View from the wing of a training aircraft flying above a cloud deck at sunset

Nepal’s First Virtual Aviation Hub

Your Aviation Journey Starts Right Here.

Pilot training. Aviation careers. Aviation business consulting. Trusted guidance from Nepal to the world’s leading aviation schools, and to the operators building aviation in Nepal.

Susheel Rasaily on his first training flight with his instructor at Hillsboro Aero Academy
SAC Student

Susheel Rasaily — first flight with his instructor at Hillsboro Aero Academy, USA 🇺🇸

Why SAC

Why Students Choose SAC

Because you get the full picture before you commit — verified schools, real costs, and someone to ask at any hour.

  • Verified global partnersEvery school we place students with is contracted directly with SAC.
  • Transparent fee guidanceTuition, living costs and the extras nobody mentions — before you apply.
  • Matched to your goalA pathway chosen around your budget, timeline and the licence you want.
  • 24/7 Ask SACLicensing, visa and CAAN questions answered instantly, any hour.

Free · 8 modules · 55 minutes. Aviation terminology, principles of flight, weather and regulations — plus a full pre-departure checklist covering your CAAN and MoEST NOCs. Recommended by our partner schools for every student before they arrive.

TrustedPartners
Hillsboro Aero Academy
COMPASS
GD Goenka University
Hillsboro Aero Academy
COMPASS
GD Goenka University
Hillsboro Aero Academy
COMPASS
GD Goenka University
Hillsboro Aero Academy
COMPASS
GD Goenka University

Student Stories

Where Dreams Meet Industry

Real students, real journeys — from aspiring pilots and engineers who chose SAC.

From my Class 1 Medical to CAAN approvals and Ministry clearances, SAC handled every critical step with precision and care. I came to SAC with a dream of becoming a Commercial Pilot. Today, that dream has a license attached to it.
Aadarsha DhakalAadarsha DhakalPilotCommercial Pilot Licence completed
I started with nothing but a dream — today, I sit in a cockpit. SAC guided me through every document, every step of the visa process, and every moment of uncertainty with professionalism and genuine care.
Susheel RasailySusheel RasailyAspiring PilotHillsboro Aero Academy, USA
SAC made the entire process simple and stress-free. Their team provided honest guidance, helped me select a program that matched my goals and budget, and supported me through CAAN preparation and USA visa processing.
Sristi SinghSristi SinghAspiring PilotCAAN preparation · USA visa processed
Read 4 more student storiesShow fewer stories7 in total
A Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology — that’s the path I’ve chosen for my future, and I chose it with confidence because SAC showed me exactly what it meant. Their detailed, expert guidance cut through the confusion.
Suman PokhrelSuman PokhrelAspiring EngineerBSc Aircraft Maintenance Technology
SAC didn’t just guide me; they brought my entire family on board, breaking down every step until the path was clear. Their personalized support turned a complex decision into a confident one.
Amulya PrasaiAmulya PrasaiAspiring PilotBSc Aviation + CPL
I still can’t believe I’m about to begin my BSc in Aviation with a Commercial Pilot’s License built right into the program. SAC made what felt like an impossible dream feel completely within reach.
Puja K.C.Puja K.C.Aspiring PilotBSc Aviation + CPL
My journey to becoming a Commercial Pilot is officially underway — and I couldn’t have reached this point without SAC. What makes them truly stand out isn’t just their expertise; it’s the genuine concern they show for every single client.
Bishwash Agrahari BaniyaBishwash Agrahari BaniyaAspiring Pilot

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to what students ask us most. For anything beyond these, Ask SAC answers instantly, any hour.

Am I eligible for Commercial Pilot (CPL) training?

To qualify for CPL training, you need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Age: Minimum 17 to begin training — 18 years to hold a CPL
  • Education: +2 in Science with Physics and Mathematics
  • Medical: Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate from a CAAN-approved examiner — normal colour vision required
  • COMPASS Test: Must pass the COMPASS™ aptitude test as part of the CAAN NOC process
  • Passport: Valid Nepali passport and citizenship
  • English: Basic English proficiency — IELTS not required for most destinations

Requirements may change — for the latest updates, contact CAAN directly or reach out to us. Get instant answers via Ask SAC.

