MoCA Releases Second Phase FTO Rankings to Strengthen Pilot Training

The data-driven framework compiled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ensures objective comparison and continuous monitoring of FTO performance with emphasis on safety and accountability. The minister said the system will make pilot training more transparent and help aspiring cadets and their families make informed choices. The measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the national aviation training ecosystem.

The ministry highlighted growth prospects driven by national policies on regional connectivity and noted that over the next five years, India will add 50 more airports while carriers are expected to induct around 500 more aircraft as major airports evolve into transit hubs. With a historic outlay of Rs 290 bn through Modified UDAN, the ministry said there is scope for regional connectivity, and the country will require nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade. These factors underline the need for enhanced domestic training capacity.

Since the ranking was introduced, the training ecosystem has recorded gains, including an increase in training flying hours from 32 per cent to 50 per cent, expansion of FTO aircraft fleets and improved training efficiency that has shortened cadets' time to obtain a commercial pilot licence. The ranking has enabled students to compare institutions on objective indicators and decide accordingly. The ministry reported that commercial pilot licences issued have risen more than two and a half times over the last eight years, with record numbers in 2024 and 2025.

The second phase showed one FTO achieving Category A, a shift from Category C to B for several institutions and notable progress at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi. The ministry said reforms include liberalising FTO policy, abolishing airport royalties, rationalising land rentals and digitising examination processes under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniam.