By Sunish M S, with 23 years in the Aviation and Ground Handling Industry
Recently, someone close to my family asked me a question that hits home for many young people and their parents: How do I choose the right aviation course and institution? In today’s digital world, where artificial ratings and social media hype can easily sway opinions, making an informed choice is harder than ever.
Choosing the right institution is crucial because, like dangerous goods hidden among everyday items, some institutions may appear promising on the surface but can turn out to be the opposite when tested. Just as air transport can reveal the hidden risks of dangerous goods due to environmental changes, the true nature of an institution often becomes clear only once you’ve invested your time and money.
So how do you make sure you’re choosing wisely? Let’s break it down.
It’s no secret that many institutions have popped up recently, some staying afloat through flashy marketing and superficial tactics like paid ratings, social media likes, and trendy promotions. They know how to appeal to today’s youth, focusing on extracurricular activities like partying, riding, and socializing, rather than the quality of education. I’ve even come across institutions offering international trips for just a four-hour training session to lure students.
While entertainment and extracurriculars are important, they should never come at the cost of your education. Your top priority must be what you learn and who you learn from.
Rather than blindly following an institution’s social media page or being swayed by flashy promotions, take a step back and ask these critical questions before choosing an aviation course or institution:
Does the person or people running the institution have real-world experience in aviation? A promoter with an aviation background understands the demands, skills, and training needed to succeed in this field.
What’s the strength of their academic team?
Look at the faculty. Are they seasoned professionals from the aviation industry? Or are they people who have no direct experience, just recycling textbook knowledge? Having trainers with real industry experience makes a world of difference.
Does the course content align with your career goals? Many institutions offer IATA programs or Sted Council certifications, but what matters is the quality of delivery. Are they using modern tools and practical approaches? Don’t be swayed by just the name of the program—dig into what they actually teach.
A great aviation institution should provide real-world exposure, whether through internships or virtual simulations. Hands-on experience is critical in this field.
What are the placement rates for their graduates? Do they have solid industry connections to help you land a job? Check the track record of the institution in placing students in meaningful aviation roles.
A reputable institution should have strong ties with the aviation sector, whether through partnerships, professional associations, or affiliations with major airlines, ground handling companies, or airports.
One thing that shocked me while conducting campus drives was discovering aviation institutions run by film directors, advocates, and contractors—people with zero connection to aviation. For them, these schools aren’t a passion; they’re just another business venture. And that’s a red flag. When institutions see aviation education purely as a way to make money, they cut corners, hire freelance trainers instead of full-time, experienced instructors, and compromise on the quality of education.
Delivery of content matters. You don’t want to end up in an institution where someone who barely understands the aviation industry is teaching you critical skillsIt’s like having a bus driver teach you how to fly an airplane—completely different skill sets, and not the kind of expertise you need for something as complex and high-stakes as aviation. This kind of shallow teaching won’t prepare you for a career in aviation, where precision and expertise are everything.
Choosing an aviation course or institution is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your future. Don’t be swayed by social media likes or flashy promises of international trips. Instead, look deeper into the institution’s credibility, its faculty, and its connections to the industry.
Aviation is a serious, high-stakes field, and the training you receive needs to reflect that. Your future in aviation deserves careful thought and consideration, not a decision based on what looks cool on Instagram.
Josimus Raja has spent nearly 23 years in the aviation industry, working with airlines and ground handling services. He is passionate about guiding young people in making informed decisions about their aviation careers.
