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The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Ltd: Elevating Indian Aviation Since 1951

1. Origins and Establishment

Founded on 9 October 1951, The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Ltd stands among India’s earliest aviation training institutions. Incorporated as a not-for-profit, educational entity in Indore, the Club has maintained active operations for over seven decades. ([turn0search4])

2. Dual Campus Setup: Indore & Bhopal

• Indore (Headquarters): Based at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, MPFC’s Indore campus remains its primary hub. The airfield supports a CAT-I ILS system on runway 25, night operations, and navigation aids like DVOR/DME and NDB. There’s apron space specifically allocated for up to four Cessna 172 aircraft. ([turn0search12])

• Bhopal (Satellite Base): Situated at Raja Bhoj Airport, the satellite facility benefits from upgraded infrastructure—its runway now spans 2,744 meters, supports Code E aircraft operations, and houses a CAT-II ILS for improved landing safety during low-visibility. ([turn0search17])

3. Aircraft Fleet & Training Infrastructure

The Club boasts a diverse aircraft fleet tailored for different levels of training:

• Single-engine trainers: Cessna 152s (two-seater) and Cessna 172s (four-seater)

• Twin-engine trainers: Beechcraft Baron G58 and VulcanAir P68C (both six-seater platforms)
  Overall, the fleet comprises approximately nine aircraft, facilitating a wide range of training requirements. ([turn0search5], [turn0search10], [turn0search6])

Facilities extend beyond aviation hardware: there are modern classrooms, libraries, aviation maintenance workshops, Wi‑Fi equipped training spaces, cafeterias, indoor/outdoor sports areas, and hostels that can accommodate trainees. ([turn0search7], [turn0search9])

4. Course Offerings & Flight Training Pathways

MPFC delivers comprehensive aviation training, including:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): Aimed at flying enthusiasts, typically completed in six months.

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Professional pilot training, usually lasting 1.5 years (with some options extending to 2 years).

• Multi‑Engine Rating (MER): Focused on operating twin‑engine aircraft.

• Instrument Rating (IR): Training for instrument-based flying under IFR conditions.

• Flight Instructor Rating (FIR): For existing CPL holders aiming to teach future pilots.
  Additional services include English Proficiency training, charter flights, joyrides, flower-dropping, and AME apprenticeships. ([turn0search2], [turn0search10], [turn0search1])

5. Transparent Fee Structure

MPFC offers cost-competitive training fees, such as:

• PPL: Approx. ₹3.40 lakh

• CPL: Around ₹8.50 lakh for 1.5-year courses; extended 2-year options reach ₹11.25 lakh

• Multi-Engine Rating: ₹3.65 lakh for 10.45 hrs; ₹5.10 lakh for 15 hrs

• Ground Technical Classes: Around ₹35,000

• AELP (for internal trainees): Approximately ₹27,000
  These figures reflect good value, given the comprehensive setup and training quality offered. ([turn0search8])

6. Accreditation, Affiliations & Student Strength

• DGCA Approval: MPFC is officially sanctioned as a Flying Training Organization, ensuring regulated aviation standards.

• Affiliations: Includes recognition by the Aero Club of India and support from the Madhya Pradesh state government. ([turn0search6], [turn0search13], [turn0search10])

• Trainee Intake: Roughly 50 trainee pilots operate out of each base (Indore & Bhopal), totaling around 100 active students at a time. ([turn0search10], [turn0search6])

7. Historical Challenges & Operational Episodes

Despite its legacy, MPFC has navigated notable hiccups:

• Safety Concerns: A tragic accident involving a Cessna 152 at Indore resulted in a pilot's death. Prior to that, another incident involved a hard landing due to engine failure, though both pilots escaped with minor injuries. ([turn0search0])

• Operational Halts: Training services experienced temporary suspension in 2012 due to financial disputes (e.g., unpaid hangar rents) and administrative issues such as absence of a Chief Flying Instructor.

• Financial Support Changes: State funding of ₹10 lakh paused in 2001, reinstated at ₨2 lakh by 2010.

• Tax Status Dispute: The club's claims of charitable status were denied, with taxation authorities categorizing it as a commercial entity. ([turn0search0])

8. Strategic Advantages & Industry Positioning

MPFC’s strengths include:

• Rich Legacy: Operating continuously since 1951, one of India’s oldest flying academies.

• Well‑Rounded Course Portfolio: From recreational flying to instructor-level licenses.

• Modern Infrastructure: Dual campuses, simulators, maintenance workshops, and supportive amenities.

• Cost Efficiency: Transparent, competitive fee structure.

• Regulated & Credible: DGCA-approved and institutionally affiliated. ([turn0search10], [turn0search6])

• Central Location: Located in central India with favorable flying weather (high annual flightable days) and minimal airspace constraints—especially beneficial for uninterrupted flight training. ([turn0search5])

9. Prospects & Vision

With India’s aviation sector expanding rapidly, MPFC is well positioned to:

• Modernize: Invest in simulators and newer aircraft to enhance training capabilities.

• Strengthen Safety Protocols: Continue focusing on safety-first operations across both campuses.

• Boost Partnerships: Engage with airlines, defense, and aerospace bodies for placements and collaboration.

• Scale Operations: Explore new satellite locations across the region and improve digital outreach to reach aspiring pilots nationwide.