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New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5% GST rate on all drones and granting a full GST exemption on flight simulators and motion simulators. The Civil Aviation Ministry called the decision a strategic, principled and citizen-centric evolution of India’s landmark tax framework, aimed at supporting the country’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem and strengthening the aviation training sector. Under the previous structure, drones with integrated cameras attracted 18% GST, while drones classified for personal use were taxed at 28%. The newly rationalized regime applies a flat 5% GST to all drones, irrespective of whether a camera is integrated or separate, and regardless of commercial or personal use. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed the decision, saying, “The GST rate rationalization with a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18% is the biggest reform in India’s indirect taxation ever. Under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are charting the path towards our goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 with Atmanirbhar Bharat as its foundation. The sweeping rate reductions across sectors will strengthen ease of living, ease of compliance and ease of doing business in the country. It is going to be a big boon for the consumers and at the same time a big boost for the Indian manufacturers. This significant measure will also enable India to emerge as a leader in transformative technologies like drones. A uniform 5% GST will now apply on all drones, providing significant policy certainty and eliminating classification disputes. Furthermore, flight simulators and motion simulators which are critical for pilot training have also been exempted from GST. I believe it will encourage the training ecosystem in the country, helping airlines and academies reduce expenditure on training equipment.” According to the ministry, the reforms will provide greater clarity for manufacturers and lower costs for users, boosting drone adoption in agriculture, petroleum, mining, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. Affordable drones and reduced training costs are also expected to advance Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, while creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, assembly, software development, data analytics, and field operations. Officials said the revised rates will make GST more growth-oriented for aviation and emerging technologies like UAVs, recognizing drones as both an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity for India.

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

Aviation Today News Desk September 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5% GST

New Delhi, India: India’s pilot community is pushing back against airline industry efforts to adopt the ‘Multi‑Crew Pilot Licence’ (MPL) as the primary training pathway for commercial airline pilots. The development follows the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) move to initiate a fresh review of MPL adoption. According to the Times of India, the DGCA is considering whether to move to a unified "multi‑crew pilot licence" system that combines both CPL and type rating training into a single framework. A stakeholder meeting will be held shortly to discuss the coexistence of both systems, allowing operators the choice to adopt CMP, MPL, or continue with CPL based on safety and operational needs. Earlier, in a conversation with The New Indian Express, DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai confirmed the rollout of the MPL programme, highlighting its alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms. He said the MPL, unlike the traditional Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) based on single‑pilot operations, focuses on multi‑crew competency development from the outset, integrating theoretical instruction and simulator training to better prepare pilots for commercial aviation. A high‑level committee has also been formed to examine the MPL model’s viability for India’s training ecosystem and regulatory framework. Unlike the CPL, which mandates a minimum of 200 hours of solo flying, MPL replaces much of that experience with advanced simulator sessions and multi‑crew training modules. Airlines view this as a modern, cost‑effective pathway, while pilots argue India lacks adequate simulator infrastructure and regulatory oversight to safely implement such a change. This is the DGCA’s third attempt to evaluate MPL, following two earlier rejections. Officials say a rapidly expanding aviation sector and a forecast demand of nearly 2,000 new pilots annually by 2030 have renewed interest in alternative training models. Countries like the UK, Australia and Singapore already use MPL, while the US, Canada and many others continue with conventional CPL training. Airline representatives argue that MPL better matches today’s cockpit environment, where teamwork and decision‑making skills are as critical as technical flying hours. “Unlike the CPL pathway, which focuses heavily on small aircraft flying hours, the MPL integrates airline‑specific operations and procedures early in training, replacing most solo flying with advanced simulator and multi‑crew training,” one airline executive told Businessline. However, senior captains and pilot unions warn that adopting MPL without robust safeguards could risk putting under‑prepared co‑pilots into airline cockpits. “The MPL will offer little tangible benefit to India,” said a senior pilot, adding that there is “no real cost saving, and not enough certified simulators to deliver effective MPL training.” Another captain noted, “MPL might work in countries with advanced training ecosystems, but India is still building that capacity.” The DGCA has asked its committee to benchmark global best practices, review regulatory gaps, and consult with airlines, training organisations and pilot associations. Its recommendations are expected within three months. “If MPL is approved, many existing Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) could be forced to shut down,” warned another senior pilot, noting that both IFALPA and ALPA have long opposed MPL due to reduced manual flying skills and heavy reliance on aircraft automation.

