Overview Training
After you have cleared the selection procedure, you are sent to one of the Air Force training establishments. Here you undergo scientifically planned rigorous physical and academic training that is aimed to gear you for life in the Indian Air Force.
All Air Force training establishments are equipped with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and best of the facilities including institutes, swimming pools, squash courts etc. Once you join these training establishments, the IAF takes care of all your requirements like messing, lodging etc. and also gives you a monthly stipend during the last one year of training.
To know how these establishments instil Air Force traditions and make men and women out of boys and girls, click on the links under ’Training’ of the various training institutions.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Since its inception in 1971, Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal has built a formidable reputation as the premier training institution of the Indian Air Force. It is situated 43 km from Hyderabad.
Candidates, short-listed for Indian Air Force after the initial selection procedure, go through a rigorous three-year training regimen at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, followed by specialised training at one of the training establishment. Thereafter, they are Commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as pilots at any of the Air Force Stations.
The Air Force Academy imparts training to Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-technical) Branches as well as flying training to officers of the Army and Navy. It prepares you, both in mind and spirit, to take on the responsibilities of an Air Force Officer. Apart from developing the required skills, you are also trained to inculcate the service code of conduct and etiquette that are expected of an officer.The curriculum encompasses plethora of techniques like projects, case studies, On-job training, presentations, debates, book reviews, guest lectures, public speaking, drill, games, swimming, weapon training, Yoga, field craft training and cultural activities to enhance knowledge base as well as to ensure overall development of a trainee as gentleman officer.
The following are the types of training conducted at AFA:
FLYING TRAINING
If you have joined the Flying Branch, training is divided into STAGE I, II and III. Each stage gradually takes you from fundamental to more complex levels of aviation.
Before the commencement of flying training, you will first be provided technical training on the trainer aircraft. This involves imparting theoretical understanding and then a practical demonstration on all systems of the aircraft. You will also be required to undertake a program in aviation medicine. Apart from a complete medical examination, you undergo a de-sensitisation programme to prevent / overcome airsickness with the help of Yoga. The programme also includes practical demonstrations in a high altitude simulator.
Flying training is provided to pilot trainees from National Defence Academy, the National Cadet Corps or directly from universities. Trainees other than NDA cadets are first sent for Pre-Flying Training at AFA for six months before commencing STAGE –I training. After completion of STAGE –I training of 24 weeks at Air force Academy. Pilot trainees are trifurcated into Fighter, Transport and Helicopter streams. Then they undergo STAGE –II training of 24 weeks in their respective Flying Training Establishments. After STAGE –II training, the successful pilot trainees are commissioned as Officers and undergo STAGE –III training. On completion of STAGE –III training, they begin operational flying at the squadrons / Units assigned to them.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS TRAINING
Training for Air Traffic Control Courses is conducted at the Air Traffic Officers Training Establishment (ATCOTE). The training is designed and structured on the basis of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) procedures. However, the specific military aviation requirements have been incorporated into the training syllabus.
During the Basic Air Traffic Controllers (BATCO) Course, apart from a basic theoretical understanding of the various standards and procedures, you will undergo practical training on a state of the art Visual Tower Simulator (VITOSIM).
GROUND DUTY OFFICERS TRAINING
Air Force Academy conducts specialist training for all Ground Duty (Non-technical) branches of the Indian Air Force. If you have joined the Administrative, Logistics, Accounts, Education or Meteorology branch, you will be trained at Air Force Academy for a year. The training curriculum is aimed at exposing the trainees to branch specific professional subjects and rigorous military training in order to prepare them for a challenging career ahead
JOINT SERVICES TRAINING
Unity of objective, sense of mission through common efforts, inter branch camaraderie and understanding of functions of other branches are vital requirements of military training. This is achieved through initial phase of joint training wherein, cadets of all branches undergo common training on subjects like General Administration, management, logistics, engineering, leadership etc. covering generic matter.
TRAINING FOR AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING BRANCHES
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch trainees are imparted their initial phase of training of 22 weeks at the Academy. This includes general service training and military training.
Air Force Administrative College (AFAC)
Air Force Administrative College (AFAC), located at Coimbatore, is one of the oldest training establishments of the Indian Air Force. It has been set up exclusively for conducting training programs for in-service officers of the Air Force, Navy and Army as well as officers of friendly foreign countries.
Various courses conducted for in service officers are:
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-technical)
- Basic Air Staff Course : Officers (BASCO)
- Intermediate Air Staff Course : Officers (ISCO)
- Basic Professional Knowledge Course : Officers (BPKC)
- Advanced Professional Knowledge Course : Officers (APKC)
- Para Legal Course
Besides these, this College is a premier institute for conducting Meteorology branch related courses:
- Initial Forecasters’ Course (IFC)
- Advanced Met Courses for Met Tradesmen (SNCOs)
- 2nd Stage Training of GDOC (Met)
Air Force Technical College
The training includes work in electronic and propulsion labs, specialisation involving visits to R & D establishments, aviation, electronic industries and front line field units to facilitate assimilation. A balance is maintained between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience on simulated as well as actual equipment to augment the technical skills.
On successful completion of ab-initio and specialist system training, the Engineering officers shall be awarded M Tech (Aeronautical Engineering) with specialisation in sub-disciplines by Visveswaraya Technical University, Belgavi Karnataka.
Flying Training Establishments
The Indian Air Force has Flying Training Establishments (FTE) exclusively set up to train you to take off as a pilot. Each establishment is a mark of your progression, from basic to more complex levels of flying. On completion of training, you are awarded your Wings at a Combined Graduation Parade held at the Air Force Academy.
Following are the Flying Training Establishments:
- Air Force Academy (Dundigal) – STAGE 0 & I flying training (six months each) along with Joint service training
- Hakimpet (Secunderabad)
- Transport Training Wing, Yelahanka (Bangalore)
- Bidar (Karnataka),Kalaikunda (West Bengal)
Thus, after basic Flying training (STAGE I) at AFA, and trifurcation into Fighter, Transport and helicopter stream, a pilot would undergo further training as follows:
STAGE II – Advanced stage STAGE III - Specialisation
FIGHTER STREAM
- STAGE II - Hakimpet - 24 Weeks
- STAGE III - Bidar,Kalaikunda - 24 Weeks
TRANSPORT STREAM
- STAGE II & III - Yelahanka - 48 Weeks
HELICOPTER STREAM
- STAGE II - Hakimpet - 24 Weeks
- STAGE III - Yelahanka - 24 Weeks
National Defence Academy
National Defence Academy (NDA), at Khadakwasla, is one of the most prestigious inter-services training establishments in India. Brilliant military leaders, astronauts and several recipients of gallantry and distinguished service awards have graduated from this institution. Click here to read more about the training at the Academy.
Nurturing heroes for more than 50 years, the National Defence Academy is one of the foremost training institutes in India. While the efforts of the students and staff have contributed to its stature, it is also the philosophy of the Academy that has kept the spirit of the institute alive year after year.
The training curriculum spread over three years at the Academy is largely divided into the following activities:
- Physical Training
- Service Subjects
- Academics (you would get a graduate degree on completion of course)
To know details of NDA, please visit www.nda.nic.in
After successful completion of three year training at NDA , cadets would go to Air Force Academy for Flying/Ground duty training of one year duration. On successful completion of training, they get commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers.
