Dumka: In a landmark move for aviation education in the state, Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the Jharkhand Flying Institute (JFI) at the Sido-Kanhu airport in Dumka district on Monday. The initiative is aimed at providing commercial pilot training and generating substantial employment opportunities for local youths.
A Vision Brought to Life
The Jharkhand Flying Institute traces its roots back to November 10, 2008, when former Chief Minister Shibu Soren had launched the Sona-Sobran National Flying Academy (also known as Sona Sobran Rashtriya Udan Academy) at the same location. Named after Shibu Soren’s parents, Sona and Sobran, the academy was intended to promote aviation training in Dumka, with a particular focus on providing free education to tribal students and creating income-generating opportunities in the aviation sector.
While Shibu Soren was unable to fully institutionalize the academy during his tenure, his son, Hemant Soren, has now realized the long-held vision by officially establishing Jharkhand Flying Institute in 2023 under the Society Act (1860). The society operates under the Department of Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance, Civil Aviation Division, Government of Jharkhand.
Training and Opportunities for Youths
JFI aims to provide high-quality aviation education modeled along the lines of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy (IGRUA) in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, which functions under India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. The institute currently offers:
- Motor glider training leading to Glider Pilot Licenses (GPL).
- Aeromodelling training facilities in Ranchi.
- Charter services for fixed-wing aircraft and air ambulance services for Jharkhand residents.
The institute is expected to train hundreds of young aspirants every year and provide over 500 direct employment opportunities in the aviation sector. It will serve as a major stepping stone for students from Jharkhand, especially tribal youths, who previously had to rely on private aviation academies like Jain Aviation International in Ranchi or institutions abroad to pursue pilot training.
A Strategic Move for State Development
The establishment of JFI aligns with Jharkhand’s broader efforts to enhance skill development and create employment opportunities in emerging sectors. With aviation training now available locally, students from remote districts such as Dumka will have easier access to professional training and career opportunities, reducing dependence on private institutions outside the state.
CM Hemant Soren’s Remarks
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Hemant Soren emphasized, “Today, we fulfill the dream of my father, late Shibu Soren, to provide world-class aviation education to the youths of Jharkhand. This institute will not only train skilled pilots but also create meaningful employment and open new avenues for our young generation.”
The JFI initiative is expected to gradually expand its offerings to include advanced pilot training programs, collaboration with national and international aviation schools, and additional aviation-related services that will further strengthen Jharkhand’s presence in India’s aviation sector.
About JFI
Registered under the Society Act (1860), Jharkhand Flying Institute is primarily engaged in the promotion and training in aviation. Beyond pilot training, the institute facilitates aeromodelling, charter services, and air ambulance operations. By providing professional aviation education within the state, JFI is positioned to become a center of excellence, serving both aspiring pilots and the general public.
