**Executive Summary**
This public notice, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on September 30, 2025, announces the implementation of a ranking system for DGCA-approved Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) in India, effective October 1, 2025. The ranking, detailed in Annexure "A", will be published bi-annually, with the next update scheduled for April 1, 2026. The notice also outlines revised categorization criteria and scoring parameters for the rankings.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Implementation & Effective Date:**
* The ranking system is effective October 1, 2025.
* The initial rankings of FTOs are attached as Annexure "A".
* **Ranking Frequency:**
* Rankings will be published bi-annually.
* The next ranking is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
* **Categorization:**
* FTOs are categorized based on their overall score:
* 85% and above: A+
* 70% to less than 85%: A
* Less than 70% to 50%: B
* Below 50%: C
* **Action for Category C FTOs:**
* FTOs in Category 'C' will receive a notice from DGCA to conduct self-analysis for performance improvement.
* **Parameters and Evaluation Criteria:**
* Safety Standards (20% Weightage)
* Number of accidents in the preceding 12 months (Weightage -18)
* Number of incidents in the preceding 12 months (Weightage -02)
* Non-reporting of any accident/incident will attract -5 for each case from the overall score of FTO
* Assistance to Students (10% Weightage)
* Resolution of Students Grievances by FTO (Weightage -4)
* Financial Assistance/ Scholarship for cadets (Weightage -2)
* Trainee Placement Assistance in Aviation Sector (Weightage -2)
* Transparency in student payment and refund policies (Weightage -2)
* FTO Performance (20% Weightage)
* Average time taken to complete 175 hours (Weightage -10)
* Average utilization (flying hours) of each aircraft in preceding 06 months (Weightage -05)
* Ratio of trainees completing 175 Hrs to new cadets enrolled in preceding 12 months (Weightage -05)
* Operational Aspects (40% Weightage)
* Student-to-aircraft ratio (Yearly) (Weightage -10)
* Student-to-Instructor ratio (Yearly) (Weightage -10)
* Fleet to AME Ratio (Weightage -10)
* Fleet Size (Single & Multi-engine Aircraft) (Weightage -05)
* Availability of Ground School & Simulators (Weightage -05)
* Compliance Standards (10% Weightage)
* No. of Significant Safety Concerns (Level-l) Observations raised during DGCA Surveillance/ Inspection (Weightage -05)
* Number of BA positive cases preceding 12 months (Weightage -05)
* **DGCA FTO Ranking Mechanism – Core Parameters & Conditions, Scoring criteria**
* Consideration Period for Ranking: September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
* Applicable to all DGCA-approved FTOs except those who have not completed 18 months (1.5 years) as of 31.08.2025 from the date of approval and FTOs with temporary suspensions or cessation of flying training operations during this period due to any reason.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Flying Training Organizations (FTOs)**
* **Impact:** FTOs will be ranked and categorized based on a defined framework. This ranking affects their reputation and potentially their ability to attract students.
* **Action Required:** FTOs need to understand the ranking criteria, ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, and actively manage their performance in areas covered by the ranking system. Category C FTOs will have to conduct a self-analysis for performance improvement.
* **Students**
* **Impact:** Students will have access to a ranking system that can help them make informed decisions about choosing a flying training organization.
* **Action Required:** Students should review the rankings and consider the various factors contributing to the ranking when selecting an FTO.
* **DGCA**
* **Impact:** DGCA will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the ranking system, ensuring its accuracy and fairness.
* **Action Required:** DGCA needs to ensure consistent application of the ranking criteria and provide guidance to FTOs on how to improve their performance.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): The primary regulator for civil aviation in India, responsible for approving and overseeing Flying Training Organizations.
Flying Training Organization (FTO): Organizations providing flight training approved by the DGCA, subject to the ranking system outlined in the notice.
Ranking System for DGCA approved Flying Training Organization: Framework for ranking Flying Training Organizations in India based on various parameters related to safety, performance, compliance, and student assistance.
