Karnataka to Revive Government Flying Training School at Jakkur, Says DCM G. Parameshwara
Bengaluru, July 24: Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday announced that the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur, one of the country’s oldest state-run flying training institutes, will be revived and reopened during the current financial year after securing a fresh licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
After inspecting the facility, Parameshwara said the school, established in 1940 to provide affordable pilot training for students from poor and middle-class families, had lost its licence in December 2023. The DGCA has now renewed the licence for five years from July 16, 2026 to July 15, 2031, and the institution has been upgraded with the required infrastructure.
He said the school has appointed one Chief Flying Instructor and two Flying Instructors. Of its five aircraft, three—Cessna 172P, Cessna 172S and Tecnam P2006T—are flight-worthy, while steps are being taken to restore the remaining two aircraft.
Training programmes for Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-Engine Endorsement will continue. The institute has a capacity to train 30 students and admissions will begin shortly.
Parameshwara said the rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector is expected to create demand for more than 35,000 pilots in the future. Since private flying schools are unaffordable for many poor and middle-class students, the government has decided to offer quality pilot training at a significantly lower cost.
He said DGCA officials have certified the runway safety and flying standards, ensuring safe operations. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students will also be eligible for scholarships through the Social Welfare Department.
The Deputy Chief Minister said buildings taller than 45 metres cannot be constructed within a 2.7-km radius of the school. A plan has been prepared to expand the institution by taking over the adjacent 10 acres of land, and Mysuru and Hassan airports are proposed to be used for training. He said the government has no intention of closing the institution.
Parameshwara also said a proposal has been submitted to rename the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department as the Department of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Civil Aviation.
On the occasion, he presented three international-standard pole vault poles, each valued at Rs. 2.5 lakh, to Shivamogga athlete Sindhushree Ganesh, who has qualified for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan after clearing 4.02 metres. He also announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to support her preparations.
Principal Secretary of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department Naveen Raj Singh, Commissioner M.N. Anucheth and Government Flying Training School Principal Basavaraj were present.
About the Author
