Wednesday, April 30, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Cradle to fly high in steel city
Jamshedpur: AHA Air Hostess Academy opened its 39th branch on Kalimati Road in Sakchi today.
The officials AHA cited the exodus of students to nearby areas for training as one of the main reasons for this move.
Inaugurating the centre, the officials of AHA said that they have been a pioneer in this field since past 10 years now. It was started as a brain child of Sapna Gupta and Akash Gupta. The academy has to its credit 90 per cent growth in student enrolment. It has also got a validation from Cambridge University.
Currently starting with a one-year diploma in Aviation and Hospitality Management, the centre hopes to expand its course variety in the days to come.
Having earned a place for itself in the domestic and international market the academy helps in providing training air hostesses work so that they can work with prestigious airlines including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Oman Air, Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet and the Jet Airways to name a few. To begin with, the academy has decided to take around 200 students with an approximate batch strength of 25. Classes will begin here in the middle of May for which the course fee has been fixed at Rs 1.18 lakh. Open to girls with a minimum height of 5’2”, aspirants with an Intermediate degree are eligible to apply for a slot at the prestigious training academy.
29/04/08 The Telegraph
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The officials AHA cited the exodus of students to nearby areas for training as one of the main reasons for this move.
Inaugurating the centre, the officials of AHA said that they have been a pioneer in this field since past 10 years now. It was started as a brain child of Sapna Gupta and Akash Gupta. The academy has to its credit 90 per cent growth in student enrolment. It has also got a validation from Cambridge University.
Currently starting with a one-year diploma in Aviation and Hospitality Management, the centre hopes to expand its course variety in the days to come.
Having earned a place for itself in the domestic and international market the academy helps in providing training air hostesses work so that they can work with prestigious airlines including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Oman Air, Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet and the Jet Airways to name a few. To begin with, the academy has decided to take around 200 students with an approximate batch strength of 25. Classes will begin here in the middle of May for which the course fee has been fixed at Rs 1.18 lakh. Open to girls with a minimum height of 5’2”, aspirants with an Intermediate degree are eligible to apply for a slot at the prestigious training academy.
29/04/08 The Telegraph
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Indian aviation industry to need 6,000 more pilots in 5 years
New Delhi: India's fast-growing aviation industry, which is facing a shortage of pilots, will need an estimated 6,000 more certified captains in the next five years.
At present, the booming airline industry is facing a shortage of approximately 1,000 qualified pilots, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
"With the present growth of the aviation industry, it has been estimated that in the next five years, 5,000 additional pilots would be required for scheduled operations and 1,000 pilots for non-scheduled and private operations," he said.
Patel said the Government has taken various steps, including increasing the retirement age of pilots to 65 years and setting up of a training institute in Maharashtra, to reduce the demand-supply gap.
Other steps include upgradation and modernisation of infrastructure at the India Gandhi Rashtriya Udaan Akademi to enhance its training capacity from 40 to 100 pilots and reduce the training period.
He said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not invited foreign pilots to work in the sector.
29/04/08 Press Trust of India
To read the news in full |
PermaLink At present, the booming airline industry is facing a shortage of approximately 1,000 qualified pilots, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
"With the present growth of the aviation industry, it has been estimated that in the next five years, 5,000 additional pilots would be required for scheduled operations and 1,000 pilots for non-scheduled and private operations," he said.
Patel said the Government has taken various steps, including increasing the retirement age of pilots to 65 years and setting up of a training institute in Maharashtra, to reduce the demand-supply gap.
Other steps include upgradation and modernisation of infrastructure at the India Gandhi Rashtriya Udaan Akademi to enhance its training capacity from 40 to 100 pilots and reduce the training period.
He said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not invited foreign pilots to work in the sector.
29/04/08 Press Trust of India
AME Computer Numbers allotted
DGCA has published the list of computer numbers allotted to candidates appearing for AME licence examination. DGCA advices the candidates to ensure the correctness including the spelling of the data in the list.
The candidates from the AME Trg. Institutes must enclose the results of their 1st & 2nd semesters along with their CA-9 applications.
The list can be downloaded from here or here.
