Latest news with #FTORankingSystem
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Flying schools to be rated by civil aviation regulator from October 2025
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will introduce a formal ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) operating in India, starting October 1, 2025. This biannual framework is aimed at enhancing the overall quality, safety, and consistency of pilot training across the to the aviation regulator, the new ranking system will evaluate FTOs approved by the DGCA under four performance categories — A++, A+, A, and B. Organisations placed in the "B" category will be issued advisories for introspection and required to take corrective steps to enhance their DGCA plans to release the rankings twice a year, tentatively on April 1 and October 1, and has said the initiative is part of a broader effort to foster a transparent, performance-based training environment in Indian PURPOSE BEHIND RANKING FTOs The DGCA outlined four key objectives for implementing this system:Standardisation of Training Quality: The rankings will offer a uniform method to compare institutions, helping to establish consistent training standards Transparency and Accountability: The framework will allow students, regulators, and stakeholders to access reliable performance data, thereby reinforcing regulatory compliance and operational discipline among Choices for Aspiring Pilots: Student pilots will be able to assess FTOs based on quality indicators rather than location or cost, empowering them to make better educational for Regulatory Oversight: The ranking data will assist authorities in recognising top-performing institutions for growth opportunities and identifying underperforming ones for increased supervision or EVALUATION AND MONITORINGUnder the new system, all FTOs will be required to submit performance metrics within designated timelines. The DGCA retains the right to conduct audits and on-ground inspections to verify submitted data. Any instance of misreporting or failure to comply with the framework may not only impact an institution's rank but could also lead to regulatory aviation body asserts that this move will drive a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in pilot training. It also expects the initiative to contribute significantly to improved safety outcomes and the broader sustainability of the Indian aviation its statement, the DGCA concluded, 'The FTO Ranking System aims to safeguard student interests while also ensuring a steady stream of well-trained pilots, which is vital for the safe and sustainable growth of aviation in India.' - EndsMust Watch
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Friendlier skies for budding pilots: DGCA to rank Indian flying schools from October 1
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai NEW DELHI: In a first, flying schools in India will be ranked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) from Oct 1, 2025, on several key parameters like safety record and time taken to complete 200 hours of flying — which is among the things required to earn commercial pilot licence (CPL). This will help budding pilots help choose 'good' schools. Currently even after paying several lakhs, they have to virtually 'beg' to get their flying hours at a majority of the schools. TOI had first reported the plan of DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai to rank flying schools in India on March 24, 2025. Through this move, Kidwai wanted flying training organisations (FTOs) to improve on all counts, with safety being key along with timely completion of flying, in order to get better rankings and therefore attract students. While being a regulated sector, a majority of FTOs in India are anything but student-friendly and that forces large number of budding pilots to go abroad every year to earn their CPLs. 'This is part of DGCA's continued commitment to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of pilot training in India, while fostering a performance-driven and transparent training ecosystem. (Ranking) holds FTOs accountable for maintaining regulatory compliance and operational standards. Aspiring pilots and their families often struggle to identify credible FTOs. A ranking system serves as a reliable guide, helping them choose institutions based on quality, safety, and training outcomes rather than mere location or fees,' the regulator says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Apart from these actors, the DGCA sees ranking system will 'ensure training quality and standardisation; enhance transparency and accountability; guidance for student pilots; aid in identifying high-performing FTOs for expansion or international collaboration, and underperforming ones for closer monitoring or corrective action.' DGCA ranking system Ranking will be published bi-annually, 'preferably on October 1and April 1 of every year.' FTOs scoring 85% and above will be ranked A++; 70-84.99% as A+; 50%-69.99% A and below 50% as B. 'Category 'B' FTOs will receive a notice from DGCA for self-analysis towards improvement of their performance.' All FTOs will have to submit performance data within the stipulated timelines for the scoring to be done in time. 'DGCA reserves the right to verify submitted data through audits and inspections. Misreporting or non-compliance may adversely affect ranking and may invite regulatory action. FTO Ranking System serves the dual purpose of protecting student interests and ensuring a pipeline of quality trained pilots essential for the safe and sustainable growth the aviation sector in India,' the DGCA says.
