Due to its favourable weather, aviation training facilities, and the presence of DGCA-approved flying schools, South India has become a significant centre for aviation education in India. Aspiring commercial pilots will find that the first and most important step on their way to obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is to properly research the top pilot schools in South India. Each pilot school in this region offers outstanding options when choosing where to receive CPL training due to the availability of state-of-the-art aircraft and qualified instructors. Below is a curated list of South India’s ten most reputable pilot institutes for training for a CPL, as chosen by aspiring pilots based on quality, safety record, and career placement assistance.
Best Pilot Training Institutes for a CPL in South India
1. Narain Aviation
Narain Aviation is one of South India’s leading choices for pilot training, especially with respect to the DGCA-approved CPL program. The Academy provides a modern fleet of aircraft, qualified instructors, and an extensive training program from initial ground school to actual flight. Because of their emphasis on safety, discipline, and industry-based flight training, Narain Aviation is well-suited for serious candidates to the aviation profession.As a result, Narain Aviation is widely regarded as South India’s best pilot training academy for the professional development of aspiring pilots. The institute offers personalized mentor service and prepares students to become airline-ready pilots. Therefore, it has become the leading pilot training facility in South India.
2. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy – Gondia
CAE is recognized around the world as an airline pilot training facility. They maintain their reputation by upholding very high standards for all of their CPL candidates. They offer both integrated and modular pilot programs that align with international airline requirements. With advanced flight simulators and predictable training hours, CAE provides excellent training results. They are very popular with students who want international exposure, along with meeting DGCA requirements in India.
3. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA)
IGIA has been in operation for quite some time and is one of the older brands in the field of aviation training in India. They are DGC-approved for CPL courses. Their ground school program is solid and combines on-the-ground practical training. IGIA has been utilizing the resources of experienced instructors and exposing students to rigorous airline preparation throughout their training. Therefore, IGIA remains one of the top pilot training centers in South India.
4. Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology
The Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology is run by the state government of Kerala. They offer CPL programs and follow a very structured training format. You can expect a disciplined training environment, along with a very clear fee structure and a high level of safety in their operation. The academy maintains a fleet of modern aircraft while providing very thorough training in accordance with its standard operating procedures.
5. Redbird Aviation
Redbird Aviation is known for its innovative simulator-based training. They focus on a skills-based approach to learning that utilizes a fleet of modern aircraft with a strong ground school to help students complete DGCA examinations. Students from all over Southern India can find high-quality CPL training at this institution.
6. NFTI (National Flying Training Institute)
NFTI has been formed as a joint venture between the AAI and CAE. It provides world-class pilot training with a specific focus on producing “airline-ready” pilots by utilizing approved processes and simulator training. Entry into NFTI is highly competitive and thus attracts only those serious and dedicated students. As a result of its continued delivery of disciplined and professional commercial pilots, NFTI is well-regarded within the aviation industry.
7. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy (APFTA)
APFTA offers modern aircraft for students to train with and instructors with extensive industry experience. APFTA emphasizes strong theoretical foundations and flying safely. Students benefit greatly from structured flight scheduling and ample support for exam preparation before taking the DGCA exams. APFTA has emerged as a growing force in commercial pilot training across South India.
8. Chimes Aviation Academy
Chimes Aviation is known for its integrated CPL program and training for pilots toward an airline environment. Additionally, this academy provides mentorship, support for flight discipline, and simulator exposure. In addition to preparing students for DGCA examinations and assisting with career development, this academy provides students with the tools necessary to develop their aviation careers. It is a reputable option among the top pilot training institutions located in southern India.
9. Orient Flight School
Orient offers DGCA-approved Commercial Pilot License (CPL) courses that focus mainly on safety, developing skills, and increasing safety awareness among CPL candidates. The flight school has great flying conditions and facilities located on its own well-equipped airfield. Experienced instructors work with each student to provide personal support while learning. CPL students from Karnataka should consider Orient Flight School as a primary choice for focused CPL training.
10. Wings AviationÂ
Wings Aviation provides commercial pilot training along with structured ground classes. The ground classes enable the students to establish a strong foundation of flying skills and provide the knowledge necessary to succeed on the DGCA examinations. Wings Aviation also allows students to receive affordable training along with high-quality instruction. For South Indian students beginning their CPL training, Wings Aviation would be a good option as they will assist with the preparation to apply for and take the DGCA exams.
Commercial Pilot Training and Demand in India
The commercial aviation industry in India is expanding rapidly, with an increase in demand for commercial pilot training in South India due to the continued expansion of the Indian Commercial Aviation Industry.
Pilot Demand Increase
By 2025, it is estimated that India will require approximately an additional 30,000 pilots to fulfill the demand for newly acquired aircraft introduction and expansion of the flight network, resulting from nearly 1,700 new aircraft currently on order with Airbus and Boeing. The major increases in aviation demand require significant increases in quality pilot training programs throughout the country. This includes the leading flying schools in South India.