28/04/08 DGCA
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The candidates from the AME Trg. Institutes must enclose the results of their 1st & 2nd semesters along with their CA-9 applications.
The list can be downloaded from here or here.
28/04/08 DGCA
Saturday, April 26, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
AME Licence Examination result published
Result of AME Licence Examination, Feb 2008 session conducted by DGCA is published.
The results of candidates appeared for the exams at the various centers is avilable at the DGCA site:
(The result of the candidates against whom NE has been mentioned, their
OMR answer sheets could not evaluated as they have not filled up their Roll
Number /Question paper Reference Number properly /correctly).
Applications for Written Papers of AME Licence Examination are invited. Download the form from here or here.
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The results of candidates appeared for the exams at the various centers is avilable at the DGCA site:
(The result of the candidates against whom NE has been mentioned, their
OMR answer sheets could not evaluated as they have not filled up their Roll
Number /Question paper Reference Number properly /correctly).
Applications for Written Papers of AME Licence Examination are invited. Download the form from here or here.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Licensed pilots aplenty, yet few make the cut
Bangalore: Over the last two years, lured by lucrative opportunity that had opened up in the Indian skies, many rushed to get a CPL.
As a result, today, the market is flooded with CPL holders.
Hitesh Patel, executive vice-president, Kingfisher Airlines, said there is much to choose from when it comes to candidates at the CPL level.
But S Ravi Narayanan, CEO and managing director of Jupiter Aviation, a general aviation firm, points out that out of 100 applicants, airlines barely get 15-20 pilots who meet their requirements.
“The remaining 80% get weeded out because they are not qualified for flying any type of commercial aircraft, and since the window for getting a job with an airline is short (because of age limit), their education goes waste and they end up as jobless licence holders,” says Narayanan.
The rejection rate at the CPL level is high because many of the courses of pilot training institutes (both Indian and overseas) are not recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to industry statistics, supply of CPL holders has outstripped demand.
Today, Indian and overseas pilot training institutes churn out more than 5,000 CPL holders as against the industry need of around 3,000 pilots.
But Kingfisher’s scouting for co-pilots and commanders for its wide-bodied A330-40 and turbo jet ATRs has been frustrating.
Over the next two years, Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher and Deccan will need close to 600 pilots for A330-40s, A320s and ATRs that will be added to their fleet.
Budget airline SpiceJet will be hiring 36 captains for the six aircraft that it will be adding to its fleet by the end of this financial year.
But even as airlines continue to hire foreign pilots, the proportion of expat pilots in the total hiring is gradually declining. This is because more and more Indian pilots are being promoted as captains.
24/04/08 Praveena Sharma/Daily News & Analysis
To read the news in full |
PermaLink As a result, today, the market is flooded with CPL holders.
Hitesh Patel, executive vice-president, Kingfisher Airlines, said there is much to choose from when it comes to candidates at the CPL level.
But S Ravi Narayanan, CEO and managing director of Jupiter Aviation, a general aviation firm, points out that out of 100 applicants, airlines barely get 15-20 pilots who meet their requirements.
“The remaining 80% get weeded out because they are not qualified for flying any type of commercial aircraft, and since the window for getting a job with an airline is short (because of age limit), their education goes waste and they end up as jobless licence holders,” says Narayanan.
The rejection rate at the CPL level is high because many of the courses of pilot training institutes (both Indian and overseas) are not recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to industry statistics, supply of CPL holders has outstripped demand.
Today, Indian and overseas pilot training institutes churn out more than 5,000 CPL holders as against the industry need of around 3,000 pilots.
But Kingfisher’s scouting for co-pilots and commanders for its wide-bodied A330-40 and turbo jet ATRs has been frustrating.
Over the next two years, Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher and Deccan will need close to 600 pilots for A330-40s, A320s and ATRs that will be added to their fleet.
Budget airline SpiceJet will be hiring 36 captains for the six aircraft that it will be adding to its fleet by the end of this financial year.
But even as airlines continue to hire foreign pilots, the proportion of expat pilots in the total hiring is gradually declining. This is because more and more Indian pilots are being promoted as captains.
