Best Pilot Training Institutes in the World 2025

Middle EastCommercial pilot is a fun, high-paying, and exciting job that also looks glamorous to some. However, you cannot make even a single wrong decision in this job, as there is the responsibility of several lives on you. That's why graduating only from the best pilot training institute matters.

Wilbur Wright, an aviation pioneer, once aptly said, “It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill”. This article throws light on the best aviation schools in the world for international students. 

Top 10 Best Pilot Training Institutes in the World 2025

While there are many good flying clubs in India these days, there is a growing trend of people opting to complete their flying and gain their licenses from abroad. Captain U.S. Tiwari, a senior pilot of Air India (narrow-body), promptly confirmed this by saying, “Enrolling on a flying school abroad can prove to be an expensive affair, but young aspiring pilots prefer it as it is a quicker option to complete their flying hours”. He further added, “The same course can stretch for some 2 years in India, while studying the same course abroad takes just 6-8 months, making it a much quicker option”.

Some of the best flight schools in the world are as follows:

• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

• CTC Wings (Europe)

• Flight Safety Academy (USA)

• Pan AM International Flying Academy

• Singapore Flying College

• Ardmore Flying School

• Sunrise Aviation

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• University of British Columbia

Also, check:

• International Pilot Training at Sunrise Aviation
• Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane) at Tristar Aviation
• BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Private Pilot Training in Aeroplanes at Buckinghamshire New University

Details on the Top 10 Pilot Training Institutes in the World 2025

Check out the details on the best pilot training schools in the world and how each one of them is unique in its own way below.

1. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

With 85 years of experience in pilot training, CAE Aviation Academy is considered to be one of the best flying schools across the globe. This European flying school also has centres at Amsterdam, Brussels, Gondia, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Phoenix, and Rae Bareli. Training programmes undertaken at this school include ATPL, CPL and MPL training routes. The academy has more than 200 aircraft and can train more than 2,000 pilots annually.

2. CTC Wings (Europe)

This is one of the most reputable flying clubs in the world. CTC boasts of having cadets such that 97.8% of them pass all 14 ATPL subjects in their first attempt, and 99% of the graduates get placed with some of the other airlines. In 2013, 243 new pilots graduated from the CTC aviation academy. UK’s largest airline, EasyJet, hired 119 of the 243 graduates in the same year. It also has training centres in New Zealand, India, Australia, and Singapore.

3. Flight Safety Academy (USA)

Known to produce top-class pilots since 1966, Flight Safety Academy is undoubtedly the oldest and one of the best in the business. More than 17,000 pilots who have graduated from this flying school operate flights for some 62 airlines and over 100 corporate flight departments. This training institute offers direct flight line access and on-site accommodations along with well-equipped classrooms, administrative offices, and aircraft maintenance hangars.

4. Pan AM International Flying Academy

Established in 1980, Pan AM has training centres all over the United States and the world. Apart from pilot flight training, this academy also offers airline crew training, aircraft maintenance training, aircraft dispatcher training, and air traffic control training. 

5. Singapore Flying College

Known to provide ab initio as well as advanced flight training to pilots for the Singapore Airlines Group, the Flying College of Singapore was established in 1988. The college’s training fleet comprises five single-engine Cessna C172 in Seletar, 16 single-engine analogue and Garmin-equipped Cessna C172. It also includes three Garmin-equipped multi-engine Beech Baron aircraft in Jandakot for the ab initio phase and four Cessna Mustang light jet aircraft in Maroochydore for the Advanced Training Phase. The college is known to have trained more than 1900 cadets for the Singapore Airlines Group. It began enrolling self-sponsored candidates in 2006, and around 30 of these candidates are presently working at reputable airlines.

