**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha regarding steps taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to increase the number of women pilots and strengthen the pilot training ecosystem. The response, dated for answer on February 5th, 2026, details measures taken to promote women's participation in pilot training and licensing, and initiatives to enhance the pilot training infrastructure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reported an 89.71% increase in pilot licenses issued to women pilots in 2025, as compared to 2021.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Increase in Women Pilots:**
* The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken steps to increase the number of women pilots.
* As of December 31, 2025, there are 3,327 active women pilots in the country.
* Pilot licenses issued to women pilots in 2025 increased by 89.71% compared to 2021 (461 vs. 243).
* **Strengthening Pilot Training Ecosystem:**
* Induction of 61 aircraft by FTOs in 2025 to expand pilot training infrastructure.
* This brings the total trainer aircraft tally to 385 across Indian FTOs.
* Revision to CAR Section 7, Series 'I', Part-V (Issue-II, Rev 08 Dt. 3rd January 2025), Designated Examiner's Manual, Flight Training Circular (FTC) 01 of 2025 to enhance training quality, standardize benchmarks, and optimize capacity.
* Revision of CAR Section 7, Series D, Part I to expedite FTO approvals.
* The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the Liberalized FTO Policy for improved operational viability and capacity of FTOs.
* Implementation of the FTO ranking framework.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Aspiring Women Pilots**
* **Impact:** Increased opportunities for pilot training and licensing.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the strengthened pilot training programs and licensing processes.
**Stakeholder: Flight Training Organizations (FTOs)**
* **Impact:** Requirement to expand training infrastructure and implement revised regulations.
* **Action Required:** Induct 61 aircraft, implement revised CAR guidelines, and adapt to the FTO ranking framework.
**Stakeholder: The Civil Aviation Sector**
* **Impact:** A larger pool of pilots to meet increasing manpower requirements.
* **Action Required:** To monitor and accommodate the increased number of pilots in the aviation ecosystem.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: Primary government body responsible for increasing the number of women pilots and strengthening the pilot training ecosystem.
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): Regulations governing the civil aviation sector, specifically Section 7, Series 'I', Part-V and Section 7, Series D, Part I are revised to expedite FTO approvals and enhance training quality.
Flight Training Organisation (FTO): Organizations providing pilot training, impacted by policies to improve operational viability and capacity.
Liberalized FTO Policy: A policy approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aimed at improving the operational viability and capacity of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs).
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1122
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5th February 2026 )
WOMEN PILOTS
1122. SMT POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has taken steps to increase the number of women pilots in
the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including the total number of women pilots available in the
country; and
(c) whether the Government has taken steps to strengthen the pilot training ecosystem to
meet the increasing manpower requirements of the civil aviation sector and if so, the
details thereof?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
a) to c) The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken steps to increase the number of women
pilots in the country. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the domestic pilot training
ecosystem, which, inter alia, facilitate greater participation of women in pilot training and
licensing.
As a result there has been an increase of 89.71 per cent in pilot licences issued to women
pilots in 2025 (461) as compared to 2021 (243). As on 31 December 2025, there are a
total of 3,327 active women pilots in the country.
To strengthen the pilot training ecosystem and to meet the increasing manpower
requirements of the civil aviation sector, the ministry has undertaken following measure:
i) Induction of 61 aircraft by FTOs in 2025 for expanding pilot training infrastructure in
the country, bringing the total trainer aircraft tally to 385, till date, across Indian FTOs.
ii) Revision to Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 7, Series 'I', Part-V (Issue-II,
Rev 08 Dt. 3rd January 2025), Designated Examiner's Manual, Flight Training Circular
(FTC) 01 of 2025 to enhance training quality, standardize benchmarks and optimize
capacity.
iii) Revision of CAR Section 7, Series D, Part I to expedite FTO approvals.
iv) Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the Liberalized FTO Policy for improved
operational viability and capacity of FTOs.
v) Implementation of the FTO ranking framework.
******