New Delhi: Location where the DGCA headquarters is situated.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
Opposite: Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003
PUBLIC NOTICE
F. No: DGCA-16017/10/2025-DFT Dated: 30th September, 2025
Subject: Ranking System for DGCA approved Flying Training Organization
1. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced the commencement of ranking framework for Flying Training Organizations
(FTOs) operating under its approval vide public notice issued Dt. 8th July 2025.
2. Ranking system for DGCA approved FTOs is being implemented in India w.e.f. 1st Oct, 2025 with the Ranking of FTOs as attached as
Annexure “A”.
3. Ranking will be published bi-annually, i.e. next ranking is scheduled to be published on 1st April of 2026.
4. Categorization of FTO ranking has been revised and will be based on following overall score achieved by individual FTO as under-
Score (%) Categorization
85% and above A+
70% to less than 85% A
Less than 70% to 50% B
Below 50 % C
FTOs falling under Category ‘C’ will receive a notice from DGCA for self-analysis towards improvement of their performance.5. Parameters and Evaluation Criteria
The detailed weightage criteria and ranking parameters(revised) is as under-6. DGCA FTO Ranking Mechanism – Core Parameters & Conditions, Scoring criteria
Applicability:
a) Period of Consideration for Ranking- 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025
b) Applicable to all DGCA approved FTOs except those FTOs who have not completed 18 months (1.5 years) as on 31.08.2025 from date of
approval.
c) Also applicable to FTOs with temporary suspensions or cessation of flying training operations during this period due to any reason.
A. FTO Performance (Total weightage – 20 %)
S. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
No. Source
Conditions
• Only those cadets who have completed entire
Average duration (in
175 hrs with one particular FTO are considered.
months) taken by
• Irrespective of the date of commencement of
Average Time Taken cadets to complete
flying training, 175th hour should be completed in last
to Complete 175 175 hours of flying 10 EGCA
12 months (01.09.2024 to 31.08.2025)
1 Hours from date of 12 Months
commencement of Scoring
flying training.
Average time Score
calculated
<= 12 M 10S. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
No. Source
12 M to 15 M 5
15 M 0
Conditions
• No levy of any kind will be given to the FTO
citing reasons such as; Aircraft grounded due
Total flying hours
to maintenance, incident/ accident, weather,
Average Aircraft logged per aircraft
150 hours NOTAMs, ATC restriction etc.
Utilization (Last 6 divided by number of 5 EGCA
2 ( average per Scoring
Months) aircraft for the last 06
month per
months
Average Aircraft Score
aircraft)
Utilization
>= 150 hrs 5
100 to 150 hrs 3
<100 0
Conditions
Number of cadets ➢ Towards ‘Trainees Completing 175 Hrs’
Ratio of Trainees
who completed 175
3 Completing 175 Hrs 1
hrs ÷ Number of 5 EGCA • Only those cadets who have completed entire
to New Enrolments
cadets enrolled in 175 hrs with one particular FTO are
(Last 12 Months)
same period. considered.
• Irrespective of the date of commencement of
flying training, 175th hour should beS. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
No. Source
completed in last 12 months (01.09.2024 to
31.08.2025)
➢ ‘New Enrolments’
• Includes new students who have been issued
SPL during this period.
Scoring
Ratio of Trainees Score
Completing 200 Hrs
to New Enrolments
>= 1 5
0.75 to 1 3
<0.75 0B. Operational Aspects (Total weightage – 40 %)
S. No. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
Source
Conditions
• All the students undertaken flying training
with the FTO during the specified period.
• Aircraft must be available and added in the
Number of Students latest approved TPM of the FTO, as on 31
Student to Aircraft with the FTO ÷ Aug 2025.
10 EGCA
1 Ratio (Yearly) Number of trainer 10
Scoring
aircraft with the FTO
Student to Aircraft Score
Ratio
<= 10 10
11 to 15 5
>15 0S. No. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
Source
Conditions
• All the students undertaken flying training
with the FTO during the specified period.
• Only those Flight Instructors who have
actively flown at least for 150 days with
that FTO during (01.09.2024 to 31.08.2025)
Student to Number of total
2
will be considered.