Pilot Strength and Growth
As of 2025, there are approximately 8000 pilots currently working in India; of that, an estimated 2000-3000 pilots are inactive, which only increases the gaps in the workforce for pilots.Â
CPL Output in 2024
In the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, they issued a total of 1347 CPLs for 2024; this number represents a significant number of pilots who have or will be hired to ensure growth in the airline industry. However, it is still well below what the airline industry needs to replace existing pilots.Â
Women Becoming Pilots in Recent Years
In recent years, there has been an increase in the percentage of female pilots who have earned their CPLs, with women making up nearly 18% of CPLs issued for 2023, a trend that has the potential to increase further, as the industry moves to increase gender diversity in hiring pilots.Â
Conclusion
Your aviation journey begins with finding the right flight school from the top 10 commercial pilot training schools in South India, with Narain Aviation being the leading student-focused school among these 10 schools, and a perfect place for aspiring pilots. It is important to choose a school that promotes safety, quality education, and a long-term successful career as an airline pilot.Â
FAQs
How to choose a pilot training school in South India?
You should consider these four criteria: DCGA APPROVALS, on-aircraft quality, quality of instructors, and quality of student reviews, not just fees!Â
Is pilot training in South India beneficial?
Yes. Because of here is the great weather, clear skies, and flawless conditions make this location is right for training.
What is the cost of CPL training in South India?
Generally, the cost of CPL training in South India is 40 to 55 lakhs, but it can also depend on which institute you choose and which aircraft is used.
What is the time period of CPL training?
It will take 18 to 24 months if you remain regular with flying hours and exams.
Can the institute help me find a job in the airlines?
Yes. Top schools such as Narain Aviation will teach you about interviews and airline preparations, which increase your chances of getting a job.
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He had served in the Meteorological Branch of the Indian Air Force for over 25 years. He not only has had years of experience in operational weather forecasting across the country but had also served in the capacity of Joint Director involving administrative and policy matters.
He was part of IPKF in Sri Lanka and served during various operations. He was actively involved in issuing timely forecasts for cyclones over Kutch and during earthquake at Bhuj.
He has deep knowledge of Meteorology and forecasting based on years of experience having served in most parts of the country. This practical knowledge mixed with years of teaching experience is very helpful in his current assignment.
Besides all of the above, he has had the opportunity of teaching Met for over five years to young trainee pilots at flying academies in Bidar and Hakimpet. At these places, young trainees from Fighter and Helicopter stream were trained to become pilots’ in the Indian Air Force.
A Squadron Commander in the IAF, she has handled the responsibilities of a Senior Air Traffic Controller, Radar Controller and a Duty Air Traffic Controller. She was the operational and administration head for more than 70 personnel in a squadron, which included officers and airmen.
Implementation of Airport procedures and enforcing field rules and regulations at diverse IAF bases with varied traffic conditions.
Successfully handled Aircraft operations as Senior Air Traffic controller at busy Air Force bases like Tezpur, Jodhpur, Bidar and Hakimpet which have complex flying environments, handling mixed traffic of defence as well as civil airplanes.
Successfully delivered results while working under challenging conditions and resource constraints. Possesses the ability to integrate and motivate diverse teams by creating positive work environment to facilitate high grade performance.
A retired fighter pilot, with versatile experience of 30 yrs. in the IAF, comprising Flying Training primarily, Operations and Flight Safety, apart from Surface to Air Missiles and Radars.
Over 17 yrs as a pilot, including second-in-command of a Flying Squadron. Total Flying of 2,350 hrs (4000 sorties), on Maruts, MiG-21s, Kirans, HT-2s and HPT-32s. Have force-landed aircraft without engine power twice, as a trainee (jet trainer aircraft) and as an Instructor (propeller trainer aircraft).
Qualified/Chief Flying Instructor twice at the Air Force Academy, 900 hrs instructional flying with trainees. Chief Ground Instructor at AF Stn Bidar, handling all Ground Training for flying
Commander of a Missile Squadron of 375 technical, operational and support personnel, for 3 yrs. Best Guided Weapons Squadron twice, 1997-98 and 1999-2000.
Director/Senior Flying Training Officer at HQ Training Command IAF, Bangalore for 5 yrs. Responsible for induction and operations of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and Flight Simulators at Bidar, Flying Instructors’ School at Tambaram and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
Qualified Flying Instructor, trained at Flying Instructors’ School, Tambaram, Chennai(1990) Second in Flying and fifth in overall merit at commissioning.
Air Marshal Ravinath Gururaj Burli (Retd) has a distinguished record of four decades of service. He has been an instructor at Flying Instructors School (FIS), Tactics And Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).
He was Commandant at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, where he trained the young air force cadets learn flying training.
He brings his immense knowledge to train young students at our institute in Navigation, Instruments and Radio aids. His passion for teaching is amazing and fabulous.
