Flying club and FTO guidance
Choosing where to fly is the single most expensive decision in a pilot career. We help you compare schools on the things that actually determine cost and completion time.
Comparing flying schools honestly
Every flying school advertises an hourly rate. Very few students are told how many months it will realistically take to build those hours at that particular field, with that fleet, in that weather.
We take you through a structured comparison, fleet size and serviceability, instructor ratio, weather days per year, hostel and living costs, billing practices, and how the school handles delays, so you can judge total cost rather than sticker price.
AboveFL360 has no affiliation with any flying club or FTO and receives no referral commissions. The shortlist you end up with is yours.
Questions to ask every school
- How many aircraft are serviceable today, and how many students per aircraft?
- What is the average hours flown per student per month over the last year?
- How many weather-affected days does the field typically see?
- What exactly is included in the quoted fee, and what is billed separately?
- What is the refund and pause policy if training is interrupted?
- Can I speak to two students currently mid-course?
Flying school questions
Do you have a tie-up with any flying school?
No. We are not affiliated with any flying club or FTO, and we do not take commissions. Our role is to help you compare options and ask the right questions.
India or abroad?
Both work for different students. The honest comparison is about total cost, weather days, aircraft availability, licence conversion and how long you can be away from home.
What is the biggest hidden cost?
Time. Delays caused by weather, aircraft maintenance or instructor availability stretch living costs far more than the advertised hourly rate suggests.
How do I verify a school?
Check DGCA approval status yourself, speak to current students, and read the fee agreement line by line before paying anything.
Not sure where you are in the journey?
Book a free consultation call, or write to us and we will map your next step, medical, Computer Number, ground classes or flying school.