Instructor Ratio students ÷ Number of 10 EGCA
10
(Yearly) approved instructors
Scoring
Student to Instructor Score
Ratio
<= 10 10
11 to 15 5
>15 0
Conditions
• Minimum service period of AME is 10
Number of aircraft ÷ months in last one year for the
3
Fleet to AME Ratio Number of full-time 10 DAW consideration in above matrix.
DGCA-approved AMEs 1
Scoring
Fleet Score B-2 rated Score
to AME AMES. No. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
Source
Ratio
(B-1
rated
AME)
<=3 8 For fleet 02
upto 6
aircraft -
Minimum 01
(either
regular or
contractual)
4 to 6 4 For fleet 02
greater than
6 aircraft -
Minimum 01
(regular
AME)
>6 0 No B-2 rated 0
AMES. No. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
Source
Conditions
• Aircraft must be available and added in the
latest approved TPM of the FTO as on 31
Aug 2025.
Min. 10
Scoring
aircraft
Total number of Fleet Size (Single & Score
Fleet Size (Single &
4 operational aircraft 5 EGCA Multi-Engine)
Multi-Engine)
used for training ≥10 aircraft (incl. at- 5
least 01 multi-
engine)
≥10 aircraft (No 4
multi-engine)
08 to 09 3
05 to 07 2
03 to 04 1
<3 aircraft 0S. No. Standard Data
Parameter Definition Weightage Conditions & Scoring
Source
Conditions
• Ground school must be DGCA
approved(included in latest R-Card & TPM)
In-house
& exclusive to FTO and located at the flying
Ground
operations base.
School
• Simulator must be DGCA-approved and
At least one operational.
Presence of dedicated
5 5 (3- Simulator
Availability of ground school for CPL
Ground FTO
Ground School & exams preparation Scoring
School +2- Website
Simulators and approved
Simulator) Availability of Score
simulators
Ground School &
Simulators
Approved Ground 3
school
No Ground school 0
Simulators (Owned) 2
Simulators (MoU 1
with others)
No simulators 0C. Safety Standards* (Weightage – 20%)
*(Non-reporting of any accident/incident will attract negative 5 marks from overall score of FTO for each case of
accident/incident.)
Sl. Parameter Definition Weightage Standard Source Conditions and Scoring
No.
Conditions
• Should fall under definition of ‘Accident’
as per CAR 5/C/I.
• Investigation by AAIB
Number of Total number of 18 0 (Zero) DAS/
1 Accidents (12 aircraft accidents AAIB • Irrespective of Solo or Dual flights.
Months) involving FTO
operations. Scoring Criteria
Number of Score
Accidents (12
Months)
0 18
1 or more 0
ConditionsTotal number of • Should fall under definition of ‘Incident’ or
Number of aircraft incidents 2 0 (Zero) DAS ‘Serious Incident’ as per CAR 5/C/I.
2 Incidents (12 involving FTO
Months) operations. • investigation by DGCA
• Irrespective of Solo or Dual flights.
Scoring Criteria
Number of Incidents Score
(12 Months)
0 2
1 or more 0D. Compliance Standards (Weightage – 10 %)
Sl. Parameter Definition Weightage Standard Source Conditions and Scoring Criteria
No.
Conditions
• Raised by any of the directorate of DGCA.
Total number of • Applicable irrespective of subsequent
No. of Significant Level-I safety DAW, compliance after raised Level 1
Safety Concerns observations raised 5 0 (Zero) DAS, observation.
1 (Level-I) by DGCA during SED
Observations surveillance or Scoring Criteria
raised during inspection of the
DGCA FTO. No. of Significant Score
Surveillance/ Safety Concerns
Inspection (Level-I)
Observations
0 5
1 2
More than 1 0
Number of BA Total number of
2 positive cases confirmed Alcohol Conditionspreceding 12 Breath Analyser 5 0 (Zero) DAS
months violations or refused • Irrespective of pre-flight or post flight.
