Education Loan for Pilot Training

Attention all future pilots, are you ready to soar the skies but grounded by the hefty training fees? Don't worry, education loans for pilot training in India and abroad can help you escape the financial turbulence. 

There are many public and private banks and NBFCs in India providing education loans for pilot training to Indian students, they offer an amount of up to Rs 2 Cr at interest rates starting from as low as 9.50% as education loans for pilot training. However, the loan amount and rate of interest depend on the country, the co-applicant's income, and other loan parameters of the applicant's profile. 

The loan amount can be used to cover the costs associated with obtaining a pilot's license, including flight training fees, examination fees, and other course-related expenses.

If you're an aspiring pilot in India, you might face the daunting task of paying for pilot training. The average cost of obtaining a pilot's license can range from 35 to 40 lakh rupees from a DGCA-accredited flight training school. But with an education loan for pilot training in India, you can take flight toward your dreams without the weight of financial stress.

Over 90% of aspiring pilots in India rely on education loans to fund their training. With the increasing demand for pilots globally, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this financial option. Pilot training loans make it easier for you to chase your dream of flying. You can borrow up to 1.5 Crore rupees. They let you pay back in a way that works for you, helping you succeed in becoming a pilot.

In India, pilot training programs are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which is responsible for providing Pilot Licenses. In India pilot training institutes provide various programs starting from Private Pilot License (PPL) to Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The institutes offer theoretical and practical flight training which includes navigation, meteorology, aviation regulations, and aircraft mechanics. Factors such as the type of license pursued, the number of flight hours required, and the facilities given by the institute decide the cost of training. Take a look at some of the Top Pilot Training Institutes below:

Here is more information about these universities:

Adventure Flight Education Private Limited, Bangalore

Adventure Flight Education Private Limited, Bangalore has been in the aviation training business for over a decade. The mission of the academy is to produce highly skilled and competent pilots through rigorous selection, advanced training methods, and tailored instruction. Courses offered include a variety of courses that train students for success in the aviation industry by emphasizing practical skills and on-the-job experience.

Courses Offered:

1. Private Pilot License (PPL):
   After thorough training, flight tests, and medical exams, students can fly a private aircraft for non-commercial purposes with this course. The instruction is one-on-one and students fly up three or four times a day.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
   • Registration & Enrolment: This includes application, securing training materials, and going through a Class II medical exam.
   • Ground School (3 Months): Theoretical knowledge for CPL, PPL, and ATPL is covered and prepares students for exams.
   • Flight Training in Florida (6 Months): It gives hands-on training in different terrains and weather conditions for standard procedures, instrument flying, and skill testing.
     License Conversion (2 Months): The academy helps with the conversion of the CPL for use in India and helps with airline job interviews.
3. Multi-Engine Rating
   The focus of this program is to prepare pilots for multi-engine aircraft, including type ratings on aircraft such as the Airbus 320. That includes 15 hours of multi-engine flight time and 10 hours of simulator training.
4. Instrument Rating (IR):
   Pilots use IR training to fly with just cockpit instruments and navigate poor weather such as fog, rain, and clouds. As an essential rating for aspiring corporate pilots and airline candidates, this is.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is the DGCA-approved aviation training program for aspirant pilots and professionals in this field. 

Main Courses:

1. Ab initio to CPL Course:
   • Offers training from scratch to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) multi-engine endorsement.
   • 200 hours of flight training and 465 hours of ground training on subjects such as air navigation, aviation meteorology, and technical general.
   • Students are grounded trained for DGCA exams, simulator trained, and practical flying.
   • Course fee: ₹45,00,000 (without GST) + expenses for study material, uniform & exam fee.
   • It offers hostel facilities and provides subsidized mess charges.
2. Three-Year B.Sc. (Aviation) Program:  
   • In partnership with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad, available for CPL trainees.
     
     
3. Drone Training Courses:
   • Micro and small category RPAS courses DGCA certified in partnership with Drone Destination.
   • This contains a “Train the Instructor” program for drone trainers as well as a 5-day professional training course.
     
     
4. Multi-Crew Co-operation Course (MCC):
   
   • CPL holders are prepared for multi-pilot cockpit operations, simulator checks, and type ratings.
   • 10-day course on DA 42 aircraft simulators with an emphasis on safe multiple pilot operations under IFR.
   • Fees: The first is a prerequisite of ₹75,000 per candidate, along with a CRM workshop.
     
     
5. Other Professional Courses:
   
   • English Language Proficiency (ELP) training, Crew Resource Management (CRM) workshops, and conversion training for CPL holders trained overseas are included.
   • It provides skill tests for license renewals, training of Navy and Coast Guard pilots to fly, and refresher courses for flying instructors.

Facilities & Additional Training:

• AME training, facilities for external aviation agencies, and simulator training are available.
• AME students and engineering graduates are also given vocational training and continuation training.

