Training Progress at IGRUA

When a cadet joins the CPL programme in IGRUA, he/she covers various milestones during his/her training period.  These are described below:-

Orientation Week

Ground School

After the orientation week, starts the “Ground Training Phase”, where the cadet undergoes intensive training in the core subjects of aviation required for acquiring CPL (Commercial Pilots License), namely – Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General and Radio Aids. The Ground Training faculty consists of experts who have proven themselves in their respective fields.

There are online exams conducted for the same at regular intervals, which determine whether the cadet is allowed to proceed to the next stage, ie, flying or should spend more time in ground training till he learns the subjects.

As an airline pilot needs to be physically fit throughout his aviation life, special consideration is given for physical fitness. During Ground Training Phase, cadets undergo PT and games classes compulsorily. Very good quality games / gym facilities are available and cadets are encouraged to use them.  Swimming pool is open for about 8 months in a year.  Focus is also given on English Speaking where a cadet has to give a public speech on any topic before starting the daily ground school routine. This helps improve confidence and communication skills.

IGRUA library has a wide range of books to study from, over and above the Oxford books provided to all cadets for the subjects. IGURA leaves no stone unturned when it comes to giving the best for their cadets, which of course is followed by great/remarkable results. It encourages cadets to take mock online tests – designed on the lines of DGCA exams, so that the cadets are more confident when they appear for the DGCA exams. The basic aim is to help cadets pass their DGCA exams at the earliest and be completely prepared for the next stage, which is the flying stage. Other than that, there is also a requirement to clear the RT (Radio Telephony) exams, for which the cadets are trained both in the Ground Training phase and in flying school.

Flying School

The flying stage begins with the Pre-Flight Ground Training (PFGT), which helps the cadets be prepared for this term. Once the cadet has passed the PFGT test on his specific aircraft, he appears for the Student Pilot License (SPL) exam which is in the form viva/oral followed by the FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License) written and viva exams. 

Once the above 3 criteria’s are met, the cadet is promoted to the most fun-loved pre-flight stage – Simulators.

IGRUA’s simulators are of world class standards with excellent 180⁰ visuals where they can simulate any weather and emergency situation which can occur in real flying. Initial 10 hours of simulator flying is required to prepare the cadet to be aware of the actual cockpit layout and the checks and procedures. By the end of the simulator training, the cadet is well versed with 3 main things: - Orientation, Controls, Comfort (with respect to being in such a different environment).

Once the cadet is released from simulators, he/she has the first taste of flight called “Air Experience”, which happens to be the most thrilling time for all as beginners, as most of the cadets are new to the field. The flying syllabus is tailored in such a way that the cadet covers all aspects of flying apart from meeting the requirements for the issuance of CPL.  Flying tests termed progress checks are also conducted at regular intervals to ensure that the cadet’s progress is monitored and safety is not compromised at any point of time. Initial 15 hours are dual sorties where the cadet flies with a dedicated instructor till he is ready to be released Solo. Upon completion of the first Solo, cadet is awarded the “Wings” which he wears on his chest.  After completing 4 solo sorties, he is now check-free for circuit and landing phase. Once 40 hours are completed, cadet gets his first golden stripe on his epaulette. Next come the General Flying, Instrument Flying and Cross Country (Navigation) flying.  Upon completing 160 hours, night flying starts.  IGRUA runway is equipped with lighting system which ensures a flawless progress of night flying without any delay.

During winters, poor visibility conditions restrict flying at IGRUA. To maintain continuity in flying IGRUA then operates from Gondia (Maharashtra).  Before the winter sets in, instructors and students ferry aircraft in batches to Gondia Airport, which is under Airport Authority of India (AAI). Rooms are provided on a twin sharing basis at National Institute of Aviation Training and Management (NIATAM) campus.

After 185 hours are flown on single engine aircraft each cadet gets to fly the last 15 hours on the Multi Engine aircraft. Upon completing 200 hours, the cadet gets the second golden stripe on his shoulder, which is a big dream come true for anyone who is passionate about flying.  Having passed all the DGCA exams, as well as all the flying tests, he then applies to DGCA for his Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL).

CRM and MCC Training

After completion of 200 hours, IGRUA provides each cadet Multi Crew Coordination (MCC) course in the Diamond DA-42 simulator.  MCC is conducted by a well experienced retired airline captain.  While IGRUA training makes each cadet confident of taking an airplane from one airport to another both in VFR and IFR, MCC teaches the cadet fundamentals of airline cockpit responsibility sharing. Operating procedures at major airports in India are also practiced during this phase. This training helps the CPL understand his future role and prepares him better for the tasks that lie ahead.  IGRUA is the only flying institute that provides this “add on” value, training in the form of MCC.  

And yes, now you are all set for any airline job, with CPL + IR + ME rating and lots more. The training provided here in IGRUA ensures that IGRUANs excel in piloting in any and every airline.