Read our full eligibility guide with flight hour requirements and CAAN examination details →

How do I choose the right flight school for CPL training?

Choosing the right flight school is one of the most critical decisions of your aviation career. Key factors to consider include CAAN recognition, international accreditation, fleet quality, instructor experience, and most importantly — opportunities to build flight hours after CPL completion. A school that helps you build hours through CFI programs after graduation gives you a significant career advantage over minimum-hours graduates.

Read our complete flight school selection guide with full checklist →

How much does a CPL program cost?

CPL training fees vary depending on the country, school, and program structure. Here is a quick overview:

Standalone Zero to CPL:

  • Philippines: Approx. USD 55,000
  • South Africa: Approx. USD 48,000 – 60,000
  • USA (Fixed Wing): Approx. USD 74,000
  • USA (Helicopter): Approx. USD 86,000

Bachelor’s Degree + Integrated CPL:

  • Philippines (4 years): Approx. USD 68,000
  • India (3 years): Approx. USD 84,700 (INR 80,00,000)
  • Australia (3 years): Approx. AUD 50,000 – 60,000/year

✈ Airline Cadetship Programs:

  • Self-funded: USD 70,000 – 160,000+
  • Fully sponsored (Cathay, Qatar, SIA): Competitive bond agreements — extremely selective

Not included in tuition fees:

  • Living expenses, visa and travel costs
  • COMPASS test and NOC government processing fees

NPR conversion varies — always check the latest rates at NRB. Fuel surcharges may apply. All figures are averages and subject to change.

See our full fee breakdown by country and program → | Ask SAC

Do I need to take ground classes before joining a CPL program?

No — and you should never have to pay for them separately. All accredited CPL programs include comprehensive ground school as part of your training curriculum and fees. At SAC, we don’t recommend or charge for pre-departure ground classes. Instead, we have created a completely free resource specifically for aspiring pilots with zero knowledge — covering everything from how aircraft fly to aviation terminology, navigation, weather, and regulations.

Think of it as your head start before day one of flight school — written in simple English, backed by verified aviation standards, and completely free.

Explore SAC Pre-Flight Academy — Know Before You Fly

Still have more questions? Browse our full FAQ → or Ask SAC for instant answers.

What is the COMPASS Test – and do I need it for pilot training?

Yes — the COMPASS test is mandatory for all Nepali students planning to pursue CPL training abroad. Required by CAAN as part of the NOC application process, it assesses your natural aptitude for pilot training before you make any financial commitment. SAC is an official COMPASS™ partner in Nepal — one of the very few authorised centres equipped with genuine COMPASS hardware.

Read our complete COMPASS guide including preparation tips, test modules, and booking process →

Before I join a flight training school abroad, what NOCs do I need — and how do I get them?

Pilot training abroad requires two separate NOCs — one from CAAN and one from the Ministry of Education. Both are mandatory before you can join any flight school overseas.

Step 1 — CAAN Recommendation Letter (NOC)
Visit the Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD), Sinamangal, Kathmandu. Minimum requirements: 18 years of age, +2 Science with Physics and Maths, valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, valid passport, offer letter from a CAAN-validated flying school, and a passing COMPASS test result. Fee: USD 125 + 13% VAT (subject to change — confirm with CAAN).

Step 2 — Ministry of Education NOC (MoEST)
Once you have your CAAN recommendation letter, apply to MoEST at Sanothimi, Bhaktapur or online at noc.moest.gov.np. Processing time: approximately 2–5 business days. Without this NOC, you will not be permitted to travel abroad for studies.

Need help with both NOC applications? SAC guides you through the entire process — saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes. Read our full NOC guide →

I’ve completed my CPL abroad — how do I convert it to a CAAN licence and fly in Nepal?

After completing your CPL abroad, you must convert your foreign licence to a CAAN CPL before flying professionally on Nepali-registered aircraft. The process involves submitting your documents to CAAN’s Flight Safety Standards Department, passing CAAN written examinations, and completing a skill test. The conversion typically takes 2 to 6 months depending on your preparation and examination schedules. SAC guides returning students through the entire conversion process.

Read our complete step-by-step CAAN conversion guide →

SAC Aviation Updates on WhatsApp

Batch openings, COMPASS dates and CAAN rule changes, straight to your phone. Announcements only — your number stays private.

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