DGCA India

International flight students coming from India will be immersed in a rich and diverse culture, encountering vibrant traditions and welcoming communities.

At our flight school, you will receive a comprehensive aviation education designed to train you as a professional Airline Transport Pilot, following the standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

No matter your background or origin, the only prerequisite is a strong desire to become a skilled and professional airline pilot.

We're excited to share with you what First Landings has to offer. We welcome aspiring pilots from around the globe to our training programs.

In this video, you'll get a glimpse of our facilities, aircraft fleet, student accommodations, and the vibrant student life at First Landings. We hope it answers some of your questions and gives you a feel for what makes First Landings unique. After watching the video, explore our website for more comprehensive information.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a professional pilot!

Why First Landings

As a prospective student, what do we at First Landings Aviation, offer you that sets us apart?

  1. Florida is one of the best locations for training in the US
    Many aspiring pilots want to learn to fly and obtain a commercial pilots license in the United States due to the low costs and world recognition of the US FAA license. The state of Florida is one of the best places in the US to learn to fly, as it is at sea level, has very mild winter weather, and students can train nearly every day all year.

  2. Longevity in Business
    We have been providing professional flight training since 2009.

  3. Location
    We are located near Orlando in Central Florida at Apopka (X04), an uncontrolled airfield. Other flight schools are located in large Class C or D airports, which may require 20 minutes-plus to taxi to an active runway before taking off – and then an additional 5 to 10 minutes of flight to travel to the ‘practice area’. Our typical taxi time is less than 3 minutes, and our practice area is 1 minute from the airport.

    Why is important? In a 2 hour lesson, we spend nearly all the time flying, rather than 20% to 25% on the ground – this saves both time and money during the length of your training.

  4. Modern Fleet of Aircraft
    First Landings has new Piper PA-28-181 Pilots 100i’s, Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), with Garmin G3X digital touch-screens and integrated digital avionics and autopilot, and the Tecnam P2006t multi-engine with duel digital G950’s and autopilots.

  5. Standardized Training with our Certified Flight Instructors
    All instructors are required to undergo internal training to meet our company standards, which when coupled with our structured training and stage checks, results in the same standards and level of training from all our instructors.

  6. Personalized Training Experience
    Our approach is to tailor training schedules for each student. Everybody learns in a different way, and rather than a regimented linear training schedule that requires the student to meet all of the standards or risk failing, we strive to understand what the underlying issues are, and work with students to develop strategies to help them overcome their various training obstacles.

James Williams – Chief Pilot First Landings Aviation

  • Program Director, Aviation Sciences – Stephen F. Austin University
    • Curriculum developer for B.S. Aviation Sciences
    • Curriculum Developer for Aviation Sciences Minor
    • Curriculum Developer for online degree in Aviation Sciences
    • Curriculum Developer for online degree in Aviation Sciences

  • Boeing International Instructor Pilot/Training Program Manager
    • 767 Instructor for JAL/ANA
    • 777 Instructor for United, Southern, TAM, Singapore
    • 787 Instructor for United, American, Avianca, Singapore

  • Captain, United Airlines (Ret.)
    • Instructor Pilot – United Flight Training Center
    • B767, 747, 747-400 International Pilot
  • Chief Human Factors and Systems Safety at Northrop-Grumman
    • B-2 Project, SCAN Eagle Instructor

  • Major, USAF/Reserve (Ret.)
    • Instructor Pilot: T-38, A-10, KC-10

  • Wing Chief of Standardization and Evaluation
  • Combat Veteran – Including but not limited to:
    • Desert Shield
    • Desert Storm
    • Balkans War
    • Somalia

  • ATP – 737, 747, 747-400, 757, 767, 777, 787, DC-10, CFI, CFII, MEI, Commercial SE Land/Sea

Designated Pilot Examiners

DPE Dave Hensch

DPE Rob Galloway

DPE Idalo Masi

DPE Jay Smith

Your Roadmap

Aviation pathways can be very overwhelming, don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way

