Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman Joins Regional Airline FLY91 As Pilot
The fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was decorated with the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal. Reports Surabhi Gupta
Published : September 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM IST
|Updated : September 3, 2026 at 9:51 PM IST
New Delhi: Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined FLY91 as a pilot, company officials told ETV Bharat.
Varthaman joined the airline in August, the sources said. FLY91 has confirmed of Varthaman's joining to ETV Bharat. An official added, “There are many veteran pilots they have hired, Varthaman is one of them. We are happy to have him on board.”
His move marks a transition from military aviation to commercial flying, as India's regional airline sector expands and airlines increase their demand for experienced pilots.
How Air Force pilots move to commercial aviation
Former fighter pilots can move into commercial aviation after completing the regulatory requirements laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Military pilots do not need a DGCA commercial licence while serving in the armed forces. However, those moving to commercial airlines need to obtain the appropriate DGCA licence, such as a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
The DGCA has a military-to-civil conversion process that allows eligible military pilots to receive credit for their extensive flying experience. Broadly, the process involves obtaining the required DGCA Class 1 medical certificate, getting a DGCA computer number, clearing the prescribed theory examinations and having military flying records and logbooks verified.
Their military flying experience can help them meet the required flying-hour criteria. However, they still have to demonstrate that they can operate civil aircraft through the applicable DGCA-approved skill test or check ride. Once the licensing requirements are completed, a pilot joining an airline must also undergo aircraft-specific training and obtain the required type rating for the aircraft they will fly.
A pilot moving to an ATR 72, for example, would need training and qualification on that aircraft before operating commercial passenger flights. Aviation analyst and Avialaz Consultants CEO Sanjay Lazar said the transition from the Air Force to commercial aviation was not unusual.
“Air India has had Air Force pilots since 1971 or even earlier; even Indian Airlines has plenty,” Lazar told ETV Bharat. He said former military pilots already have extensive flying experience and generally need to complete the applicable civil aviation requirements and aircraft-specific training.
“It’s pretty simple for them to join, they have the hours of experience and just have to get type rated on their type of aircraft,” Lazar said. According to him, such pilots have to fulfil the criteria laid down under DGCA norms, including requirements relating to medical fitness, age and flying hours.
From fighter cockpit to regional airline
Varthaman became a household name in India after the February 2019 aerial engagement with Pakistan following the Balakot air strikes. During the aerial combat, he shot down an opposing aircraft, but his own fighter was also hit. He ejected and landed in Pakistani territory, where he was taken into custody. He was released three days later amid intense diplomatic pressure and returned to India.
