Flight Training Blog

Why Is the Indian Cadet Program Exclusive to Indians?

When you see the title “Indian Cadet Program,” you might wonder, “Why is it different from other training programs? In a profession where English is the common language, nationalities shouldn’t matter, right?” While aviation is indeed a global industry and cross-border communication is essential, each geographic region has its own regulatory body that sets licensing standards—such as EASA in Europe, FAA in the United States, and DGCA in India.

For example, a Dutch citizen can train in France, get an EASA license, and work across Europe. But for an Indian, the licensing requirements are governed by the DGCA, not EASA. Does this mean an Indian cadet must train in India? Not at all. They can train in Europe, but often at the cost of challenges like financing, visa issues, and the need to independently find a way to convert an EASA license to DGCA standards to work in India.

That’s why we’ve designed a tailored solution that removes these obstacles, allowing Indian nationals to focus on their studies without worrying.

What’s Special about the Indian Cadet Program at BAA Training?

While designing this product, we aimed to make it as ideal as possible for an Indian candidate, ticking as many boxes as we could.

• Up to 100% Financing: Does financing mean it’s sponsored and you’ll study for free? No, it doesn’t. Is there any free option to become a pilot? Such options exist, but they are extremely rare. And if you manage to find one, the competition may delay your dreams for months or even years (if not cancel them altogether)—time you could have spent training, flying, and already starting to earn and repay the loan. In 4-5 years, you should be done with this task. Remember—time is the most precious resource in aviation, and losing it can cost you more.
• Global Work Opportunities: While the Indian Cadet Program prepares you to work for an Indian airline (as the modules you study are converted to DGCA standards and the program ends with a DGCA Type Rating), luckily, once you open the door to Europe, it stays open. Essentially, this means that your license will have an EASA endorsement after graduation. So, if you choose to broaden your employment horizons and pursue a pilot job in Europe one day, you won’t need to start from scratch, and the process will be easier than for those with only a DGCA license, rather than a dual one.
• Job Placement Assistance: At our Indian offices, we connect recent graduates with potential employers. For example, one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region, Akasa Air, will conduct a selection process for BAA Training cadets who have completed their training, and cadets who meet the airline’s requirements will be offered an opportunity to join the airline.
• Visa Support: With our guidance and the letter of intent that we, as a training organization, will provide you with beforehand once you pass the entry exam, you’ll be able to facilitate your visa application.
• International Environment: Why study abroad? To gain a different perspective, meet new people, and learn about and adapt to different cultures. Europe, in particular, offers a whole different world.
• Exceptional Safety Standards: One thing European pilot academies can certainly boast about is the level of safety, which is a must to ensure, considering the risks associated with the occupation. At BAA Training, students learn to fly the Cessna 172S, the safest of all single-engine aircraft.

What Our Students Have to Say

Now that you are familiar with the context and general information about the Indian cadet program, it’s time to listen to what our current students in the program have to say. They have already passed their theoretical exams and are doing flight training in Lleida-Alguaire. Don’t get surprised, though, when you see them in the simulator training center in the video. That moment was captured during their excursion to our training center in Barcelona. It was like a „short glimpse into the future,“ as they will definitely return to this place once their Type Rating time comes.

„My trip to Barcelona will be unforgettable. We got to experience a day in the life of a pilot performing their Type Rating training. Getting a glimpse of all the simulators and facilities is a dream come true for any pilot in the beginning stages of their training. The biggest highlight for me personally was actually trying out the Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator. It was one of the most overwhelming feelings I have ever felt, but it was amazing, replicating real-life situations, and you truly get the feeling of taking command of a real aircraft,“ shared Vihaan Sapru about his experience.

If you are an Indian looking to realize the dream of becoming a pilot, now is a great time to start. Don’t forget to visit our Events page to check out the approaching webinars and live events. The soonest live events are in Bengaluru on January 25th and Mumbai on January 31st. Come and make it your first step toward something big!