Stage 1: Before coming to First Landings Aviation

Stage 2: Training at First Landings Aviation

Stage 3: Complete assistance is provided to help you get your DGCA CPL

DGCA Ground School

EGCA Registration, Medical (Class 1 & 2), Computer Number

Radio Telephony Restricted License

FAA Class 1 Medical

Private Pilot

Instrument Certificate

Commercial Single Engine

Multi Add On, or Endorsement (Optional)

All Documentation

License Conversion

Indian Logbook

DGCA E-Logbook

The Pilot Program

Private Pilot

8 Weeks

35hrs

Instrument Rating

6 Weeks

35hrs

Commercial SEL

12 Weeks

120hrs

Commercial MEL
or Endorsement

2 Weeks

15-25hrs

(Optional)

Total

205hrs

Flight
Program

$57,332.00

Additional
Expenses

$10,950.00


(* all timelines are approximations and are subject to change as per the situation and students’ performance, weather, DGCA paperwork/delays, etc.)

What's Included In The Program?

Written Tests
Checkride Fees
FAA Medical
Renter's Insurance
Pilot Training Kits
David Clark H10-13.4 Headset
Ipad Mini
Foreflight Subscription
Books and Materials

Your Money

Many flight schools require that students pay all of their school fees before they start their flight training, holding the students ‘hostage’, and in some cases, not reimbursing student funds in the event that the students elect to go to another flight school. In some cases, flight schools in the US have gone bankrupt, leaving the students with not having access to their funds, ruining their flight school program.

At First Landings, we understand the significant financial commitment that students and their families make – and as a result, require that students have a structured initial and then monthly payment plan. The First Landings “pay as you go” program allows students (and in many cases, the parents or grandparents) to minimise their financial exposure, and to see the practical and tangible benefits where the funds are being spent. First Landings strongly believes in ‘Financial Transparency’ – and provides all students the ability to see their current balance at any time, as well as all their past transactions.

Finally, First Landings keeps all student funds in a separate “Escrow” account – ‘unused’ student funds are kept separately and are only “transferred” when students incur expenses. This separation of student funds is specifically designed to reassure students and their families that the students “unspent” money is still ‘their’ money.

Frequently asked questions

1. The Cost of training and the truth- (how far apart are they from what you're quoted)

First Landings Aviation (powered by: Orlando Flight Academy) does its' best to quote out a realistic price for our training program. Each student does learn at their own pace which can make it hard to price one training package for everyone.

2. Time taken to complete course and reviews

First Landings Aviation has numerous Google and Facebook reviews. First Landings has been in operation for over 15 years (since 2009). In just the last 6 months we've graduated over 40 PPL-Commercial students.

3. Number of aircraft and ratio of aircraft to students

First Landings Aviation operates 6 brand new Piper Pilot 100i, technologically advanced aircraft, with 4 more on order. This allows for a dispatch rate of over 98%. You won't miss flights due to aircraft in maintenance or booking issues. First Landings Aviation strives for a 1:4 ratio of students to aircraft in each respective course.

4. Ratio of Instructors to students

First Landings Aviation strives for a 1:4 ratio of students to instructors in each respective course.

5. Location of First Landings and its airspace

First Landings Aviation operates out of a non-controlled airfield and is located less than 5 mins from the practice area. This saves students both flight hours and dollars in taxi and travel time. This translates to about 35% more flight time as comparted to schools located at a major airport.

6. Aircraft maintenance

All maintenance at First Landings Aviation is in house, and the aircraft are New. We have 5 mechanics and are staffed to work 7 days per week.

7. Part 141 School or Part 61

First Landings Aviation (powered by Orlando Flight Academy) is a Part 141 flight school.

8. Challenges on the availability of DPE

First Landings Aviation is partnered with 5 DPEs, see our website for who they are. DPEs are scheduled for multiple checkrides each week, which means you won’t wait long for your checkride.

9. Rates for aircrafts and instructors’ – fuel surcharges

First Landings Aviation Piper 100i rent for $235/hr wet, and instruction starts at $79/hr instruction. Any fuel purchases are reimbursed to the student.

10. Visa issue process

Download our Visa Application Guide. Our Representative, Neha, will help you with your visa application process.

