Choosing the right flight school is tricky. It requires extensive research and exploration before deciding.
When you rely on internet, you find information which confuses you further, rather than helping.
So, how do you choose the right flight school? Let me help you.
I have listed down 10 Most Important Factors to be considered, before taking admission in a flight school for flight training.
When you know these, you can rest assured, that you found the right school and concentrate on your training to become an Airline Pilot.

Type of Aircraft used for imparting Flight Training
Facilities and Infrastructure available at Airport
Experience of Faculty
Weather Conditions
Student-Instructor-Aircraft Ratio
Quality of Training Delivery
Safety Record
Funding Options
Schedule of Course fee Instalments

Type of Aircraft used for imparting Flight Training

All the modern-day commercial aeroplanes are nearly fully automated. They are called Glass Cockpit aircraft.
The initial flight training is imparted on analogue aircraft with basic instruments. This helps students to develop basic flying skills.
However, getting trained on glass cockpit aircraft has many advantages as compared to age old analogue cockpit aircraft.
Therefore, it is very important that the flight training program is structured in such a way that the student gets enough hands-on experience on both types of aircraft.

Facilities and Infrastructure available at the Airport

Majority of flight schools operate out of uncontrolled airports, which means they have their own airport/airstrip.
The uncontrolled airports will not have necessary facilities and infrastructure which can provide the right training environment.
While you are undergoing flight training, the emphasis is on learning to fly.
Nevertheless, if the student is not provided with an opportunity to operate in an operational airport environment, the learning will not be complete.
Therefore, make sure the airport where the flight training is imparted has necessary Radio Navigational Aids, active Air Traffic Control Tower, Night Landing facilities and Instrument flying environment.

Experience of Faculty at the Flight School

Flight Training is unique in many ways. Flight Training is a high-stake training and majority of the training is a one-to-one training with instructor.
The Theoretical Knowledge Training Instructors (Ground Instructors) and Flight Instructors play a very vital role in your learning.
The faculty should have great understanding, excellent instructional skills and in-depth knowledge of subject.
It is important that dedicated and experienced faculty are available to deliver the training and equip you with necessary skills and knowledge.

Weather Conditions

The aerodynamic capabilities and operational efficiency of an aircraft is primarily dictated by prevailing weather conditions.
As the flight training is carried out on a lightweight aircraft (Less than 1100 Kgs), the weather conditions impact the flight training furthermore.
There are several restrictions in terms of Visibility, present weather conditions, surface wind speed, temperature etc are some of them.
In order to ensure continuity and timely completion, the weather conditions should be conducive and support uninterrupted training operations in all seasons.

Student-Instructor-Aircraft Ratio

The recommended aircraft, student instructor ratio is 1:1:10.
Though, there could be some exceptions, if this ratio is followed, availability of Instructors and Aircraft will be ensured. This will also help instructors to personalized attention and help you develop better skills.

Quality & Standard of Training at the Flight School

Never look to cut corners. Flight Training is expensive. But when you cut corners, rather than helping the cause, it will damage the objective.
Don’t be penny wise, pound foolish. Quality comes at premium price. Having said that, make sure the school believes the same.
There have been instances wherein some schools resorted to some malpractices and fake logging.
Just be very careful on this aspect.

Safety Record

Over 80% of aircraft used for flight training in India are nearly 30 years old.
The aircraft, engines, propellers and all the parts have a specific life cycle and undergo regular servicing and maintenance to make sure that the aircraft is fully serviceable and in airworthy condition.
Most of the aircraft spares are imported and supplied by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This involves lot of planning and scheduling and supply chain management.
In absence of any robust system, could result in catastrophic situation and endanger the safety of occupants and aircraft itself.

Funding Options & Education Loan

Commercial Pilot Training course is recognised as a Professional Course by all leading banks. You can avail education loan for flight training course also like any other professional program.
Depending on the applicant’s eligibility and value of collateral property, you can get up to 80% of the course fee as loan.
Some flight schools also have special arrangements with local and national banks. Check with flight school and talk to the bank for financing options.

Course Fee and Schedule of Instalments

All flight schools allow course fee to be paid in instalments.
The schedule of instalments can be time based or progress based.
When the instalments are progress based, it is like pay n go. Quicker you progress, earlier you end up paying instalments.

But if the instalments are time based, it might be disadvantageous as the training might not progress the way you expected, but you would still continue to pay the tranches as agreed.
Though cost of training is most important factor to be considered while taking admission for flying training, that alone should not be the decisive factor.