Madras Flying Club is one of India’s oldest aviation training institutions, currently operating from Gate No. 1 of Tiruchirappalli International Airport. Established in 1929, it provides pilot and aviation-related training and is recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Origins and History
Founded in Madras (now Chennai) by pilot G. Vlasto in 1929, the club began as a private association to promote civil aviation. Its inaugural flight took place in 1930 under British patronage. Early Indian aviators such as Avadaiappa and Annamalai Chettiar were among its first licensed pilots. After eight decades at Chennai International Airport, the club relocated to Tiruchirappalli in 2019 to expand its facilities.
Training and Programs
The club offers a broad range of aviation education programs, including Commercial Pilot License (CPL) courses, B.Sc. (Aviation), BBA (Aviation & Ground Handling), and diplomas in Air Hostess and Flight Operation Management. It collaborates with Bishop Heber College and Bharathidasan University to provide degree and diploma certifications. Modern infrastructure includes flight simulators, smart classrooms, and an aviation library.
Fleet and Facilities
Its training fleet consists of six aircraft—Cessna 152A, Hansa 3, and Cessna 172 R models—equipped for contemporary instruction, including glass-cockpit systems. The club also maintains an Iskra jet engine display acquired from the Indian Air Force for educational use. With more than 1, 500 pilots trained since inception, it remains a cornerstone of aviation education in South India.
Recognition and Mission
Registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act (1975), Madras Flying Club aims to foster technical expertise and enthusiasm for aviation through accessible professional education, contributing to India’s civil aviation workforce.