Indian Aviation is rapidly growing and the need for skilled manpower is at all time high. The growth further intensifies the robust training programs with job security. To highlight the concept better, Jaffer Mohiuddin, CEO, Gomsons Aviation in an exclusive interview with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World shares his insight about the current Aviation training program, prospective amendments in curriculum, Part-147 training organisations, challenges and many more key issues. Over the years, he had pioneered India’s first EASA Part 147 satellite training centre, securing DGCA-approved in-house OJT for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, and integrated VR-based immersive technology into training programs. We hope that this the inputs of the interaction will be useful for our readers. Excerpts… In India, MPL system of Pilot Training might be introduced as the regulator and stakeholders are evaluating the process. How do you see this change looking into the growing demands for pilots? The introduction of the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) in India has the potential to significantly transform how we produce airline-ready pilots. MPL, when implemented under the training framework outlined in ICAO Annex 1 and Doc 9868 (PANS-TRG), creates a structured pathway where cadets are trained in a multi-crew environment right from the early stages. This not only accelerates operational readiness but also ensures competency standards are globally aligned. Given the rapid growth of India’s airline fleet and the increasing demand for skilled pilots, MPL could help meet that demand more efficiently. However, the real success will depend on strict regulatory oversight, standardised curriculum, and active collaboration between Regulatory, Airlines, and Approved Training Organisations. The focus must remain on maintaining the highest safety standards while delivering pilots who can transition seamlessly into airline operations from day one. Despite of sudden surge in FTOs in India, still aspiring pilots prefer getting CPL done from some overseas location. What’s the factor that drives them to do so? India now has 38, flying schools, many aspiring pilots still choose overseas training for one key reason time and training efficiency. Leading academies in the USA, Australia, and South Africa offer year-round flying weather, larger training fleets, and higher instructor availability, enabling students to complete their CPL in 12–18 months instead of the 2–3 years it can sometimes take in India. A growing number of students now complete their DGCA ground school training and CPL theory exams in India before leaving, so they can focus entirely on flying once they reach a foreign school. This streamlined approach allows for quick course completion and avoids the delays often caused by weather, aircraft availability, or scheduling bottlenecks in India. Training in India is improving rapidly. Several new FTOs are investing in modern fleets, upgraded infrastructure, and better simulators, raising domestic standards significantly. However, demand remains extremely high due to the current boom in the aviation sector, which often leads to waiting periods and extended timelines for completion. Overseas training continues to appeal because it combines faster completion, exposure to diverse airspaces and ATC procedures, and advanced training technology. The regulatory streamlined licence conversion process makes the return to India relatively straightforward. In many cases, the time saved abroad even offsets the additional costs, making it a competitive and attractive option for aspiring pilots. In India, soon students from arts and commerce streams might be allowed to pursue CPL training, however many other countries already have such provisions. What’s your take on such amendments? The upcoming amendment to allow arts and commerce students to pursue Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training may seem like a new development, the reality is that Indian Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) have, in many cases, already welcomed such candidates. Traditionally, these students have been trained in both ground school and flying the key requirement has been to complete Mathematics and Physics papers before applying for their CPL licence to the regulatory. Internationally, countries such as the USA, Australia, and South Africa have long followed this open eligibility model, focusing on a candidate’s aptitude, medical fitness, and aviation training rather than their academic stream. Formalising this pathway in India, the process will become smoother and more transparent, reducing delays for aspiring pilots from non-science backgrounds. However, bridging programs remain essential. Subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, and meteorology rely on core physics and mathematical principles, and ensuring every student masters these foundations is critical to maintaining safety and training quality. In a rapidly growing aviation market, such inclusivity could significantly expand the talent pool, help address the pilot shortage, and inspire a more diverse generation of aviators all while bringing India in line with global best practices. To make the aviation training more robust in India, what initiatives need to be implemented? What are the roadblocks? To truly strengthen aviation training in India, we must look beyond pilot training and develop a holistic aviation ecosystem. This involves investing in world-class infrastructure and expanding the scope of training to include Aircraft Maintenance Engineering(AME) PART 147, Cabin Crew Training, Airport Operations, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and other specialised aviation disciplines.A transformative step would be the creation of a world-class Aviation University a single integrated campus housing Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), Aircraft Maintenance (PART 147) training centres, cabin crew academies, ATC simulators, and airport management programs under one roof. Such a facility could generate a steady pipeline of skilled professionals across every segment of the industry. In parallel, India needs to expand training fleets with modern aircraft, introduce state of the art simulators, and adopt global best practices in curriculum design. Aligning training modules with international standards, integrating Safety Management Systems (SMS), and including real world operational scenarios will significantly raise competency levels across the board. The main roadblocks today are high training costs, a shortage of experienced instructors, and weather related disruptions at certain FTO locations. Addressing these through regulatory reforms, strong industry academia partnerships, and targeted investment, India can position itself not only to meet domestic demand but also to become a global exporter of aviation talent. The next ten-fifteen years is going to be transformative year