Rates for Aircraft & Simulator Use:

• Training on various aircraft such as Diamond DA42 and DA40 is at hourly rates between ₹32,000 and ₹45,000. From ₹9,000 for an hour, simulators are available

CRM workshops and specialized training are also held by IGRUA for current students as well as external candidates, giving the students full and complete professional development in aviation. 

National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) 

CAE’s National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) is a one-stop shop for all your aviation training needs from pilot training through to cabin crew and technician training worldwide. CAE uses advanced simulation technologies and the safety, digitalization, and sustainability focus to deliver high-quality training. 

1.  Pilot Training:
   • Airline Pilot Training: Type rating courses, skills tests, and simulation-based training for different stages of a pilot’s career are included.
   • Business Pilot Training: It covers a large range of business aircraft with knowledgeable instructors and advanced simulation tools. The training includes computer-based tools and full-flight simulators.
     
   • Helicopter Pilot Training: Trains civilian and military pilots in visual and instrument flight rules, search and rescue, and offshore operations among other things. It is customized for the specific needs of the operators.
     
     
2. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM):
   • The AAM aircraft emerging industry is the focus of this course, with tailored training solutions and innovative operational approaches. The aim is to make safety and scalability as this new sector develops.
     
     
3. Aircraft Maintenance Training:

• • Commercial Aircraft Maintenance: It provides flexible, up-to-date training for maintaining different aircraft types, like Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, all with a guarantee to maintain safety and operational readiness.
    
  • Business Aircraft Maintenance: It includes the “Ready For Work” program for new technicians, professional development courses, and specialty programs such as avionics and aircraft wiring.
    
  • Master Technician Program: This program augments skills for seasoned technicians, and keeps certifications current.

Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA)    

Training programs for the various aviation licenses such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), and Instructor Ratings are given by Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA). 

1. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
    
   • Eligibility:  Physics and Mathematics or an equivalent qualification as approved by DGCA. It requires Class II Medical certification.
     
   • Training: Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony (RT) are all part of ground training.
     A pilot has to log 200 hours of flight time before they can start flying.
     
   • Duration: Around 18 or 24 months.
   • Fees:  It includes registration, ground classes, flying hours, and simulator training at ₹24,40,000.
     
   • Additional expenses: DGCA fee, medical costs, ₹2,000 on transportation & a refundable deposit of ₹20,000 per month.
     
     
2. Private Pilot License (PPL):
   
   • Eligibility: Class II Medical certification with minimum 10th pass.
   • Training: Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, and Technical specifics are the subjects covered under Ground training. It takes 50 hours of flight training.
   • Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 months.
   • Fees: Registration, ground classes, and flying hours are included at ₹7,00,000. Payment is spread out over three stages of training. Expenses are similar for the extra as with the CPL program.
     
     
3. Instructor Rating:

• • Eligibility:  Must have a Commercial Pilot License or a higher DGCA-issued license. It requires Class I Medical certification.
    
  • Training: It depends on the number of flying hours required. The detailed fee structure can be contacted by contacting the admission cell.
    
  • Fees:  It depends on the number of flying hours required. The detailed fee structure can be contacted by contacting the admission cell.
    
  • Additional Expenses: Similar to the CPL program including living, medical, DGCA fees, etc, and transportation.

Bombay Flying Club 

The training programs offered by the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) are pilot training, aircraft maintenance, degree courses, etc. Here’s a summary of their key offerings:

1. 1. Pilot Training (PPL & CPL)
    General flying, dual/solo flying, circuit and landing sorties, instrument and cross-country flights, skill tests, route checks, and night flying ratings as per DGCA requirements.
2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)
   Provides theoretical and practical training in aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulations. That is a study, design, development, and test of aircraft.
3. Mumbai University B.Sc. Aviation Degree
   It covers aircraft, helicopters, and gliders; study, design, construction, research, operations, and testing. It includes theoretical and management techniques used in aircraft development.
4. Mumbai University B.Sc. Aeronautics Degree
   A combined pilot training and university degree program. It preparations those students for a career in aeronautics opportunities in higher studies and management roles.
5. Cabin Crew / Air Hostess training
   The training offered deals with both the theoretical and practical sides of the job, which starts with customer service, customer safety, and welfare, crisis management as well as communication. Its aim is to ensure successful placements.
6. Drone Flying (RPAS)
   It provides approved training for Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS), with a practical and interactive pathway to becoming qualified drone operators. The Bombay Flying Club combines hands-on training with academic qualifications to prepare students for a number of roles in the aviation industry.

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy    

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy offers a range of pilot training programs, including Multi-Engine Rating, CPL, PPL, Student Pilot License, Foreign License Conversion, and Instrument Rating.