24/04/08 Praveena Sharma/Daily News & Analysis
Aircraft, pilots now come cheap
New Delhi: The recent bankruptcy of four global airlines in the US and Hong Kong has turned out to be a bonanza for Indian private carriers looking for aircraft at low prices and experienced pilots.
Low fares, high capital costs and high pilot salaries have driven most Indian carriers into the red. The bankruptcy cases abroad, industry insiders said, are a good opportunity for them to reduce their losses with some inexpensive acquisitions.
Budget carrier SpiceJet has decided to hire at least ten flight commanders from these airlines, who suddenly find themselves with no work to do.
Over the last two months, three US airlines — Skybus, Aloha and ATA — and Hong Kong-based Oasis have gone bankrupt and downed shutters on their operations. Another US carrier, Frontier, is learnt to have recently filed for bankruptcy. Most of them are no-frills low-cost carriers.
SpiceJet Chairman Siddhanta Sharma said this was a good opportunity to grab some experienced commanders. "We expect that 50-60 pilots might be available (from the ones which are closing down), of which we plan to induct ten. At a time when the industry is so short of experienced commanders, a good supply of these pilots from any source is always welcome," said Sharma.
Company executives said that at a time when pilot salaries are shooting through the roof, it might be possible to induct these pilots at contracts less than their usual salaries.
24/04/08 Anirban Chowdhury /Business Standard
To read the news in full |
PermaLink Low fares, high capital costs and high pilot salaries have driven most Indian carriers into the red. The bankruptcy cases abroad, industry insiders said, are a good opportunity for them to reduce their losses with some inexpensive acquisitions.
Budget carrier SpiceJet has decided to hire at least ten flight commanders from these airlines, who suddenly find themselves with no work to do.
Over the last two months, three US airlines — Skybus, Aloha and ATA — and Hong Kong-based Oasis have gone bankrupt and downed shutters on their operations. Another US carrier, Frontier, is learnt to have recently filed for bankruptcy. Most of them are no-frills low-cost carriers.
SpiceJet Chairman Siddhanta Sharma said this was a good opportunity to grab some experienced commanders. "We expect that 50-60 pilots might be available (from the ones which are closing down), of which we plan to induct ten. At a time when the industry is so short of experienced commanders, a good supply of these pilots from any source is always welcome," said Sharma.
Company executives said that at a time when pilot salaries are shooting through the roof, it might be possible to induct these pilots at contracts less than their usual salaries.
24/04/08 Anirban Chowdhury /Business Standard
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Placement fair for retired IAF personnel
A placement fair will be held next month in Barrackpore near here for retired IAF personnel, including pilots, for recruitment by airlines and business associations.
"A placement cell has been opened at Indian Air Force's Barrackpore premises. The officers are contacting civil airline companies, business associations like CII to invite prospective recruiters," the Army's Eastern Command spokesperson Group Captain R K Das said.
With IAF pilots and other engineers, the fair is expected to attract several civil airline companies.
Group Captain Das said all national civil airline companies have been invited.
All national airline companies participated in last year's placement fair held in New Delhi. "Sixty pilots due to retire in a week were recruited right at the fair ground," Das said.
The two-day career fair for the IAF veterans will begin on May 17. Nearly 10,000 retired or to retire personnel would participate in the fair.
According to the defence spokesperson, apart from the civilian airline sector, they could be absorbed in the fields of human resource management, administration, housekeeping, education, stores management, driving, security, catering, fire-fighting, legal services, hospital management and metrology.
Every year nearly 5000 multi-skilled personnel retire from the service after completing their terms of engagement in the age group of 35-54 years.
22/04/08 PTI/Deccan Herald
To read the news in full |
PermaLink "A placement cell has been opened at Indian Air Force's Barrackpore premises. The officers are contacting civil airline companies, business associations like CII to invite prospective recruiters," the Army's Eastern Command spokesperson Group Captain R K Das said.
With IAF pilots and other engineers, the fair is expected to attract several civil airline companies.
Group Captain Das said all national civil airline companies have been invited.
