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CBI Probes Former DGCA Flying Training Director Over Alleged Corruption, Favouritism

Aviation Today News Desk August 24, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a corruption and criminal conspiracy case against Captain Anil Gill,

DGCA Bars Redbird Flight Academy Admissions Until Aug 2027 Over Regulatory Violations

Aviation Today News Desk July 20, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited Redbird Flight Training Academy, regarded as South Asia’s largest

Dublin, Ireland: European budget airline Wizz Air has announced an ambitious recruitment and training campaign to prepare up to 1,200 new pilots by 2028, including 240 UK-based cadets, as part of its long-term growth strategy to expand its fleet and secure a steady supply of trained flight crew. The Budapest-headquartered carrier, which operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets, unveiled the initiative through its Wizz Air Pilot Academy, targeting both aspiring aviators and mid-career professionals with no prior flying experience. According to Wizz Air, the recruitment process begins with a six-month selection phase, followed by approximately two years of structured flight training. Successful graduates will then join the airline as Airbus A320/321 First Officers, flying across its extensive European and Middle Eastern network. The programme features an improved financial scheme for tuition fees for successful cadets, although participants are expected to meet certain entry conditions, including holding the right to live and work in one of Wizz Air’s operational base countries. Trainees must also be at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and capable of swimming 50 metres unaided Though Wizz Air currently does not operate commercial flights to or from Ireland, its participation in events such as Pilot Careers Live Dublin reflects its intention to expand its visibility and recruit skilled candidates from Ireland’s established aviation ecosystem. Interested candidates can apply through the airline’s official careers portal careers.wizzair.com by selecting the “Pilot Academy” section. Applicants will undergo a multi-stage assessment process, including aptitude testing, interviews, and simulator evaluations designed to identify candidates with the potential to succeed as professional airline pilots. The academy offers guidance throughout the application process, including access to partner flight schools and approved training organizations (ATOs) that deliver the structured modular and integrated training pathways required for Wizz Air operations. Cadets joining the programme can expect to earn around £40,000 (€46,000) during training, rising to £60,000 (€68,000) upon completion and promotion to First Officer. After gaining experience, pilots may earn £90,000 (€103,000) after two years, with Captains commanding up to £200,000 (€230,000) annually. These figures reflect Wizz Air’s structured career progression system, which allows cadets to move from trainee status to command positions within a few years, a key attraction for career entrants in an industry known for long qualification timelines. Industry analysts note that the initiative is part of Wizz Air’s broader plan to grow its fleet to 500 aircraft by 2030, enabling the airline to carry over 100 million passengers annually. The expansion aligns with Wizz Air’s large Airbus A321neo order book, aimed at boosting efficiency and sustainability. Captain Phil Cullen, Head of Operations and Accountable Manager at Wizz Air UK, said the programme represents a “significant investment in the future of aviation and the UK’s economic landscape,” adding that it creates opportunities for young people seeking stable, long-term careers in aviation.

Wizz Air To Train 1,200 New Pilots By 2028 With Improved Financial Support Scheme

Aviation Today News Desk November 13, 2025

Dublin, Ireland: European budget airline Wizz Air has announced an ambitious recruitment and training campaign to prepare up to 1,200 new

South Africa: South Africa’s general aviation sector is facing mounting scrutiny following a series of fatal training accidents involving student pilots. The latest tragedy claimed the lives of 26-year-old Indian trainee pilot Mayank Prajapati and 35-year-old South African pilot Martin Brown, reigniting serious concerns over safety standards, oversight, and accountability in the country’s flight-training industry. Both pilots were enrolled at Aviation Junction Flying School, based in Secunda, Mpumalanga. On 15 October 2025, they were flying separate Sling 2 training aircraft belonging to the flying school, Mayank Prajapati was flying ZU-PBD, while Martin Brown was operating ZU-PBC. He had earned his fixed-wing pilot licence around 18 months earlier through Aviation Junction Flying School. Both aircraft reportedly took off around the same time for routine training operations. Soon after departure, the two aircraft encountered poor weather, including heavy mist, drizzle, and low visibility, resulting in loss of radio and radar contact. Search and rescue teams later discovered the wreckage in separate areas of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Brown’s ZU-PBC was found near Nottingham Road, while Prajapati’s ZU-PBD crashed closer to Pietermaritzburg. Brown’s body was recovered the following day, and Prajapati’s remains were transported to Pietermaritzburg Hospital for post-mortem formalities. The twin crashes have intensified calls for stronger oversight and safety reforms within South Africa’s flight-training industry. A family member of Mayank Prajapati speaking exclusively to Aviation Today, alleged that the accident resulted from air-traffic control (ATC) failures and unsafe training decisions. “The visibility that day was extremely poor, yet students were cleared to fly. Mayank was pressured to proceed despite the conditions,” the family member said. “ATC forced them to maintain altitude in thick clouds, threatening to cancel his Private Pilot Licence if he refused. That cost him his precious life.” The family member claimed that this marks the third major accident linked to Aviation Junction Flying School in recent months, pointing to what she described as “blackmailing and negligence” by training authorities. This follows a series of fatal crashes involving trainee pilots across South Africa, highlighting systemic safety gaps: October 2025 – Johannesburg A trainee pilot from Ranchi, India, Piyush Pushp died when a light training aircraft reportedly suffered engine trouble during a solo flight from the Vulcan Aviation Institute. June 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal (Greytown region) Three people were killed when a light aircraft crashed near Greytown after departing from an airstrip near Durban and heading to Pretoria. A provincial department confirmed that a female student pilot was among the fatalities November 2024 - Cullinan / Pretoria area Instructor and trainee killed in a light-aircraft crash. A light aircraft en route to Wonderboom Airport lost contact and later was found crashed east of Pretoria (Cullinan). Authorities reported the deaths of the flight instructor and the trainee; initial accounts placed the aircraft on a routine general-aviation flight before the accident. February 2024 – Westonaria, Gauteng Province A Cessna 172K registered ZS-FJU operated by Sun Quest Trading under Part 141 training operations crashed during a training flight. Two occupants were killed, flight instructor and student pilot. While investigations into many of these crashes remain ongoing, aviation-safety experts say the pattern is alarming recurring training flights, small aircraft, and adverse-weather decisions. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has been criticised for reactive oversight and limited enforcement capacity over smaller training schools, especially those operating older piston aircraft. Instructors have voiced concerns that many flight academies are “under-resourced but over-enrolled,” often pushing trainees to meet flying-hour targets regardless of weather or maintenance delays.

