids. If you’re someone on the same career path, and now you know that you must join a flying school in order to become a pilot, then you’re at the right place today. How? Well, we’re all about sharing a list of the top 10 famous flying schools in India as of 2025, that’s precisely how. So, here we go.
1. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
- Address: Fursatganj Airfield, Uttar Pradesh 229302
Alright, how about if we start with the best one so far? Well, sure enough, IGRUA, which is based in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, is a government-run institution and has been producing some of the country’s best pilots since 1985. But, getting in? Yes, that’s kinda super tough actually! You need to take a written exam, a competence test, and an interview to be selected first, you know? And then, IGRUA uses state-of-the-art aircraft like TB-20, Zlin, DA-40, and DA-42. Along with that, they also use advanced simulators to recreate a real flying experience. It costs a lot though. The total cost of a CPL course will be around ₹45 lakhs, just saying.
2. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
- Address: c/o Airport Authority of India, Birsi Airport, Paraswada, Zilmili, Maharashtra 441614
Then, NFTI is a world-class pilot training institute located in Gondia, Maharashtra. This one, you see, being a collaboration between CAE Inc. and the Airport Authority of India, it strictly follows International Aviation standards, that’s for sure. The best bit about this one? Well, that would be the fact that they are directly tied up with major airlines like IndiGo, Air Asia, and SpiceJet giving you opportunities to get a job after training, how about that now? All in all, yes, the overall course fee is approximately ₹34.6 lakhs which includes training, classroom lessons, flight training, certification, etc.
3. Bombay Flying Club
- Address: N. S. Road No.6 (Next to Jamnabai Narsee School, Gate no.4) J.V.P.D.Scheme Vile Parle (W), Mumbai – 400 056.
How about the oldest one now? Well, for those who don’t know yet, yes, Bombay Flying Club is India’s oldest and highly reputed aviation academy. Just so you know, Bombay Flying Club is located in Mumbai’s Juhu Aerodrome, having been established way back in 1928. You can get a BSc in Aviation along with your CPL or AME here as the school is DGCA and Mumbai University approved, just saying. You’ll get a chance to fly modern aircraft like Cessna 152A, PIPER PA18, and Seneca.
4. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC)
- Address: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Airport Road Civil Aerodrome, Madhya Pradesh 452005
Alright, we’d be kinda straight here, you see, if you’re in the mood for a reliable yet budget-friendly flying school, then MPFC is your go-to. How and why? Well, just for a little bit of history here, this school, established way back in 1951, is functional in Indore and Bhopal. Additionally, it offers CPL and PPL (Private Pilot License) training at a much lower cost than other top schools, you know? As for how much it costs here, well, the fee is around ₹8.5 lakhs a year, making it one of the most affordable options out there!
5. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA)
- Address: Village Rancharda, Via Thaltej, Shilaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382115
Okay, so, next on the list we have AAA, which, as a matter of fact, is a 100% DGCA Approved Flight School located down there in Gujarat. If you’re on a budget, it’s one of the top places for CPL, PPL, and Instructor Rating training, we can say THAT for sure. Though, just so you know, AAA is at Mehsana Airfield. All aircraft are Cessna 152, just saying! Like, they are easy to fly and great for training. Also, DGCA-approved School. The best bit? This full CPL course is around ₹24.6 lakhs.
6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy
- Address: 124/497, Kampas bldg, Madhyam Marg, Agarwal Farm, Sector 12, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020
Next, you see, this school located in Hyderabad was once known as the Kerala Flying Club. It was renamed in 1981, and it is DGCA-approved. For now, though, the school offers CPL and AME courses. Here, you see, you will get quality training as it has good simulators, maintained planes, and well-experienced flight instructors. The CPL course is worth almost ₹20 lakhs. All in all, in our opinion, it is a good pick because the likes of IndiGo, GoAir, and Vistara come here to hire.
7. Government Flying Training School (GFTS)
- Address: Jakkur Aerodrome, Yelahanka, Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064
Again, yes, GFTS is one of the oldest aviation academies in India, located in Bangalore. Because it’s backed by the government, this is one of the cheapest flying schools in India. They provide PPL and CPL training, and the fee is far less than private academies. The flying school has a good fleet of aircraft that is well-maintained, just saying!
8. Chimes Aviation Academy
- Address: Chimes 61, Sector 44, Gurugram, Haryana 122003
Next on the list, sure enough, Chimes Aviation Academy, located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of India’s most technical flight schools. Like, here, they focus on teaching with modern methods and practical aviation skills. The CPL program will cost around ₹30+ lakhs and include flight training, a simulator & classroom. And yes, they also have the same high industrial ties, so easily getting placed will be possible!
9. Orient Flights Aviation Academy
- Address: B1026, B-Block, Palam Extension, Sector 7 Dwarka, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075
2nd last on the list, well, OFAA provides DGCA-approved CPL, PPL, Cabin Crew training, and BBA-Aviation in Mysore, Karnataka. It is globally reputed, just so you know. Again, yes, this place is a regular hiring ground for SpiceJet, Emirates, GoAir, and a few others.
10. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy
- Address: 2nd Floor, Tower I, GMR Aero Towers, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500108
Alright, last on the list, do you want real-world aviation experience? Well, this one, situated at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, APFTAL helps students train in a real international airport. Sure enough, they comply with rigorous DGCA & ICAO standards and cost around ₹38+ lakhs to train.
Conclusion
That’s pretty much it for today. Sure, the list of these best and top-flying schools goes on and on since there are many more right here in India, but if you’re asking us about THE best and most famous ones, well, then we have given you the names already. Now it is actually your turn to get to know a little more about each of these schools and then come to a conclusion.