How to Join Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

Academy

The Air Force Academy was established in 1969 and started in 1971. It is located at Dundigal, about 25 km away from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The academy was set up to train cadets from all streams at one location.

It imparts training to the Flying, Technical and Ground Duty Branches as well as officers of the Army, Navy and Indian Coast Guard. 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.

Training at AFA

1. 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 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 desensitisation programme to prevent or overcome air sickness 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 to the Pre-Flying Training School at Begum pet for six months before commencing Stage I training. After completion of Stage I training of 24 weeks at Air force Academy, pilot trainees are divided 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 or units assigned to them.

2. 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 Organization (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).

3. Ground Duty Officers Training

Air Force Academy conducts specialist training for all Ground Duty 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.

4. 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, and other topics covering generic matter.

5. Training for Aeronautical Engineering Branches

Technical Branch trainees are imparted their initial phase of training of 22 weeks at the Academy. This includes general service training and military training.

How to Join AFA, Hyderabad

1. Through NDA

Young boys who have passed class 12^th are eligible to join AFA through NDA. First, they spend the three years at NDA Khadakwasla, and then shifted to AFA for Stage-I flying training. Through NDA, you can join only the flying branch of AFA if you have opted for IAF.

2. Through NCC SE (Men only)

As an Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps, you can apply to the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. Men can join the Air Force Academy to get training in flying branch through this mode of entry and will be given a Permanent Commission.

3. Through CDS Exam

Male graduates can apply for the flying branch through CDS Exam held twice a year.

4. AFCAT

Through AFCAT, girls and boys can join the flying (SSC), Technical and Ground Duties Course. This exam is held twice a year.

5. Meteorology Branch

As a Meteorology Branch Officer, you would be involved handling the latest satellite imagery and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. You would render specific advice to the operators on all aspects of weather. You can join this by Post Graduation.