All national airline companies participated in last year's placement fair held in New Delhi. "Sixty pilots due to retire in a week were recruited right at the fair ground," Das said.
The two-day career fair for the IAF veterans will begin on May 17. Nearly 10,000 retired or to retire personnel would participate in the fair.
According to the defence spokesperson, apart from the civilian airline sector, they could be absorbed in the fields of human resource management, administration, housekeeping, education, stores management, driving, security, catering, fire-fighting, legal services, hospital management and metrology.
Every year nearly 5000 multi-skilled personnel retire from the service after completing their terms of engagement in the age group of 35-54 years.
22/04/08 PTI/Deccan Herald
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
'India needs better standards in flight training
As group president he doesn't get much time to fly aeroplanes. But flying still remains his first love, and it was to ensure that more Indian pilots get world-class training that he was recently in the capital. "We have just concluded an agreement with the Government of India to provide pilot training in the two national flight academies - Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi (IGRUA) and the Rajiv Gandhi National Flying Training Institute (RGNFTI). Starting with 200 students at each of the institutes in the first year, we expect the intake to go up to 1,000 students in the coming years," says Jeff Roberts, group president, innovation and civil training & services, CAE.
With both IGRUA and RGNFTI becoming members of the CAE Global Academy, Roberts sees CAE's activities in India growing.
His Canada-based company is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and has been supplying the Indian aviation industry with training solutions.
Roberts understands that studying at the CAE does not come cheap. That is why he's looking at loan options for students. "The cost of a flying course can range between $60,000 and $100,000. We are talking to banks to work out educational loans for students from India. This should not be difficult since a certified student can easily repay the loan once he is absorbed as a pilot by an airline," he hopes.
Roberts is also confident that the newly started programme for multi-crew pilot license will find many takers in India. "This is the latest programme where 200 of the 250 flying hours are spent on rigorous training in the high-tech simulators where a trainee is put through the different situations that he may have to tackle in a real-time flight," he explains.
22/04/08 Banasree Purkayastha/Express TravelWorld
To read the news in full |
PermaLink With both IGRUA and RGNFTI becoming members of the CAE Global Academy, Roberts sees CAE's activities in India growing.
His Canada-based company is a world leader in providing simulation and modelling technologies and integrated training solutions for the civil aviation industry and has been supplying the Indian aviation industry with training solutions.
Roberts understands that studying at the CAE does not come cheap. That is why he's looking at loan options for students. "The cost of a flying course can range between $60,000 and $100,000. We are talking to banks to work out educational loans for students from India. This should not be difficult since a certified student can easily repay the loan once he is absorbed as a pilot by an airline," he hopes.
Roberts is also confident that the newly started programme for multi-crew pilot license will find many takers in India. "This is the latest programme where 200 of the 250 flying hours are spent on rigorous training in the high-tech simulators where a trainee is put through the different situations that he may have to tackle in a real-time flight," he explains.
22/04/08 Banasree Purkayastha/Express TravelWorld
Flying Cats to offer 3-yr BBA course in aviation
Jamshedpur: Chandigarh-based airhostess training institute Flying Cats, which was the first such institute in India to offer a one-year university diploma course in aviation, travel and tourism in technical collaboration with the Annamalai University, soft launched a three-year bachelor in business administration (BBA) degree course in aviation here on Monday.
The institute that provides practical training on mock aircraft.
Flying Cats' one-year university diploma couse, which has a course fee of Rs 1 lakh, comes with a practical training trip to Singapore with a 10-hour in-flight aviation training and another 10 hours of ground handling training at New Delhi and Changi airports.
22/04/08 Financial Express
To read the news in full |
PermaLink ____________________________
In The News: Flying Cats Airhostess Training School
____________________________
Flying Cats will officially launch the course in New Delhi on April 24 in the presence of its channel partners, the UK-based Active Solutions Consulting Group (ASCG) and others. ASCG helps the institute place its students in different airlines, both national and international. The course fee is Rs 60,000 per annum. The Annamalai University also offers a BBA degree in aviation.In The News: Flying Cats Airhostess Training School
____________________________
The institute that provides practical training on mock aircraft.
