Nagpur Flying Club: Vidarbha’s Aviation Icon and Its Untold Journey Through Time

thenewsdirt
Jul 14
7 min read

The history of Indian aviation would be incomplete without acknowledging the pioneering role of the Nagpur Flying Club, established in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra during the twilight years of British rule.

Founded on 10 March 1947, just months before India's independence, this aviation institution has weathered numerous storms to emerge as one of the country's most significant flight training establishments. The club's journey from a private aviation enthusiast's gift to his wife to becoming Maharashtra's premier pilot training facility reflects both the aspirations and challenges of India's aviation sector.

Today, as the only flying club from Vidarbha, it continues to serve aspiring pilots across central India whilst maintaining its distinction as the nation's most affordable flight training institution.

The Genesis: From Love Story to Aviation Pioneer

The Nagpur Flying Club's origin story reads like a romantic aviation tale from the 1940s. The club emerged from the passion of Edul C Eduljee, an elite Nagpur resident with diverse interests spanning boxing, mountaineering, and flying.

In 1945, Eduljee purchased a German-made Luscombe Silvaere-8F aircraft for Rs 25,000 from the British government, which was selling surplus World War II aircraft following the war's conclusion.

This two-seater plane, with a maximum speed of 145 kilometres per hour, became the foundation of what would evolve into the region's premier aviation training facility.

Eduljee, an automobile distributor by profession, initially acquired the aircraft as a gift for his wife, Peroja. The couple created memorable journeys across northern India, including flights to destinations like Shimla, navigating without the sophisticated navigation facilities available today.

Their adventures with this World War II aircraft became legendary in Nagpur's aviation circles, with Peroja Eduljee later recalling these as some of their sweetest memories together.

The transition from personal aviation to institutional training occurred in 1947 when the Nagpur Flying Club was formally established.

During the British era, the club operated as a limited company under a managing committee, marking the beginning of systematic aviation training in the Vidarbha region. The timing was fortuitous, coinciding with India's independence and the nascent nation's need for indigenous aviation expertise.

Government Stewardship and Early Challenges

The club operated successfully under private management for over four decades, gradually building its reputation as a premier training institution.

However, 1990 marked a significant turning point when the Maharashtra Government assumed control of the facility. This transition reflected the state's recognition of the club's strategic importance for regional aviation development, particularly given Vidarbha's geographic significance in central India.

Under government stewardship, the club continued operations until October 1994, when it faced its first major crisis.

Multiple factors contributed to this closure, including the escalating cost of Aviation Turbo Fuel (ATF), spare parts for trainer aircraft, and the non-availability of qualified engineers and ground technicians. The staff shortage proved particularly challenging, as maintaining certification standards required specialised personnel that the government struggled to recruit and retain.

The closure devastated the regional aviation community. By 1994, the club had already produced more than 250 commercial pilots, many of whom had gone on to serve with airlines across India and internationally. The sudden halt in operations left numerous aspiring pilots stranded, highlighting the region's dependence on this singular institution for aviation training.

The club's closure prompted determined legal action from aviation enthusiasts who recognised its irreplaceable value to Vidarbha's aviation sector. Flight Lieutenant Shridhar Ghatate, himself a club alumnus, spearheaded the revival campaign by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court through counsel Shriniwas Deshpande.

This legal battle, initiated in 2003, would span several years and demonstrate the persistence required to revive government-owned aviation infrastructure.

The court proceedings revealed the government's systemic neglect of the facility. Despite the High Court's directives and constant monitoring, bureaucratic inertia continued to hamper revival efforts. Deshpande, who pursued the case without charging any fees, later received recognition from the High Court, which asked the government to grant Rs 1 lakh towards litigation costs for his single-handed pursuit of the case.

The legal pressure eventually succeeded, and the club reopened in 2008 after remaining defunct for 14 years.

This revival represented more than just the restoration of a training facility; it symbolised the triumph of civil society advocacy over governmental apathy. The reopening was celebrated as a victory for aviation education in central India, providing renewed hope for aspiring pilots from rural areas who lacked access to expensive training facilities elsewhere.

The club's second phase of operations began with renewed vigour and improved infrastructure. By 2012, the facility was fully operational with four Cessna aircraft - one four-seater and three two-seater single-engine training aircraft.

The club offered comprehensive training programmes, including theoretical instruction and practical flying experience, charging approximately Rs 14.50 lakh for commercial pilot licence training, which remained amongst the country's most affordable rates.

