Together, we soar
Flying an Airplane is a pursuit of passion. It is the exploration of boundaries that define our limitations as human beings. In our culture it is said that these boundaries were breached by the "Pushpaka Vimana" many millennia ago. In modern times it is said to be the "Flyer" that first got airborne with a lone pilot lying flat on his stomach on the wing and handling the flight controls and throttle, bearing little resemblance to the machines we fly today.
History
Our History
It all started when
Founded by the honorable Captain Bijayananda (Biju) Patnaik on 14th September 1946, the Orissa Flying Club at Bhubaneshwar, was one of the early and premier flying institutions of India. It was his dream, that the young men and women of Orissa be at the forefront, to train and become professional pilots of independent India. Since 1946, Orissa Flying Club has been a breeding ground for professional and recreational pilots. Initially a pursuit of the privileged, the club was more of a social and hobby center with the alumni engaged in flying in different parts of the world. Orissa Flying Club had a name and a presence nationally.
GATI in recent years
From the ground up
That dream of creating qualified pilots for the nation is well and alive today, with the transition of Orissa Flying Club to GATI. In 1974, after rebirth of the Orissa Flying Club as Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI) under the department of transport, pilot training became an important part of the government's plan for aviation. Fast forwarding to 2020, with a new management team, GATI has moved to Birasal airport and is on the way to becoming a shining example of a PPP (Public, Private, Partnership) initiative of the Government of Orissa that is providing guidance and training to the youth of India.
GATI in recent years
come alive with us
GATI is now based out of Birasal, an independent airfield with open airspace, located 45nm north-north west from Bhubaneshwar airport. The DGCA approved Flying Training Organization(FTO) is well equipped with modern glass cockpit Pipistrel SW121 aircraft, Cessna 172s and a glass cockpit Piper Seneca V multi engine aircraft. The airfield is fully equipped for night flying facilities and has student accommodations within a walking distance from the airfield. A hangar for maintaining and housing aircraft is under construction at the airfield and with the added proximity of the ILS and VOR at Bhubaneshwar, Birasal is ideal for both VFR, IFR and night flying training. GATI is metamorphizing into an aviation training center of excellence and an airline pilot training school unlike any before it in India.
The Dream
Our Pillars
Knowledge, Skills, And Attitude
Student Pilot Testimonials
Gratitude
As a student in GATI, I gained both skills and confidence to fly in various conditions. The courses in flying and theoretical knowledge have helped me achieve a lot! A place where flying solo is given the most priority keeping all safety measures. The instructors were patient, understanding, and highly skilled. The camaraderie created by this environment led to relationships and memories that will last forever. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Anish Patnaik, Student Pilot
At GATI, instructors focus on helping you to build a strong foundation of knowledge for a lifetime of fun, safe, flying.GATI is excellent at balancing learning with fun and takes a vested interest in their students’ development. On top of that, GATI has a great vibe, spending time there is something I always look forward to.
Rishabh Dubey, First Officer Programme
Every day that I come to the airfield, I know I am going to have a different experience and new things to learn. Our instructors at GATI always believe in encouraging us to do better and every time we are in the cockpit, we are being tested for different situations and for things out of our comfort zone. They also make sure that we always follow proper procedures for everything needed for our safety. Every time when I am flying solo and getting closer to my goal, I feel grateful to GATI for giving wings to my dream.
Pankhuri Saxena, First Officer Programme
Contact Us
Reach Out to Us
Your dream is just a conversation away from being a reality. Get in touch with us to know more about the institute and what awaits you. Visit the Contact Us page for our details, locations and inquiry form.
Book a Discovery Tour or Flight
Take me Higher
Pack your bags and come visit us at Birasal (Odisha) for a discovery tour and flight and get a taste of how exciting your journey with us could be. You can also visit our Ground and Simulator School in Delhi to get a feel of how we do things.