Flying Cats' one-year university diploma couse, which has a course fee of Rs 1 lakh, comes with a practical training trip to Singapore with a 10-hour in-flight aviation training and another 10 hours of ground handling training at New Delhi and Changi airports.
22/04/08 Financial Express
CTC Aviation looks at Indian carriers for placements
New Delhi: With the Indian aviation booming and the need for pilots felt not only in the country but the world over, New Zealand-based aviation training academy, Crew Training Centre (CTC) is surveying the option of partnering with Indian carriers for cadet placements. Speaking exclusively to Express AviationWorld, John Jones, chief executive, CTC Aviation Training said, "We have trained many pilots over the years. Last year alone, we trained over 1,000 pilots in our United Kingdom centre and almost 200 in New Zealand and placed them with partner airlines."
The academy has the reputation of 100 per cent placements and last year it also had a cadet appointed with Indian-private carrier, Jet Airways.
CTC Aviation has three simulators in addition to 36 aircraft in Hamilton, New Zealand which includes Diamond DA42 TwinStars, Piper PA44 Seminoles and single engine fleet of Robins, Alphas and Cessnas. Trainees are offered Ab Initio training at the Hamilton centre while JAA standard training is offered in the UK centre.
Besides Ab Initio training, the academy has also launched an Airline Preparation Course (APC) which includes CRM, TEM and MCC.
22/04/08 Chetan Kapoor/Express TravelWorld
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The academy has the reputation of 100 per cent placements and last year it also had a cadet appointed with Indian-private carrier, Jet Airways.
CTC Aviation has three simulators in addition to 36 aircraft in Hamilton, New Zealand which includes Diamond DA42 TwinStars, Piper PA44 Seminoles and single engine fleet of Robins, Alphas and Cessnas. Trainees are offered Ab Initio training at the Hamilton centre while JAA standard training is offered in the UK centre.
Besides Ab Initio training, the academy has also launched an Airline Preparation Course (APC) which includes CRM, TEM and MCC.
22/04/08 Chetan Kapoor/Express TravelWorld
Monday, April 21, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
ATC shortage spells turbulence
The country has 1,500 air traffic controllers (ATCs), the requirement is for 2,100. The Roy Paul Committee, which looked into air traffic management in 2005, reported over 200 ATC vacancies. Three years later, the gap has widened three times.
ATCs handle three areas: Radar, tower and en route. Radar is the toughest; it takes over three years to become a controller here. And though there have been recruitments, it hasn't made much of a dent. The basic qualification for an ATC is B.Tech (telecom/electronics/radio engineering) or MSc in electronics. The training at the Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad, lasts six months. It has 12 simulators, each of which can train only 10 people at a time, says K N Srivastava, joint secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation. "So in a year, only around 300 can be trained. But the shortfall is 600." The college is also short of instructors. ‘‘No good controller wants to become one as they have to slave it out, what with refresher courses, general duties, etc,'' says a source. "Also, there's a general shortfall of engineers as many prefer MNCs. Some of the applicants can't even speak proper English."
SOLUTION: Change the eligibility criteria. You don't need engineers when any articulate, bright science graduate would do. There's a move to recruit such people, says Srivastava, as has been done in European countries. Also, dedicated instructors are a must. There are plans for another academy in Hyderabad.
TIME FACTOR: Recruitment is through ads. That takes time. Even after training, it takes about two years to acquire minimum skills. "But it's important we don't compromise on quality,'' says an old-timer. The training used to be for a year earlier, now it's been reduced to six months."
SOLUTION: Why advertise when campus recruitment is quicker? That's on the cards now.
20/04/08 Shobha John/Times of India
To read the news in full |
PermaLink ATCs handle three areas: Radar, tower and en route. Radar is the toughest; it takes over three years to become a controller here. And though there have been recruitments, it hasn't made much of a dent. The basic qualification for an ATC is B.Tech (telecom/electronics/radio engineering) or MSc in electronics. The training at the Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad, lasts six months. It has 12 simulators, each of which can train only 10 people at a time, says K N Srivastava, joint secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation. "So in a year, only around 300 can be trained. But the shortfall is 600." The college is also short of instructors. ‘‘No good controller wants to become one as they have to slave it out, what with refresher courses, general duties, etc,'' says a source. "Also, there's a general shortfall of engineers as many prefer MNCs. Some of the applicants can't even speak proper English."