However, success proved fragile under continued government oversight. In 2017, the club faced another closure due to persistent funding issues and the government's failure to release maintenance funds and make essential staff appointments.

This second closure particularly frustrated the aviation community, given the club's proven track record and the evident demand for its services.

The third revival came through renewed legal intervention and public pressure. The same legal team that had secured the 2008 reopening again approached the courts, this time represented by Sumedha Ghatate, following her husband's death. The sustained advocacy eventually bore fruit, and the club reopened on Valentine's Day, 14 February 2022, in a ceremony presided over by State Minister for Environment and Forest Aaditya Thackeray.

Notable Achievements and Alumni Success

Throughout its tumultuous history, the Nagpur Flying Club has maintained an impressive record of producing qualified aviators.

The institution has trained approximately 500 pilots across various categories since its inception.

These graduates have found employment with major airlines, including Air India, and have served in the Indian Air Force, contributing significantly to the nation's aviation sector.

One of the club's most prominent alumni is Dr Nitin Raut, who served as Maharashtra's Energy Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur. Raut's association with the club demonstrates the institution's role in nurturing not just aviation professionals but also leaders who understand the sector's importance for regional development. His continued advocacy for the club during his ministerial tenure helped secure government support during critical periods.

The club's contribution extends beyond individual success stories to broader industry impact. Many graduates have established successful careers with international airlines, carrying the institution's reputation globally.

The affordable training costs have particularly benefited students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, democratising access to aviation careers in central India.

Contemporary Operations, Expansion and Challenges

The club's current operations reflect both its historical legacy and modern adaptations to changing aviation needs. Based primarily at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, the facility operates a fleet of four Cessna aircraft - three Cessna 152 two-seaters and one Cessna 172R four-seater.

The Cessna 172R, which had been out of service since 2017 due to technical issues, rejoined the fleet in June 2023, marking a significant operational milestone.

The club offers comprehensive training programmes, including Student Pilot Licence (SPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and Instrument Rating courses. The current training fees of Rs 25 lakh for complete pilot training maintain the institution's position as India's most affordable flying school.

This cost-effectiveness remains crucial for students from Vidarbha and central India, where aviation training alternatives are limited.

A significant development occurred in January 2025 when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted provisional approval for the club to operate from Morwa Airport in Chandrapur.

This expansion addresses long-standing congestion issues at Nagpur Airport, which had severely limited training slots for club aircraft. The Morwa facility, operational from 27 January to 26 July 2025, provides much-needed additional capacity for flight training.

The expansion to Chandrapur represents more than operational convenience; it signifies the club's growing regional influence. Chandrapur becomes the second district in Vidarbha to host flying operations, potentially serving students from rural areas who previously faced geographical barriers to aviation training.

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) granted the necessary permissions, leasing the facility for a nominal Rs 1 per annum.

Despite its achievements, the Nagpur Flying Club continues to face significant operational challenges. Financial constraints remain a persistent issue, with the government reportedly lacking adequate funds for new aircraft purchases and infrastructure development. The club's antiquated fleet requires modernisation to meet evolving training standards and student expectations.

Recent controversies have highlighted ongoing management issues. The Mahajyoti programme, designed to provide pilot training to underprivileged students, has faced criticism for incomplete training delivery.

Twenty students sponsored under this scheme have experienced delays in completing mandatory flying hours, leading to protests and demands for transfer to alternative training facilities. These incidents underscore the ongoing tension between the club's social mission and operational realities.

The club's administration has suggested potential management restructuring, with proposals to transfer operations to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) or private aviation entities. Such changes could bring necessary technical expertise while maintaining the institution's public service mandate. However, any transition must carefully preserve the club's accessibility and affordability that have defined its character for eight decades.

Looking forward, the club's expansion to multiple operational bases presents opportunities for enhanced training capacity and improved student experience.

The Morwa facility's success could establish a template for further regional expansion, potentially serving areas beyond Vidarbha that currently lack aviation training infrastructure. Modern facilities, combined with the club's established reputation and affordable pricing, position it well to meet growing demand for pilot training in central India.

The institution's journey from Eduljee's personal aircraft to a regional aviation hub reflects broader themes in Indian aviation development. Its survival through multiple closures demonstrates the enduring value of accessible aviation education, while ongoing challenges highlight the complexities of maintaining public sector training infrastructure.

As the club approaches its eighth decade of operation, its legacy as a pioneer in democratising aviation education continues to influence aspiring pilots across central India, ensuring that the dreams of flight remain within reach for future generations.