Also Read:

• Best Pilot Training Schools in USA 2025
• Top Aviation Universities/Colleges in Australia

6. Purdue University Aviation College

The Purdue University Aviation College is famous for its comprehensive curriculum in pilot training. Additionally, the academy provides state-of-the-art pilot training, strong industry partnerships for real-world experience, and a focus on preparing graduates for leadership roles within the aviation sector, all backed by the credibility of a prestigious Purdue University. Apart from this, this flight school has a long-standing history of generating qualified professionals in the field.

7. Ardmore Flying School

Ardmore Flying School is another flying school which international students can think of attending in order to learn to fly. This flying school is located in New Zealand and offers courses like the Level 5 Flight Training Program, Level 6 Airline Preparation Program and Flight Instruction Program, along with the Modular Training Program. The employment prospects increase for students depending on the number of modules they complete during their course of study. Ardmore Flying School allows its students aiming for commercial pilot jobs to fly twice a month and pursue a course falling under Level 5 or 6. Eligibility may depend upon the level of course, opted for, but basic requirements include a 5.5 on IELTS and a minimum of 17 years of age, along with a minimum of Class 2 medical.

Check out: Ardmore Flying School Courses

8. Sunrise Aviation

Courses at Sunrise Aviation go in sync with DGCA requirements in terms of aircraft training. The DGCA-approved courses require their students to complete 250 hours, including 200 hours of in-aircraft training. For students who wish to know in which aircraft they would receive their training, the answer is the Piper Seneca PA34 aircraft, which is also DGCA-approved. Thus, those willing to opt for Sunrise Aviation courses can apply through the Indian-country coordinator. After graduating from this flying school, students can come back and work as commercial pilots. Hence, Sunrise Aviation is one of the top pilot training schools in the USA.

9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Often referred to as the "Best Aviation and Aerospace University in the World", the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was founded in 1925. The university has two campuses spread across Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott and the Worldwide campus. The university offers more than 100 degrees and is known to be the largest and fully accredited university specialising in Aviation, Aerospace, and Security / Intelligence.  

10. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a unique and comprehensive program in aviation engineering through its Aerospace Option in Mechanical Engineering. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the aerospace industry, focusing on the design, development, and analysis of aircraft and spacecraft.

Interested candidates can apply for the courses on offer by these flying schools from February onwards, provided they have completed their 10+2 and are a minimum of 17 years of age. Each course has a different fee structure. Interested candidates need to submit all their details along with their requirements on the official website of these flying clubs and be assured of receiving a prompt reply with the fee structure and batch commencement date from the institute.

Key factors to Consider for choosing the Best Pilot Training Institute for Yourself

Make sure to tick-mark the following points when you go on a hunt for the best pilot training institute for yourself:

1. Career goals: Choose a course that aligns with your career aspirations. To make the right decision, ask yourself this question: "Are you aiming for a major airline career or a specific type of pilot role?
2. Location: Analyse in which country you wish to take this course. 
3. Curriculum: Look for programs that align with your interests and offer access to suitable aircraft for training.
4. Airline partnerships: Look for an academy that also has partnerships with specific airline companies. This will help you acquire the most in-demand skills and thus, get a job smoothly.
5. Cost: The fee for some courses varies as per the country, specific curriculum and popularity. Make sure the fee of the course you choose aligns with your budget.  

Related Blogs:

• Aeronautical Engineering Salary
• Aerospace Engineer Salary

Average Salaries of Pilots in Different Countries

The average salaries of pilots vary by country, airline, experience, and aircraft type. However, the general trend shows that countries like the United States, the Middle East, and Europe typically offer higher salaries. Here is the list of average salaries offered to pilots in different countries:

Best Countries for Pilot Training

The best countries for pilot training include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. These countries not only provide modern infrastructure, but also favourable weather, suitable for practical training and globally recognised licenses. However, students must choose the country based on their personal preferences and career goals. For example, the USA is a good option for someone looking for fast-track training along with high recognition, and Canada, on the other hand, offers friendly PR options. 

This was all about the best pilot training institutes in the world for Indian students in 2025. For more information and doubts, reach out for Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.