11. Airline training program

First Landings Aviation offers an Airline training program which includes 15 hours in a Tecnam P2006t and 10 hours in an Airbus A320 or Boeing 373 simulator. This is taught by our Chief Pilot with over 30,000 hours of flight experience.

12. What do I do after I get back to India and work through DGCA

First Landings Aviation Representative, Neha, will provide personal assistance in converting your FAA certificates to DGCA Pilots certificates.

13. Is transportation provided

Yes, transportation between housing and the school is provided. Also, transportation is available to buy groceries on a regular basis. Pickup on arrival into the USA from Orlando International Airport and drop-off after course completion is also provided.

14. I have already cleared the DGCA Exams. Can I still enroll

Yes, If DGCA exams are already cleared or partly cleared, you can still enroll and will be eligible for the scholarship regardless.

15. Your fee structure seems costly; I’m getting better offers from other schools

We provide a transparent fee structure so that our students do not face any ‘surprise’ fees after they get to USA. First Landings Aviation also unique in that we provide a professional representative throughout your journey; before, during, and after your training to help you through the many hurdles of becoming DGCA certified.

16. Can I come to the USA before clearing DGCA Papers or RTR?

You can. There are certain flight hours needed in the last 6 months preceding the date of submitting the license conversion application to DGCA. Hence, it’s highly recommended you clear the exams beforehand, so that after you obtain your FAA CPL, the process to get DGCA CPL is smooth.

17. I don’t need a multi-engine rating, but I need multi-engine experiences to meet the Airbus Type rating requirement of DGCA

Yes, First Landings Aviation can provide those endorsements.

18. Do we need to take the ELP (English Proficiency Test in India)

No, ELP level 4 will be automatically issued by DGCA with your DGCA CPL, when converting from FAA CPL.

19. How many hours will each student be on the schedule per week

Each course is a little different with flight and ground schedules; on average students are scheduled 25 hours per week which including ground & flight training.

Housing

At First Landings, we prioritize the comfort and well-being of our international students, ensuring they have access to quality housing that supports their academic journey and personal growth. Marden Ridge Apartments in Apopka, Florida, offers our students a premium living experience.

Comfortable and Modern Living
Marden Ridge provides three-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed with modern conveniences. Students can enjoy features such as in-unit washers and dryers, all-electric appliances, spacious walk-in closets, and double vanity sinks. The sleek wood tile flooring adds a touch of modern elegance, while the inclusion of solariums allows students to soak up the Florida sunshine right from their home.

Community Amenities for a Balanced Lifestyle
The community at Marden Ridge is equipped with a variety of amenities that cater to both relaxation and active living. Students can unwind by the resort-style pool and sundeck or engage in recreational activities in the game room and theater room. The Life Fitness studio provides a convenient space for maintaining an active lifestyle, essential for balancing the demands of academic life.

Academic and Professional Support
Understanding the importance of a conducive study environment, Marden Ridge offers facilities such as a conference room and business center, ideal for group studies, meetings, and quiet workspaces. These amenities help ensure that students have the necessary resources to excel academically.

Strategic Location
Located just outside Orlando, Marden Ridge offers students easy access to major highways, making commutes around Central Florida convenient. This strategic location not only facilitates academic pursuits but also allows students to explore and enjoy the cultural and recreational activities that the region has to offer.

Comprehensive Services
Marden Ridge goes above and beyond with additional amenities such as a Starbucks coffee bar, valet trash service, and extra storage options. These services are designed to enhance the day-to-day living experience, allowing students to focus more on their studies and personal growth.

Commitment to Accessibility and Safety
Marden Ridge is committed to providing a safe and accessible living environment, ensuring all students feel secure and accommodated. Their high standards of accessibility are aligned with our institution's commitment to inclusivity.

Estimated Cost
$800/month (7-months for the program)

Hear from our clients

“I’m glad I looked around for options before deciding on a place for flight training, otherwise I would’ve missed this place. I just received my PPL at First Landings and plan on furthering my pilot career here. Everyone has been fantastic and every instructor I flew with had helpful and constructive feedback for my growth. My main instructor Tim has been awesome and super patient with me throughout my training. Very comfortable and supportive place for learning to fly.