Rising Toll of Student Pilot Deaths Puts South Africa’s Flight Schools Under Scrutiny

Aviation Today News Desk November 5, 2025

South Africa: South Africa’s general aviation sector is facing mounting scrutiny following a series of fatal training accidents involving student pilots.

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying training organisations (FTOs) after the DGCA had announced on July 9 the launch of a bi-annual ranking system for flying training organisations nationwide, effective by 1 October 2025 and then the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released its first-ever ranking report, revealing that none of the country’s training academies met the top performance standards. According to the DGCA’s assessment, covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, none of the 35 evaluated flying schools achieved an “A+” or “A” grade. The rankings placed 13 FTOs in the ‘B’ category and 22 in ‘C’, indicating widespread gaps in operational efficiency, safety practices, and training quality. The grading framework classified institutions based on their overall performance: A+ (85% and above) A (70–84.99%) B (50–69.99%) C (below 50%) A senior ministry official said the upcoming review will focus on identifying systemic shortcomings and developing corrective measures. “The objective is to improve training quality and ensure that India’s flying schools meet international standards in safety, efficiency, and student outcomes,” the official stated. FTOs placed in the “C” category have been directed to undertake self-assessment exercises and submit improvement plans to the DGCA within a stipulated timeframe. The aviation regulator is expected to monitor compliance closely and provide targeted support to address performance deficiencies. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has emphasised that the ranking initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability within the pilot training ecosystem. The DGCA will now publish rankings every six months, with the next report scheduled for April 1, 2026. The government’s move comes at a time when India is witnessing a growing demand for pilots to support the expanding civil aviation sector. Strengthening training infrastructure and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards are seen as key priorities to meet this demand sustainably.

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

Aviation Today News Desk October 27, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying training

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: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, has officially launched a structured ranking system for all DGCA-approved Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) operating across the country. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality, safety, standardization, and regulatory oversight in India’s pilot training ecosystem. Objective Behind the Ranking Framework The newly introduced framework aims to: Ensure training quality and standardization by establishing uniform evaluation benchmarks across all FTOs. Enhance transparency and accountability, allowing regulatory bodies, students, and stakeholders to access comparable and verifiable data regarding FTO performance. Assist aspiring pilots and families in identifying credible and high-performing training institutions based on consistent performance metrics, rather than location, marketing claims, or cost. Support policy-making and regulatory monitoring by enabling DGCA to identify well-performing FTOs for potential growth or collaboration, while subjecting underperforming ones to additional scrutiny or corrective measures. Implementation Schedule and Evaluation Cycle The ranking system will be operational starting 1st October 2025. Rankings will be released twice a year, preferably on 1st October and 1st April. Each FTO will be scored and categorized based on its overall performance against a comprehensive set of pre-defined parameters. Ranking Categories FTOs will be classified under the following categories, based on percentage scores: Score Range (%) Category 85% and above A++ 70% to less than 85% A+ 50% to less than 70% A Below 50% B FTOs falling under Category B will be issued a notice by the DGCA for self-assessment and performance improvement. Evaluation Parameters and Weightage Each FTO will be assessed using a combination of quantitative and operational metrics across various domains. The parameters and their corresponding weightages are as follows: 1. Infrastructure & Training Capacity Fleet size (single and multi-engine): 5% Availability of ground school & simulators: 5% Instructor-to-aircraft ratio (annual): 10% Student-to-instructor ratio (annual): 10% 2. Operational Performance Average time to complete 200 flying hours: 10% Utilization of each aircraft in past 6 months: 5% Ratio of trainees completing 200 hrs to new cadets enrolled (12 months): 5% 3. Safety & Regulatory Compliance Significant safety concerns (Level-I) raised in DGCA audits: 5% BA (Breath Alcohol) positive cases in past 12 months: 5% Number of accidents in past 12 months: 18% Number of incidents in past 12 months: 2% Non-reporting of accidents/incidents: Penalty of -5 per case 4. Maintenance Support Fleet-to-AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) ratio: 10% 5. Student Support & Institutional Practices Availability of financial aid or scholarships: 2% Placement assistance in the aviation sector: 2% Transparency in payment and refund policies: 2% Resolution of student grievances: 4% Data Submission and Verification All FTOs are required to submit their performance data as per timelines set by the DGCA. The regulator reserves the right to verify data through audits and inspections. Any form of misreporting or non-compliance will result in a lower ranking and may attract regulatory action.

India’s Flying Training Organizations to Be Ranked by DGCA Under New Evaluation Policy

Aviation Today News Desk July 9, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, has officially launched a structured ranking system for

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

Pilot Training

CBI Probes Former DGCA Flying Training Director Over Alleged Corruption, Favouritism

DGCA Bars Redbird Flight Academy Admissions Until Aug 2027 Over Regulatory Violations

Wizz Air To Train 1,200 New Pilots By 2028 With Improved Financial Support Scheme

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

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

India’s Flying Training Organizations to Be Ranked by DGCA Under New Evaluation Policy

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

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