NEW DELHI: After flying schools, India could soon now start ranking organisation conducting aircraft maintenance engineering (AME) courses — thereby allowing students who wish to pursue this field make an informed choice. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will for the first time rank flying training organisations (FTOs) starting Oct 1 — a brainchild of DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai. “We plan to start ranking AME institutes shortly. The preparatory work has started,” said sources.FTOs are being ranked 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. The proposed ranking for AME institutes could have a similar focus on both the quality of training being imparted and how friendly — or otherwise — they are for students. Sources say the ranking system for FTOs has led to pressure on schools to improve their performance and become attractive for students. This pressure, say people in the know, has led to schools also seeking faster clearances from DGCA to cut delays in training. “The cumulative impact will be a win-win for students pilots and the future of Indian aviation with our aim to be a
atm-nirbhar
(self reliant) in the field. Govt is looking for a similar positive impact in the field of AME trading by improving things for students,” said sources. 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.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.”FTO 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.A similar method could be adopted for AME institutes too.