Part 2: Instrument Rating with Anthony

I just passed my Instrument checkride and I couldn't have done it without my wonderful instructor Anthony. He's very knowledgeable, a great teacher, and knows how to make learning an enjoyable time. It was a fun and challenging experience that has made me a better pilot. I am excited to start working on my Commercial License here and to keep furthering my pilot career.“

- Joshua Timmer

“This has been my flight school for a little over a year now and it’s been fantastic. The staff is extremely professional and the airplanes are in excellent like new condition. My instructor Tim Bohr is an excellent CFI and I’m extremely grateful to him for giving me the gift of flight. He puts his heart into the development of his students and it shows. Another thing is the location. The practice area is right behind the school and the runway is right in front of it. So you don’t burn time getting into you lesson. This saves a lot of money. I highly recommend First Landings for any stage of flight training!“

- Matthew Rammig

“I came across First Landings when I was looking for a Job as a flight instructor as an international student from India. There were a lot of challenges for me because I wasn't aware of how things work in the USA, especially in the job world in aviation. I interviewed with First Landings & got hired. It was one of the most amazing days of my life. Everybody at First Landing was welcoming & very helpful. As a foreigner, I felt so relaxed there & learned from the best, Captain James Willaim who is the chief flight instructor. He is one of the most humble pilots I have ever met. I idolize him. Everybody else on the management team is awesome too. As soon as you enter the First landings, you will feel at ease. They have a very supportive environment & that matters because it makes you feel respected. The most important thing about them is that they don't compromise on quality training. Best Aircrafts with excellent maintenance. They are very dedicated to students. Adam & Pete make sure there is transparency in finances & if you are an international student you will be guided & helped properly with your visa issues as well. Caitlyn is super-helpful & she can make you smile in seconds. Highly recommend First Landings for your aviation career. Top-notch flight school in the entire USA.“

- Neha Chaudhary

First Landings Promise to You
Meet Our Representative in India

A huge problem the students face in India is, when they submit their application to DGCA for conversion, DGCA will request the flight school to provide documents for verification. Many flight schools will break ties with the student, and will not help in this regard. Essentially getting the student stuck in their application with DGCA.

First Landings Aviation has an in-country representative, Neha Chaudhary,

Neha was born & raised in the state of Uttarakhand, India. She is a mechanical engineer & a trained professional in human resource management, specializing in workplace & retention policies.

Neha was 10 years old when she fell in love with aviation and wanted to become a pilot and see the world. Currently, she is a US FAA Certified Flight & Ground Instructor. Has a passion for teaching which came from working at a non-profit organization. As she continues to grow & learn in her aviation career, she feels more inclined towards helping students achieve their dreams of becoming a professional pilot.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking pilot training programs. The allure of becoming a pilot and the opportunities that come with it have made this profession increasingly popular among students from all over the world. However, steering the intricacies of pilot training as an international student can be a daunting task. From obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications to navigating visa requirements and language barriers, there are many factors to consider when embarking on this path. Being an international student herself, she understands the importance of quality training as well as the smooth transition needed while becoming accustomed to a completely foreign culture.

Her goals are straightforward - she will be working with the students & instructors, personally tracking each student's performance, allowing her to provide mentorship throughout their courses, and ensuring timely resolutions of any issues that students may come across during their training.

“I trained at First Landings in Florida as a Flight Instructor, and found a home away from home while pursuing her aviation career. I hope to make your pilot training experience as good as mine was, which was remarkable.” - Neha Chaudhary

Call

+1 (407) 886-7612

Email

DGCA@firstlandings.com

Get in touch to learn more

Contact us

If you have any questions about our school and programs or would like to schedule a tour please give us a call or send us a message. We look forward to helping you realize your dreams of flight.

Contact one of our instructors today

Want to start exploring your flight training or career track in aviation? Reach out to us and one of our Training Advisors will address any inquiries you may have. We're are here to provide you with comprehensive insights and guide you through the exciting possibilities that aviation training and careers have to offer. Your aspirations are important to us, and we're committed to assisting you every step of the way.

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