Pilots Push Back Strongly as DGCA Considers Review of MPL Training Amid Safety Concerns

Aviation Today News Desk August 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s pilot community is pushing back against airline industry efforts to adopt the ‘Multi‑Crew Pilot Licence’ (MPL) as

New Delhi, India: In a significant reform for pilot licensing in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will officially begin conducting the Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) or RTR(A) exam from November 2025, a responsibility that has until now been managed by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communications. This update was first reported by The Hindu following official communication from DGCA sources. This move signals a long-awaited shift aimed at modernising the examination process, improving transparency, and bringing the radio communication licensing directly under the civil aviation regulator. The RTR(A) exam is a compulsory requirement for all pilots seeking a Commercial or Private Pilot Licence in India, as it certifies a pilot's ability to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC), a non-negotiable skill in daily aviation operations. The DGCA had been given control of this examination in 2023, but full implementation was delayed due to procedural adjustments, system setup, and resource alignment. With the groundwork now complete, DGCA officials have confirmed that the first sessions under their supervision will begin in November 2025. According to the communication shared with The Hindu, detailed guidelines and schedules will be announced soon. This reform is expected to bring several key benefits to aspiring pilots and the broader aviation training ecosystem: Unified Oversight: With DGCA managing both theoretical exams and the RTR(A) exam, the entire pilot licensing process will now be under one authority, reducing confusion and improving coordination. Faster Processing: Earlier delays in scheduling RTR(A) tests under WPC often led to months-long waits. DGCA is expected to offer more frequent and timely exam windows. Better Relevance: WPC was a telecommunications authority, not aviation-specific. DGCA’s involvement means that the content and evaluation will be better aligned with real cockpit radio procedures and international norms. Improved Fairness: Pilots and instructors have long pointed to inconsistencies in the old system. DGCA’s testing protocol is expected to offer a more standardised, transparent, and tech-enabled evaluation process. This is especially important for students progressing through India’s CPL training pipeline, where delays in RTR(A) often held up licence issuance even after all other requirements were met. With DGCA now in control, the RTR(A) exam will be treated with the same regulatory seriousness as other aviation-specific assessments. The aviation community has largely welcomed the announcement, calling it a long-overdue upgrade to a process that had been out of step with modern training needs. Training organisations, students, and instructors are now looking forward to the release of official guidelines from DGCA in the coming weeks.

RTR(A) Exam to Be Held by DGCA From November; Move Aims to Cut Delays for Pilots

Aviation Today News Desk June 11, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a significant reform for pilot licensing in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will officially

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: flydubai, the Dubai-based low-cost airline, has officially launched its Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme as a strategic move to address the growing demand for qualified commercial pilots. This initiative aims to train aspiring pilots starting from ground school through to operational flying, preparing them to serve as Second Officers on the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet. The programme targets candidates aged 17 and above who have completed their high school education, with minimum academic requirements in Mathematics and Physics. Applicants undergo a selection process that includes aptitude and cognitive assessments, English language proficiency tests, and medical examinations to ensure they meet the airline’s standards. The training duration is expected to last between 18 to 24 months, encompassing theoretical instruction, simulator training, practical flight lessons, and supervised line flying experience. To support this comprehensive training, flydubai has established a dedicated Flight Training Centre located on its campus in Dubai. The center covers approximately 38,000 square feet and is equipped with six full-motion flight simulators designed to replicate real flying conditions on Boeing 737 aircraft. This state-of-the-art facility is capable of delivering over 43,000 training hours annually, providing cadets with immersive and extensive hands-on experience. The center is integral to flydubai’s training operations and reflects the airline’s investment in high-quality pilot education. Upon successful completion of the programme, cadets will be appointed as Second Officers with a defined salary and benefits package. The contract includes a five-year commitment to flydubai, underlining the airline’s long-term approach to developing its pilot workforce. The programme also sets clear pathways for career progression within flydubai and potential opportunities for advancement in partner airlines. This pilot training initiative forms part of flydubai’s broader response to global pilot shortages and reflects ongoing efforts to expand its operational capacity. Applications for the Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme are processed through the airline’s official careers portal, providing transparent and structured access for interested candidates. For detailed information and application procedures, interested individuals can visit flydubai’s official careers website.