1. Multi-Engine Rating (ME):
   • Prerequisites: Holding SPL/PPL/CPL, FRTOL, and valid Class 1 Medical, DGCA type specific exam.
   • Training: Rating extension flying hours are tailored to one’s needs, usually 10-15 hours.
     
     
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with IR/ME:
   • Prerequisites: Age 18+, Class 1 Medical, police verification, 10+2 with Maths and Physics.
     
   • Privileges: Permitted to act as PIC or co-pilot of aircraft (under specified conditions) including IFR conditions.
     
   • Curriculum: Ground school and flying in Cessna 172 & Piper Seneca PA-34 were 500 hours and included instrument flying, cross country, night flying, etc.
3. Private Pilot License (PPL):
   • Prerequisites: Class 2 Medical, age 17+, 10th standard, police verification.
     
   • Privileges: Permits acting as PIC for non-commercial flights, and night flying if rated.
     
   • Curriculum: A minimum of 150 hours of ground school and a minimum of 40 flying hours, including solo and cross country and skill tests.
     
     
4. Student Pilot License (SPL)
   • Prerequisites: Class 2 Medical, 10th standard, police verification.
   • Privileges: Can fly under instructor supervision, and train for CPL/PPL.
     
   • Curriculum: Ground school and flight training: 95 hours, SPL exam per CFI/DY CFI
5. Foreign License Conversion:
   
   • Prerequisites: Foreign valid license and medical, Indian FRTOL & RTR, and all DGCA requirements.
     
   • Privileges: It makes it possible to change the foreign license to the appropriate license category (CPL, PPL, or ATPL).
     
     
6. Instrument Rating (IR)

• • Prerequisites: CPL/PPL, IR, FRTOL, Class 1 Medicals.
  • Training: Contains configurations tailored to initial IR issuance or renewal based on flying hours for the aircraft type in question.

OFAA – Orient Flights Aviation Academy 

OFAA's programs focus on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to pursue careers in aviation, whether as pilots or cabin crew, aligned with DGCA regulations and industry standards.

1. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR)
   
   • Duration: 18 months
   • Eligibility: Minimum age 18, 12th standard pass with Physics, Mathematics, English, Class I & II Medicals, English proficiency.
     
   • Aircraft: Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Tecnam P2006T.
     
   • Flight Training: 185 hours single engine, 15 hours multi-engine total flying hours (200).
     
   • Ground Subjects: DGCA exams training in Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General (aircraft and engines), and Radio Telephony (RT) for aeronautical operations only.
2. Private Pilot License (PPL)
   • Duration: 6 months
   • Eligibility: Minimum age 17, 10th standard pass, Class II Medicals; English proficiency.
     
   • Aircraft: Cessna 172.
     
   • Flight Training: 40 hours flying in a single-engine aircraft + 10 hours in a simulator for a total of 50 flying hours.
     
   • Ground Subjects: Training includes Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, and a paper on Cessna-172 systems and performance.
3. Cabin Crew Training Program:

• • Duration: Courses run every 3 months for 3 months.
    
  • Eligibility:  Females minimum height 157 cm, males 170 cm, 12th standard pass or equivalent (up to graduates), age 18-26, Indian citizenship, fluency in English and Hindi, weight proportional to height.
  • Course Focus: It focuses on customer service, safety procedures, crisis management, and personality and confidence boosts for in-flight situations.

You can also watch this video where our co-founder Damini Mahajan clearly explains to you the entire process of getting an education for various aviation courses. 

To become a pilot in India, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Educational Qualifications: Physics, Maths, and English upto Class XII. Most of the time, For admission into DGCA-approved flying schools, a minimum score of 50% is required.
• Medical Fitness: They must have passed the DGCA Class 1 medical examination, which checks for physical fitness, including eyesight (6/6 vision color blind), hearing, and overall health.
• Age Requirement:  For a student pilot license (SPL) the minimum age is 17 years and for a pilot license 18 years.
• Flight Training: In order to apply for a pilot license, you need a minimum of 200 hours of flying time. It involves solo flying, night flying, and cross-country flying.
• Language Proficiency:  Proficiency in English is a must as a global aviation language, so Fluency in both spoken and written English is required of pilots.

The average cost of pilot training abroad in countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia can range from Rs 40 lacs to Rs 80 lacs, but with education loans, aspiring pilots can access loan amounts up to Rs 1.5 Cr to cover their training costs. With flexible repayment options, loan disbursal directly to the training academy, and the ability to study at top aviation schools around the world, education loans for pilot training abroad are a smart financial option for aspiring pilots.

So, if you're ready to take flight and explore the world from a bird's eye view, join us as we delve into the details of education loans for pilot training abroad. 

Pilot training abroad is well known for its advanced facilities, exposure to the international world, and fast completion times. Students tend to train more intensively, full around 250-300 flight hours. Type rating, multi-engine endorsements, and instrument ratings are all offered with CPL training by institutions abroad. These schools have an established aviation industry such as USA, UK, and Canada. 

