NEW DELHI: India is set to introduce a ranking system for organizations offering Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) courses, a move that aims to provide prospective students with better information for their educational choices in the aviation sector. This initiative follows the announcement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to begin ranking flying training organizations (FTOs) starting October 1, a project initiated by DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.
According to sources, efforts are already underway to establish this ranking for AME institutes, with a similar methodology to that used for FTOs, focusing on training quality and student-friendly practices.
FTOs will be evaluated based on several vital criteria, including safety records and the time taken to complete the required 200 hours of flying necessary for acquiring a commercial pilot license (CPL). This benchmarking is intended to help aspiring pilots select reputable schools, as many currently experience difficulties in securing their flying hours despite significant financial investments.
The introduction of a ranking system for AME courses is anticipated to yield a comparable effect on the quality of training and institution accessibility for students. According to insiders, the ranking system for FTOs has already prompted these schools to enhance their performance to attract recruits. This pressure has led some institutions to expedite their clearance processes with the DGCA, facilitating more timely training.
The DGCA is committed to improving safety, quality, and efficiency in pilot training in India, aimed at fostering a transparent and performance-oriented training ecosystem. The ranking will hold FTOs accountable regarding regulatory compliance and operational standards. Aspiring pilots and their families often find it challenging to identify credible FTOs; a ranking system would serve as a reliable reference, helping them make decisions based on safety and training outcomes rather than solely on location or cost.
In addition, the DGCA believes that this ranking initiative will enhance transparency and accountability in the sector, guide student pilots, identify high-performing FTOs for potential expansion or international collaboration, and pinpoint underperforming institutions for corrective action.
The rankings will be published bi-annually, with updates planned for October 1 and April 1 each year. FTOs achieving scores of 85% and higher will receive an A++ ranking, those between 70% and 84.99% an A+, and those scoring between 50% and 69.99% an A, while institutions scoring below 50% will be rated as B. FTOs in the B category will receive a notice from the DGCA for a self-analysis aimed at improving their performance.
All FTOs will be required to submit their performance data within designated timelines for scoring. The DGCA reserves the right to verify this data through audits and inspections, warning that misreporting or non-compliance could negatively impact rankings and may result in regulatory action. The FTO Ranking System is designed to safeguard student interests and ensure a continuous supply of well-trained pilots essential for the aviation sector’s safe growth.
A similar ranking approach for AME institutes is projected to follow.