flydubai Launches Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme with New Flight Training Centre

Aviation Today News Desk May 27, 2025

Picture Credits: flydubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates: flydubai, the Dubai-based low-cost airline, has officially launched its Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme

The DGCA has approved a proposal to allow Arts and Commerce students, along with Science students, to pursue Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training in India. Final approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation is pending. Candidates must still meet medical and exam requirements. Flight schools will offer extra support for non-science students, and DGCA requires all training institutes to keep their websites updated with clear information.

DGCA Approves Proposal Allowing Class 12 Arts & Commerce Students to Pursue Pilot Training

Aviation Today News Desk May 26, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially approved a proposal that will allow Class 12 students

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that all Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in India update their websites with detailed and accurate information. This includes course details, fee structures, available aircraft and simulators, instructor credentials, hostel facilities, and regulatory approvals. The initiative aims to increase transparency in pilot training, making it easier for aspiring pilots to compare and choose the right school. The DGCA has emphasized prompt compliance and warned of regulatory consequences for those who fail to adhere to the directive.

DGCA Mandates Website Transparency Across India’s Flying Training Organisations

Aviation Today News Desk May 19, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: In a bid to strengthen transparency and improve accountability among India’s flight training academies, the Directorate General of

Trainee Pilot Crashes Solo Flight in India Prompting DGCA Crackdown on Flying Schools

Aviation Today News Desk May 5, 2025

Picture Credits: @ians_india (X) Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A trainee pilot from Pioneer Flying Academy had a narrow escape on Sunday afternoon

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

Aviation Today News Desk April 18, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: In a significant policy shift, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering allowing Class 12 students

29 Student Pilots Sue United Airlines’ Flight School for Fraud & Misrepresentation

Aviation Today News Desk April 16, 2025

Picture Credits: United Aviate Academy Arizona, USA: A group of 29 former students from across the United States has filed a

Civil Aviation Minister Flags of HANSA-3 NG Aircraft, May Cut Pilot Training Costs in India . Designed by CSIR-NAL, the HANSA-3 NG is a two-seater trainer set to transform pilot training, costing under ₹3 crore, less than half of imported aircraft | Aviation Today

Civil Aviation Minister Flags-Off HANSA-3 NG Aircraft, May Cut Pilot Training Costs in India

Aviation Today News Desk April 5, 2025

Picture Credits: @RamMNK New Delhi, INDIA: On April 3, 2025, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced a technology transfer

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Pilot Training

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

Pilots Push Back Strongly as DGCA Considers Review of MPL Training Amid Safety Concerns

RTR(A) Exam to Be Held by DGCA From November; Move Aims to Cut Delays for Pilots

flydubai Launches Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme with New Flight Training Centre

DGCA Approves Proposal Allowing Class 12 Arts & Commerce Students to Pursue Pilot Training

DGCA Mandates Website Transparency Across India’s Flying Training Organisations

Trainee Pilot Crashes Solo Flight in India Prompting DGCA Crackdown on Flying Schools

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

29 Student Pilots Sue United Airlines’ Flight School for Fraud & Misrepresentation

Civil Aviation Minister Flags-Off HANSA-3 NG Aircraft, May Cut Pilot Training Costs in India

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