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São José do Rio Preto, Brazil: A training aircraft operated by the Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto crashed shortly after takeoff on Tuesday morning, killing both occupants onboard. The accident occurred around 11:50 AM in a rural area approximately 6.5 kilometers from the aeroclub’s base in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo state. Victims Identified Authorities have confirmed that the victims were: Abner Casagrande de Oliveira, 41, serving as the flight instructor. A resident of São José do Rio Preto, Oliveira had recently completed his theoretical training for a flight instructor’s rating and was conducting practical instruction at the time of the crash. He is survived by his wife and three young daughters. Felipe Coiado Gomes, 23, a student pilot from Potirendaba, São Paulo. Gomes obtained his private pilot license in 2024 and had recently begun training toward higher qualifications. Both individuals were affiliated with the Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto, one of the region’s oldest flight training organizations. Aircraft and Crash Details The aircraft involved was a CAP-4 Paulistinha, tail number PP-RDJ, a two-seat, single-engine, high-wing trainer manufactured in 1943. The aircraft departed on a routine training flight from the Aeroclube’s airfield. According to emergency services, it crashed in an open rural area off Estrada da Balsanova and caught fire on impact. Firefighters responded promptly but found both occupants deceased at the scene. Local authorities have stated that the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate was valid until the date of the accident. The CAP-4 model, despite its age, remains in use across Brazil for basic pilot training and glider towing due to its simple mechanics and handling. Investigation Launched The Brazilian Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) confirmed that an official investigation is underway through its regional office SERIPA IV, which covers the São Paulo region. Investigators are analyzing multiple factors, including: Flight and maintenance records Air traffic communications Meteorological conditions at the time of departure Pilot qualifications and flight experience Witness accounts and post-crash evidence CENIPA is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, outlining initial findings. A comprehensive final report may take several months to complete. No official cause of the crash has been determined as of July 2, and authorities have not reported signs of mechanical failure or external interference. The Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto released a statement expressing condolences to the families and confirming full cooperation with investigators. Flight training operations at the club have been temporarily suspended pending internal review and support for staff and students.

Aircraft Crashes

Flight Instructor and Student Pilot Killed in Fatal Training Aircraft Crash in Brazil

Aviation Today News Desk / July 2, 2025

São José do Rio Preto, Brazil: A training aircraft operated by the Aeroclube de São José do Rio Preto crashed […]

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.

Pilot Training, Uncategorized

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

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, Flight School, India, Pilot Training

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

DGCA, Pilot Training, Pilots

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

Flight School, Pilot Training, United Aviate Academy, United States

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

On April 3, 2025, CSIR-NAL will announce a strategic partnership to bring the HANSA-3 NG to the forefront of India’s aviation training landscape. This locally manufactured, cost-effective trainer aircraft is poised to significantly enhance the country’s flight training capabilities, addressing the pressing need for indigenous aviation solutions. As India grapples with a growing demand for qualified pilots, the HANSA-3 NG represents a critical step in reducing reliance on foreign-built training aircraft, offering an efficient and reliable alternative for flight schools nationwide.

Aircraft, Pilot Training

India’s Pilot Training Gets a Push as CSIR-NAL Prepares for HANSA-3 NG Production

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2025

Picture credits: Sean D Silva New Delhi, INDIA: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL)

DGCA Plans ranking system for Flying Training Organizations in India, by evaluating flight schools based on performance metrics & time taken to obtain a CPL

DGCA, FTO

DGCA Plans Ranking System for Flight Schools to Tackle Training Delays, Improve Standards

Aviation Today News Desk / March 24, 2025

India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering introducing a ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in

Delhi: Air India has dismissed a simulator trainer pilot following allegations of negligence in conducting recurrent simulator training sessions. The decision was made after a whistleblower reported concerns regarding the trainer’s conduct, prompting an internal investigation | Aviation Today

Airlines, Pilot Training, Pilots

Air India Fires Flight Simulator Trainer, Grounds 10 Pilots Trained Under Him

Aviation Today News Desk / March 6, 2025

Picture credits: Air India Delhi: Air India has dismissed a simulator trainer pilot following allegations of negligence in conducting recurrent

New Zealand

Indian High Commissioner Visits NZAA as Pilot Training Soars with Growing Fleet & Students

Aviation Today News Desk / February 20, 2025

Picture credits: NZAA Oamaru: The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, visited the New Zealand Airline Academy

DGCA suspends 2 Akasa Air officials for six months after an audit revealed failure to follow RNP approaches, compromising aviation safety | Aviation Today

Airlines, Indian Airlines

Akasa Air Officials Suspended by DGCA for Pilot Training Violations

Aviation Today News Desk / December 28, 2024

Image source: Airlines Inform India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended two senior officials of Akasa Air

pilot training

Flight Instructor and Student Pilot Killed in Fatal Training Aircraft Crash in Brazil

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

DGCA Mandates Website Transparency Across India’s Flying Training Organisations

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

India’s Pilot Training Gets a Push as CSIR-NAL Prepares for HANSA-3 NG Production

DGCA Plans Ranking System for Flight Schools to Tackle Training Delays, Improve Standards

Air India Fires Flight Simulator Trainer, Grounds 10 Pilots Trained Under Him

Indian High Commissioner Visits NZAA as Pilot Training Soars with Growing Fleet & Students

Akasa Air Officials Suspended by DGCA for Pilot Training Violations

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