SOLUTION: Change the eligibility criteria. You don't need engineers when any articulate, bright science graduate would do. There's a move to recruit such people, says Srivastava, as has been done in European countries. Also, dedicated instructors are a must. There are plans for another academy in Hyderabad.
TIME FACTOR: Recruitment is through ads. That takes time. Even after training, it takes about two years to acquire minimum skills. "But it's important we don't compromise on quality,'' says an old-timer. The training used to be for a year earlier, now it's been reduced to six months."
SOLUTION: Why advertise when campus recruitment is quicker? That's on the cards now.
20/04/08 Shobha John/Times of India
Sunday, April 20, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Flying schools taking off into Lanka's restricted skies
Despite flight restrictions due to security concerns, flying schools are suddenly taking off the ground in Sri Lanka. At the moment two companies are operating flying training schools in the island and over the last year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says it got three more applications.
The CAA says the sudden burst of aviation education is due to the growing demand for commercial pilots in the Asian and Middle Eastern region. “Aviation is growing globally and especially in our part of the world. So this means a corresponding demand growth for commercial pilots,” said deputy director (personnel licensing), at the CAA, Susantha de Silva.
Over the last year, the number of domestic airports open to flying training, was also increased from just Ratmalana and Katukurunda, to include Koggala and Weeravila. So at this point, flying training institutions have up to four domestic airports to use for educational purposes.
Local entrepreneurs are coming forward to make use of the emerging opportunity. The CAA points out that India and China alone will need 10,000 pilots within the next four years, not to mention demand within Sri Lanka itself.
Executive director of Skyline Aviation Romesh Fernando says there are multiple benefits to encouraging aviation training inside the island. “The country will get a lot of income if we are able to offer pilots for airlines in other countries and young people will have a new, very well paying employment opportunity. Also we are able to offer international standard training at a fraction of the cost,” said Fernando.
Skyline says a CPL/IR-multi engine qualification can now be obtained in Sri Lanka within 12-14 months, with savings on studying abroad. Given the growing regional demand for pilots, this is seen as one of the most lucrative investments for young people in Sri Lanka. Already, India is recruiting foreign nationals as pilots to meet the domestic shortage and many Sri Lankan pilots are taking up the Indian opportunity.
20/04/08 Dilshani Samaraweera/Sunday Times.lk, Sri Lanka
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The CAA says the sudden burst of aviation education is due to the growing demand for commercial pilots in the Asian and Middle Eastern region. “Aviation is growing globally and especially in our part of the world. So this means a corresponding demand growth for commercial pilots,” said deputy director (personnel licensing), at the CAA, Susantha de Silva.
Over the last year, the number of domestic airports open to flying training, was also increased from just Ratmalana and Katukurunda, to include Koggala and Weeravila. So at this point, flying training institutions have up to four domestic airports to use for educational purposes.
Local entrepreneurs are coming forward to make use of the emerging opportunity. The CAA points out that India and China alone will need 10,000 pilots within the next four years, not to mention demand within Sri Lanka itself.
Executive director of Skyline Aviation Romesh Fernando says there are multiple benefits to encouraging aviation training inside the island. “The country will get a lot of income if we are able to offer pilots for airlines in other countries and young people will have a new, very well paying employment opportunity. Also we are able to offer international standard training at a fraction of the cost,” said Fernando.
Skyline says a CPL/IR-multi engine qualification can now be obtained in Sri Lanka within 12-14 months, with savings on studying abroad. Given the growing regional demand for pilots, this is seen as one of the most lucrative investments for young people in Sri Lanka. Already, India is recruiting foreign nationals as pilots to meet the domestic shortage and many Sri Lankan pilots are taking up the Indian opportunity.
