Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur Aerodrome is preparing to resume flight training after remaining largely inactive for nearly three years, marking a significant step towards reviving one of the state’s oldest aviation training institutions.
The school recently secured a renewed licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), valid until July 7, 2031, and expects training operations to recommence within the next few weeks.
Students recalled as training resumes
GFTS Director Basavarajendra H, a commercial pilot, said the institute has begun contacting students who were enrolled before operations came to a halt.
“Before the school closed, we had about 50 students. Around 13 have already reported back. Since they have not flown for nearly three years, they will have to undergo refresher training and medical examinations before flying resumes,” he said.
The school currently has a Cessna 172P, Cessna 172S and Tecnam P2006T in operational condition, while a Tecnam P2010 and Cessna 152 are expected to be ready for service soon. The flight simulator is also set to undergo repairs.
Runway expansion and indigenous aircraft planned
The Karnataka government is also considering extending the aerodrome’s 954-metre runway by 160 metres by acquiring around 10 acres of adjoining land.
If approved, the expanded runway could enable aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air to operate from Jakkur, offering an alternative to the HAL Airport for VIP and ministerial flights.
The school is also exploring a partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to introduce Hansa trainer aircraft developed in India.
Despite the planned upgrades, GFTS will continue to operate only under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), as the aerodrome does not yet have an Instrument Landing System (ILS). Officials said flight operations will remain restricted during foggy or low-visibility conditions until such infrastructure is introduced.
The revival is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s aviation training ecosystem and help address the growing demand for qualified commercial pilots.