DGCA's First Ranking of Indian Flying Schools Shows No Top Performers: All 35 FTOs Receive B or C Ratings

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), none of India's 35 Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) achieved top 'A' or 'A+' ratings in the regulator's first-ever ranking assessment.

The evaluation revealed that 13 FTOs received 'B' rankings while 22 were classified in the 'C' category. This comprehensive assessment examined operational aspects, performance metrics, safety standards, compliance levels, and student assistance programs.

DGCA's rating system categorizes FTOs based on percentage scores: those with 85% and above receive 'A+' ratings, 70-85% qualify for 'A' ratings, 50-70% earn 'B' ratings, and below 50% fall into the 'C' category.

Five FTOs were excluded from the current evaluation - four because they hadn't completed the minimum operational period of 18 months, and one due to invalid approval as of August 31.

The regulator has announced that all 'C' category institutions will receive official notices requiring self-assessment and performance improvement plans.

Among the 13 FTOs in category 'B' are Chimes Aviation Academy, SVKM's NMIMS Academy of Aviation, Bihar Flying Club, Orient Flights Aviation Academy, Skynex Aero, FSTC Flying School, Patiala Aviation Club, Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, and Jet Serve Aviation.

Also in the 'B' category are Nagpur Flying Club, National Flying Training Institute, Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club, and Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology.

The 22 organizations placed in category 'C' include Dunes Aviation Academy, Garg Aviations, The Bombay Flying Club, Chetak Aviation, Ekvi Air Training, Academy of Carver Aviation, Ambitions Flying Club, Flytech Aviation Academy, Indian Flying Academy, and Sha-Shib Flying Academy.

Additional 'C' rated institutions include Government Aviation Training Institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Redbird Flight Training Academy, Telangana State Aviation Academy, Alchemist Aviation, Falcon Aviation Academy, Wings Aviation, Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, The Gujarat Flying Club, The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Pioneer Flying Academy, and Blue Ray Aviation.

These FTOs are responsible for training pilots and other aviation professionals across India. The DGCA has stated that these rankings will be published twice a year, with the next evaluation scheduled for release on April 1, 2026.