Significance of AFTPS
Established under ASTE, AFTPS is India’s sole institution for training experimental and production flight test crews across fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aerial platforms. Over the years, it has cultivated highly skilled personnel who have contributed significantly to national defence aeronautical projects and India’s space missions, including the prestigious Gaganyaan program. The institution has also trained officers from friendly foreign nations.
To date, AFTPS has successfully graduated 47 Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses, and 4 RPA Test Courses. Its work and standards are recognized internationally by SETP, SFTE, and the Aeronautical Society of India (ASI).
Contributing to Indigenous Aerospace Development
The training of test pilots and UAS operators at AFTPS plays a pivotal role in India’s push for self-reliance in aerospace technology. Graduates will engage in rigorous flight testing and evaluation of new aircraft systems, supporting the development of indigenous platforms and enhancing operational readiness.
This graduation underlines India’s commitment to cultivating highly competent test personnel capable of sustaining and advancing national aerospace projects, and reinforces ASTE’s position as a cornerstone of defence aviation and technological innovation.