BA test involving FTO
personnel Scoring Criteria
(instructors,
trainees, Number of BA Score
maintenance staff or positive cases
any other FTO staff). 0 5
1 or more 0
E. Assistant to Students (Weightage – 10 %)
Sl. Parameter Definition Weight Standard Source Conditions and Scoring Criteria
No. age
Mechanism for 4 Dedicated FTO Conditions
Resolution of addressing grievance cell website
Student complaints, with and PG • Grievance redressal policy of FTO and
1 Grievances concerns, or documented Portal mechanism shall be published on their
disputes raised by resolutions & website.
trainees. timelines • Well defined response timelines and
Escalation matrix
• Escalation of grievance to DGCA through
Public Grievance Portal will attract
negative score• Provision for internal committee as per
POSH Act.
Scoring Criteria
No. of Student Grievances in 6 Score
months
Upto 5 grievance Escalation to 4
PG Portal (with Grievance
redressal policy)
5 to 10 grievance Escalation to 2
PG Portal due to unsatisfactory
responses to grievances by FTO
(with Grievance redressal
policy)
No Grievance redressal policy 0
Availability of FTO • Publication on FTO website;
Financial Sponsorship/ Sponsorship/ website • Records of the same for DGCA verification
2 Assistance / Subsidy from States; Subsidy Scoring Criteria
Scholarships Guarantee for Bank 2 /Guarantee for
Loans; Bank loan Bank Financial Assistance / Score
arrangements for Loans/Bank Scholarships
training costs loan Available 2
arrangements Not available 0
Active Conditions
placement cell
3 2Trainee Placement Support for cadets in or industry tie- • Placement records maintained and
Assistance in securing jobs or ups published on FTO website
Aviation Sector internships • MoUs/ tie-ups with Airlines/ NSOPs like
cadet programme
Scoring Criteria
Number of students Score
facilitated with
employment in last
6 months
10 or more 2
5-9 1
Less than 5 0
Published fee FTO Conditions
and fee website • No hidden charges
Transparency in Clarity and fairness payment • Refund timelines defined
4 Payment & Refund in fee structure and 2 schedule and • Standard Agreement Bond & Policy
Policies refund terms refund policy, published on FTO website
Agreement
Bond on FTO
website
Scoring Criteria
Published fee and fee Score
payment schedule and
refund policy,
Agreement Bond on FTO
website
Available 2
Not Available 0Annexure ‘A’
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
Opposite: Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003
Ranking of Flying Training Organizations
Category S.No. Flying Training Organizations
Category 'A+'
NIL
FTOs
Category 'A'
NIL
FTOs
1 Chimes Aviation Academy
2 SVKM's NMIMS Academy of Aviation Shirpur
3 Bihar Flying Club
4 Orient Flights Aviation Academy
Category 'B'
5 Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd
FTOs
6 FSTC Flying School Pvt Ltd
7 Patiala Aviation Club
8 Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation
9 Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd10 Nagpur Flying Club
11 National Flying Training Institute
12 Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club
13 Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology
Dunes Aviation Academy
14
15 Garg Aviations Ltd.
16 The Bombay Flying Club
17 Chetak Aviation
18 Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt. Ltd
19 Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
20 Ambitions Flying Club Pvt. Ltd
21 Flytech Aviation Academy
22 Indian Flying Academy
Category 'C'
23 Sha –Shib Flying Academy
FTOs
24 Government Aviation Training Institute
25 Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
26 Redbird Flight Training Academy
27 Telangana State Aviation Academy
28 Alchemist Aviation Private Limited
29 Falcon Aviation Academy
30 Wings Aviation Pvt. Ltd
31 Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Limited
32 The Gujarat Flying Club
33 The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Ltd.34 Pioneer Flying Academy Pvt Ltd
35 Blue Ray Aviation Pvt Ltd
The following FTOs have been excluded for this phase of Ranking:
S.No. Flying Training Organizations Reason
1. Avyanna Aviation Academy Ranking not applicable as the FTOs did not
2. Vision Flying Training Institute complete 18 months (1.5 years) as on
3. Aviation Connectivity Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd. 31.08.2025 from date of approval.
4. Jharkard Flying Institute
5. Government Flying Training School FTO Approval not valid as on 31st August 2025