Take a look at the top five job roles and the countries known for offering the highest salaries in respective Aviation fields: 

To become a pilot abroad, you need to satisfy certain regulations by the regulating body, such as the FAA (USA), EASA (Europe), and CASA (Australia). These requirements include:

• Age: You should be at least 18 years old to apply for a CPL.
• Educational Qualifications: Proficiency in Physics and Mathematics and completion of high school. There are some countries that are having their own entrance examinations
• Medical Fitness: Aviation medical examiners must provide a Class 1 medical certificate covering eyesight, hearing, and general physical health.
• Flight Hours: International CPL programs usually take 250 to 300 flying hours.
• English Proficiency: Because aviation communications are in English, non-native speakers need to take a proficiency test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL).

In terms of which countries are the best to use to do your pilot training, the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are known to have the highest flying facilities, as well as providing job placing programs with major airlines.

Pilot Licensing programs at DGCA-accredited institutions in India cost between ₹35 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Tuition, flight training hours, simulator training, and examination fees are covered in fees. Cities with bigger institutes and institutions with better infrastructure will charge more.
Fees for international training are from ₹40 lakh to ₹80 lakh, depending on the country and the institute. The USA and Canada, comparatively, are less expensive and the UK and Australia are on the higher end because of visa costs, accommodation, and travel. Pilot training abroad, however, often includes more flying time and more advanced simulator work, and this better global exposure.

To apply for an education loan from WeMakeScholars, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Fill out the eligibility check form or request a callback from the financial officer at WeMakeScholars
• Step 2: Provide information about your loan application as asked by the financial officer
• Step 3: Know your possible lender options after your loan profile is analyzed by your financial officer
• Step 4: Choose your lender and arrange your documents as per the documents checklist provided by your financial officer.
• Step 5: Collect your loan sanction documents from your lender within no time after submitting your documents to the bank or uploading them on the WeMakeScholars document portal.

Note: If you choose a private bank or NBFC to be your lender, your loan will be sanctioned within 2-4 days otherwise, it will take 15-20 days to complete the collateral formalities and process your secured loan from public banks.

Education loans for pilot training can be availed from different public and private banks or financial institutions in India. Some of the commonly required documents are:

• Application form and education loan form filled out through the lender's platform
• KYC details of the applicant and co-applicant/guarantor
• Proof of identity like PAN card or passport
• Address proof like Aadhar card, passport, electricity bill, etc.
• Bank account statement or salary slips for last 6 months
• Proof of admission in pilot training course
• Proof of assets and liabilities
• Income documents for co-applicant like Form 16, salary slips, income tax returns, etc.
• Other documents like affidavit, declaration, previous loan statements, etc.
• Collateral documents, if required

Note: Requirements may vary between banks, so it's advisable to check with the lender for the complete list of required documents.

WeMakeScholars is a government-supported student platform that provides funding options for higher education in India and abroad. It partners with over 14 banks and financial firms to offer students the best possible loan options. The following are some of the benefits of choosing WeMakeScholars for your education loan:

• Loan Negotiation Assistance: WeMakeScholars offers support in negotiating loan terms and interest rates with banks.
• Competitive Interest Rates: Due to its large size, WeMakeScholars offers interest rate discounts of 0.5-2% for loan applicants.
• Tax Benefits: WeMakeScholars helps students take advantage of tax savings programs and TDS to save money on their loans.
• Expert Guidance: A financial officer will assist students in choosing the best lender based on their eligibility and bank rules.
• Faster Processing: WeMakeScholars processes loans 50% faster than traditional bank processes. Private bank loans can be completed within 6-7 days, while public bank loans with collateral take 15-20 days.
• Convenient Application: Students can easily apply online and submit documents online, eliminating the need for multiple visits to the bank.
• Full Support: A financial officer will provide support throughout the loan process and address any post-approval concerns.
• Cashback Offer: Upon loan release, students may receive a cashback of up to Rs 3,000.
• Free Services: All services for prime loans are free for students as WeMakeScholars is funded by the IT Mini

The cost of pursuing pilot training in India and abroad, both are high but it becomes affordable for students if they secure scholarships to fund their studies. WeMakeScholars Scholarship Portal has a long list of scholarships offered by various colleges and universities in India and abroad. Students can choose according to their eligibility and apply for the best scholarships from there directly. 

A few of the scholarships for pilot training study program are listed below:

• Education Future International Scholarship
• HEST 2024- Higher Education Scholarship Test For Indian Students
• John M. Azarian Memorial Armenian Youth Scholarship
• Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
• Global Citizen Scholarship
• Royal Business Bank Scholarship Program
• Thomas Wall Trust Grants For Individuals 2024
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program In USA 2024
• J. N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship 2024
• Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarships For SC Students 2024
• Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP) 2024