Be an Air India Pilot with AIFTA

Infrastructure 

Spread across a sprawling 10-acre area, the campus is meticulously designed to accommodate and train up to 180 cadets simultaneously, while fully complying with all regulatory and statutory requirements. 
A state-of-the-art training infrastructure, including a high-tech dispatch centre, a world-class maintenance facility (Hangar), digitally equipped classrooms and briefing rooms, enables a holistic learning experience. The campus also features hostel accommodations, dining facilities, and supporting amenities. 
This integrated setup aims to foster a professional, immersive, and enriching environment for cadet development. 

Equipment

To deliver high-quality Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training in accordance with regulatory standards, the academy houses a fleet of 34 trainer aircraft and 3 Fixed-Based Simulation Devices (FSTDs) and a designed Aircraft Fleet: 

• 31 Single-Engine Piper Archers
• 3 Multi-Engine Diamond DA42 NG Simulation Devices:
• 2 Single-Engine Frasca FSTDs 
• 1 Multi-Engine Diamond FSTD 

All aircraft are equipped with ADS-B and feature the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, ensuring a best-in-class training experience through advanced navigation and situational awareness systems. 

Curriculum & Faculty 

The training curriculum meets all regulatory requirements for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), along with instilling a strong airline culture among cadets.  
Program Highlights:

• Duration: 18 months (estimated completion time) 
• Classroom Training: To help cadets clear CPL theory subjects 
• Flight Training: 200 Hours (total) 
• Single Engine: 185 Hours 
• Multi-Engine: 15 Hours 

Additional Training Modules: 

• License Conversion Training (Single & Multi-Engine) for foreign students 
• Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) training 
  To provide the best-in-class training experience, the training academy aims to maintain a 1:1:6 ratio of Aircraft: Flight Instructor: Student in a steady state. 

Safety Team

Working quietly behind the scenes, our safety team sets the standards that keep every flight secure. From regular audits to real-time monitoring, they ensure our operations meet—and often exceed—global safety norms. 

Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC)

Air India’s state-of-the-art Integrated Operations Control Centre works around the clock to keep every flight running safely and smoothly. From tracking weather and aircraft movement to coordinating crews and responding to any disruptions, the IOCC is where real-time decisions are made—ensuring safe, seamless journeys for our guests.  

Emergency Command Centre

In the rare event of an emergency, our dedicated Command Centre is activated to take charge. Manned by senior experts across departments, it ensures quick, coordinated action—prioritising passenger safety, communication, and support at every step. 

A flight instructor at AIFTA is a highly qualified pilot delivering structured ground and flight training, demonstrating essential manoeuvres, and closely monitoring each cadet’s progress to fulfil rigorous DGCA licensing requirements. 

A ground instructor is responsible for delivering the core theoretical knowledge —sessions on aviation regulations, aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and human performance, to develop a deep understanding of safe and efficient flight operations. Apart from continuous academic support, they also guide cadets through exam preparation for DGCA requirements. 

The Engineering team ensures the technical integrity and operational readiness of all training aircraft. They oversee aircraft systems, conduct rigorous pre- and post-flight inspections, and work in close coordination with flight instructors, maintenance crews, and operations personnel to uphold the highest levels of safety and reliability across daily training activities. 

The team manages the academy’s Safety Management System (SMS), conducts routine audits and risk assessments, investigates events, and ensures full compliance with Air India and DGCA safety requirements. They deliver regular safety briefings, monitor daily operations, and foster a culture of safety awareness among cadets, instructors, and staff. 

The OCC oversees aircraft scheduling, instructor rostering, weather evaluation, and real-time monitoring of training flights to ensure operations remain safe, efficient, and well-coordinated. With seamless coordination and high situational awareness, the OCC ensures that daily training reflects Air India’s standards of reliability and operational excellence.  

The Security Department safeguards cadets, staff, aircraft, and the facility by maintaining a controlled and secure environment. The team manages control, monitors campus activity, enforces security protocols, by conducting regular patrols, responding to security concerns, and coordinating with local authorities whenever required. 

Enrolled cadets will complete Ground School in Gurugram, Haryana, with an appointed third-party training provider. It is compulsory regardless of previously passing DGCA examinations. AIFTA will regularly monitor their progress to determine eligibility for Flight Training. 

Cadets will then move to the AIFTA campus for their Flight Training with the academy. 12-month rigorous training will be provided on the campus. 

At AIFTA, we help you realise your dream by giving the right training, expert guidance and tools that will enable you to become ready for the aviation industry. Here’s what we offer at AIFTA: