Future of Aviation in India: Growth & Jobs to 2047
India's aviation sector by the numbers — UDAN, fleet orders, 141,000 new jobs by 2044, and what the growth actually means for your career timeline.Read more
Govt. Aviation Training Institute
Govt. Aviation Training Institute
This institute's information is not yet verified
5 Aircrafts | 5 Courses
A
Written by Apano Aviationupdated on -
About us
Founded by the honorable Captain Bijayananda (Biju) Patnaik on 14th September 1946, the Orissa Flying Club at Bhubaneshwar, was one of the early and premier flying institutions of India. It was his dream, that the young men and women of Orissa be at the forefront, to train and become professional pilots of independent India. Since 1946, Orissa Flying Club has been a breeding ground for professional and recreational pilots. Initially a pursuit of the privileged, the club was more of a social and hobby center with the alumni engaged in flying in different parts of the world. Orissa Flying Club had a name and a presence nationally.
That dream of creating qualified pilots for the nation is well and alive today, with the transition of Orissa Flying Club to GATI. In 1974, after rebirth of the Orissa Flying Club as Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI) under the department of transport, pilot training became an important part of the government's plan for aviation. Fast forwarding to 2020, with a new management team, GATI has moved to Birasal airport and is on the way to becoming a shining example of a PPP (Public, Private, Partnership) initiative of the Government of Orissa that is providing guidance and training to the youth of India.
Want to know about Govt. Aviation Training Institute ?
Courses
Commercial Pilot License
The First Officer Programme is a DGCA-approved integrated CPL training that prepares aspiring pilots to become airline-ready first officers through structured ground school, simulator training, and flight hours, with added focus on airmanship and professional skills.
Multi-Engine Rating
The Multi-Engine Rating course helps pilots gain the skills to fly a multi-engine aircraft and meets DGCA training requirements, bridging the gap between a CPL and an airline Type Rating (e.g., Airbus A320). It includes training on handling asymmetric thrust, one-engine performance, and other multi-engine operations.
Pre-Type Rating Boeing 737
The Pre-Type Rating Boeing 737 course is a preparatory training module that helps CPL/ATPL pilots transition smoothly from basic flight experience to the advanced skills and knowledge needed for Boeing 737 type rating and airline standards, covering aircraft systems, operations manuals, MCC, and simulator briefing over ~60 hours.
Licence Conversion
The Licence Conversion training at FlyWithGATI helps pilots with a foreign pilot licence (PPL/CPL/ATPL) convert it into an Indian DGCA-equivalent licence. The training is tailored to your individual licence and logbook history so you can meet DGCA requirements and get your Indian licence endorsement.
Simulator Training
The Simulator Training at FlyWithGATI provides structured flight simulator sessions using the ALSIM 250 device to help pilots practice and improve skills such as instrument flying, procedural handling, and real-life flight scenarios, suitable for licence requirements, instrument rating preparation or skill-building.
Aircrafts
Cessna 172
VT-TED
Cessna 152
VT- EUW
Virus SW
VT-DPA
Cessna 172
VT-IAT
Virus SW
VT-DPB
Gallery
Similar Institutes
Free Career Consultation
Not sure where to start? Our experts will guide you on
exams, eligibility, and top institutes
Student Reviews
Biswajit Dash
Not very good
Not very good
Gopeenath Pradhan
Nice airport
Nice airport
Som Tech
One of the best flight training centre in India
One of the best flight training centre in India
Kunal Nigam
Renowned institute with modern facilities for CPL
Renowned institute with modern facilities for CPL
Satish Kumar Gajbhiye
An institution run by the Government to make you fly in...
An institution run by the Government to make you fly in life.
Joy Masih
Nice faculty ... Very Supportive staff... Satisfied wit...
Nice faculty ... Very Supportive staff... Satisfied with the information regarding admission Process.
Ajaya Khadia
The really of this institution is no that where they sh...
The really of this institution is no that where they show in agenda
Biswajit Dash
Not very good
Not very good
Gopeenath Pradhan
Nice airport
Nice airport
Som Tech
One of the best flight training centre in India
One of the best flight training centre in India
Kunal Nigam
Renowned institute with modern facilities for CPL
Renowned institute with modern facilities for CPL
Satish Kumar Gajbhiye
An institution run by the Government to make you fly in...
An institution run by the Government to make you fly in life.
Joy Masih
Nice faculty ... Very Supportive staff... Satisfied wit...
Nice faculty ... Very Supportive staff... Satisfied with the information regarding admission Process.
Ajaya Khadia
The really of this institution is no that where they sh...
The really of this institution is no that where they show in agenda
Facilities and Services
| Government Institute | Run by the Government of Odisha and one of India's oldest flying institutions, founded in 1946 as the Orissa Flying Club by Biju Patnaik. |
| Own Airfield | Birasal Airstrip, Dhenkanal, approved for both day and night flying training. |
| Fleet | Cessna 172, Cessna 152 and Virus SW training aircraft. |
| ALSIM 250 Simulator | DGCA-approved simulator with interchangeable single and multi-engine flight controls, configurable for Cessna 172 and Piper Seneca V profiles. |
| Three Locations | Birasal airfield for flying, Bhubaneswar for ground school and administration, and a New Delhi office at Dwarka. |
| Student Accommodation | On-site student accommodation available at the training base. |
FAQ's
Is GATI DGCA-approved?
Yes. The Government Aviation Training Institute is a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation, run by the Government of Odisha.
When was GATI founded?
It was founded on 14 September 1946 as the Orissa Flying Club by Captain Bijayananda (Biju) Patnaik, making it one of India's oldest flying institutions.
What courses does GATI offer?
The Commercial Pilot Licence First Officer Programme, Multi-Engine Rating, Pre-Type Rating for the Boeing 737, foreign licence conversion, and simulator training.
What does training at GATI cost?
GATI does not publish a current fee structure on its website, so Apano does not list a figure. Fees for a government flying school are revised by batch - contact the institute directly for the rate applying to your intake, and ask specifically whether hostel, landing and transit charges are included.
How is the First Officer Programme structured?
It runs for 23 months in total: about 4 months of ground school covering 360 hours, followed by roughly 18 months of flight training. Flying comprises 185 hours single-engine and 15 hours multi-engine, plus 20 simulator hours (5 single-engine and 15 multi-engine).
What is the eligibility for the CPL programme?
Minimum age 17, 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, Class II medical fitness under DGCA Rule 39B, and a police clearance certificate from your local police station.
What is included in the course material?
The institute issues books or an iPad, a flight computer and other required equipment, along with uniforms.
What aircraft and simulator does GATI use?
Cessna 172, Cessna 152 and Virus SW aircraft, plus an ALSIM 250 simulator whose flight controls can be swapped between single and multi-engine configurations for Cessna 172 and Piper Seneca V training.
Does GATI help convert a foreign pilot licence?
Yes. The licence conversion programme is for holders of a foreign PPL, CPL or ATPL who need to convert it to an Indian DGCA-equivalent licence, and the training is tailored to the licence held.
Where does GATI operate from?
Flying training is at Birasal Airstrip, Dhenkanal, Odisha. Ground school and administration run from Bhubaneswar, near the old terminal building at Biju Patnaik International Airport, with an additional office in Dwarka, New Delhi.
How do I contact GATI?
Phone +91 92895 10061, 10062 or 10064 for CPL and simulator enquiries, or 0674 259 6880 for the Bhubaneswar office.
Latest Articles
Pilot Vacancy in India 2026: Airline-Wise Hiring Guide
India employs 11,775+ pilots across 6 airlines per Lok Sabha data. Real hiring numbers by airline, the FDTL story explained, and how to apply.Read more
IGRUA 2026: Courses, Fees, Admission & Scholarships
IGRUA's real CPL fee is ₹55 lakh, not ₹45. Full breakdown of courses, fees, entrance exam, eligibility and the truth about scholarships.Read more
