Which are the Top Aircrafts Used in Pilot Training in India?

The new generation has a lot of fascination with becoming a pilot, not just in India but worldwide. This job is a challenging yet rewarding career and one has to tick a lot of boxes to train to become a pilot. It needs both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to become a skilled pilot. Undoubtedly, a considerable amount of money is required to become a pilot in India, as training on an aircraft is required. The expenses incurred need to be borne by an aspiring commercial pilot. It has been a trend that, more recently, more and more people are aspiring to train as commercial pilots.

India's aviation sector has grown exponentially, leading to an augmented demand for skilled pilots. To meet this demand, many aircraft are used all over the country for pilot training. These aircraft cater to diverse stages of pilot training, from the beginner to the expert levels. This blog explores some of India's top aircraft used in pilot training in recent times.

It is one of the most prevalent single-engine training aircraft worldwide, and its existence in India is notable. Recognized for its dependability and forgiving flight characteristics, the Cessna 172 is extensively used in flying schools. Its high-wing design provides exceptional visibility, making it perfect for student pilots. The aircraft is fortified with modern avionics, including the G1000 glass cockpit, which familiarizes students with cutting-edge instrumentation early in their training.

Pilatus PC-7 is a Swiss-made trainer aircraft accepted by more than a few air forces worldwide, including the IAF. It is intended for basic and cutting-edge pilot training and provides a combination of performance and handling features appropriate for various training exercises. Its low-wing design provides instructors with exceptional visibility of student pilots. The turboprop engine provides better fuel efficiency and performance than piston-engine trainers.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited developed this Indian primary trainer aircraft. Introduced in the 1980s, the HPT-32 was intended to replace the ageing fleet of HPT-2 trainers. The aircraft has a low-wing monoplane design with tandem seating. It has a piston engine and basic avionics appropriate for primary flight training. However, the HPT-32 was grounded in 2009 because of safety concerns, leading to a search for replacement aircraft.

Tecnam P2006T is a modern, light twin-engine aircraft used in advanced pilot training. Made by Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam in Italy, the P2006T is recognized for its low operating costs and effective performance. Its design comprises a high-wing monoplane structure with retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft has Rotax engines, known for their dependability and fuel competence. It is used in multi-engine training programs, offering students the essential skills to operate twin-engine aircraft.

It is an intermediate jet trainer advanced by HAL for the IAF. Presented in the 1970s, the Kiran was intended to bridge the gap between basic trainers and cutting-edge fighter aircraft. The aircraft features a low-wing design with tandem seating and is powered by a turbojet engine. It was used for aerobatic training, instrument flying, and formation flying. The Kiran is still integral to the IAF's training fleet despite its age.

NAL Hansa is an Indian two-seater light trainer aircraft advanced by the National Aerospace Laboratories. The aircraft has a low-wing design with tandem seating and a piston engine. It is used mainly for basic flight training and is simple and easy to handle. The aircraft has been in service for more than a few decades and is used by several flying clubs and training institutes across India.

This is also an India-made two-seat training monoplane developed by BHEL. The Bharat Swati aircraft has a low-wing design with tandem seating and a piston engine. The Swati is used for basic flight training and reliable performance. It has been in service for several decades and is used by several flying clubs and training institutes across India.

HAL advanced the Yashas, a subsonic intermediate jet trainer, to replace the ageing fleet of HJT-16 Kirans. This low-wing design has tandem seating and a turbofan engine. The aircraft has modern avionics and is intended to offer cutting-edge training for pilot cadets. It is currently experiencing limited series production and will be inducted into service shortly.

It is a light, cutting-edge jet trainer developed by HAL in collaboration with BAE Systems. The aircraft has a low-wing design and a turbofan engine. The Hawk Mk132 is used in advanced pilot training, including instrument flying, aerobatics, and formation flying. It has modern avionics and is designed to offer a realistic training experience for pilot cadets.

Air India has invested in escalating its pilot training fleet to meet the increasing demand for trained pilots. The airline has a modern training aircraft fleet, including the Cessna 172 and Tecnam P2006T, to offer complete training programs for its cadets. The training fleet has advanced avionics and is intended to provide a superior training experience for aspiring pilots.

India's aviation industry will grow significantly, and the requirement for expert pilots remains high. Aircraft are important in training the next generation of pilots, offering them the essential skills and experience to operate many aircraft. With the advancement of technology, a new and more cutting-edge training aircraft will be introduced to further improve pilot training programs in India.

If you also aspire to become a commercial pilot and have a commercial pilot license under your belt, then you must attend a reputable flight training school. One such institution is Flapone Aviation, which has been training pilots for over 1.5 decades. The flight training instructors are seasoned professionals who know all about the changing trends in the Indian Aviation Industry. Moreover, we have all the latest technologies, like aircraft training simulators, that few have now. So, to become a pilot, you will get everything you need under one roof. Come, join us and let your wings of aspiration engulf the entire sky.