20/04/08 Dilshani Samaraweera/Sunday Times.lk, Sri Lanka
Friday, April 18, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Flying school grounded over flight paths
Chennai: The Airports Authority of India is unwilling to give the green flag to the proposed flying school named after Rajiv Gandhi at Sriperumbudur, citing technical difficulties.
"..the proposed flying school (requiring about 300 acres) will interfere with the Chennai flying area, and we cannot give our approval for it," said a highly placed source in AAI.
The idea of a flying school in Rajiv's name was mooted by the Congress in the Assembly. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had also given his nod for the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Aeronautical Science and Training and Pilots Academy.
Meanwhile, pilots attached to the national and private carriers objected to the location. The flying area of the academy would have a five-mile radius and flights arriving at Chennai airport would not be able to use the Instrument Landing System for Runway 07.
Besides, carriers approaching the runway typically glide at around 1,800 feet and wait to be guided before coming into land. But flying school trainees too would be piloting flights around that level.
16/04/08 B Aravind Kumar/Times of India
To read the news in full |
PermaLink "..the proposed flying school (requiring about 300 acres) will interfere with the Chennai flying area, and we cannot give our approval for it," said a highly placed source in AAI.
The idea of a flying school in Rajiv's name was mooted by the Congress in the Assembly. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had also given his nod for the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Aeronautical Science and Training and Pilots Academy.
Meanwhile, pilots attached to the national and private carriers objected to the location. The flying area of the academy would have a five-mile radius and flights arriving at Chennai airport would not be able to use the Instrument Landing System for Runway 07.
Besides, carriers approaching the runway typically glide at around 1,800 feet and wait to be guided before coming into land. But flying school trainees too would be piloting flights around that level.
16/04/08 B Aravind Kumar/Times of India
Thursday, April 17, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Punjab to get trainer aircraft
Chandigarh: Aeroclub of India, a Union government undertaking, will give two ultramodern trainer aircraft to Punjab.
Sources says the Patiala Flying Club will get the planes, each costing Rs 1.5 crore, within a week. Each four-seater plane is a Cessna 172, the single-engine aircraft with latest technology of a jet.
At present, only Hyderabad club has trainer planes, 11 of which were purchased from the USA and are parked in Mumbai.
“The state civil aviation officials had recently visited Mumbai to finalise the paper work to get the planes,” an official says. A two-member pilot team will come from the US to train about 20 senior pilots from various flying clubs from April 25 to 30. A team of the DGCA will also come from Delhi to supervise the training.
At present, the Punjab government has seven trainer planes, three Cessna 152 and four 1960 model Pushpaks, which have become obsolete. Last time Punjab got three trainer aircraft was in 1986— one for Ludhiana and two for Patiala. Since then, pilots are being trained on these planes, which are now old.
Sources say every year, about 20 to 25 pilots were trained here, and now with new planes, the number will rise to 40.
Now, the state government has also pitched in and sanctioned Rs 2 crore for night landing and navigation facility at the Patiala flying club and as much amount for buying another plane, say sources. They say the state government also needs a multi-engine aircraft. As per the new guidelines of DGCA, to be a pilot, one must be given 25-hour training on a multi-engine plane.
16/04/08 Harpreet Bajwa/Chandigarh Newsline
To read the news in full |
PermaLink Sources says the Patiala Flying Club will get the planes, each costing Rs 1.5 crore, within a week. Each four-seater plane is a Cessna 172, the single-engine aircraft with latest technology of a jet.
At present, only Hyderabad club has trainer planes, 11 of which were purchased from the USA and are parked in Mumbai.
“The state civil aviation officials had recently visited Mumbai to finalise the paper work to get the planes,” an official says. A two-member pilot team will come from the US to train about 20 senior pilots from various flying clubs from April 25 to 30. A team of the DGCA will also come from Delhi to supervise the training.
At present, the Punjab government has seven trainer planes, three Cessna 152 and four 1960 model Pushpaks, which have become obsolete. Last time Punjab got three trainer aircraft was in 1986— one for Ludhiana and two for Patiala. Since then, pilots are being trained on these planes, which are now old.
Sources say every year, about 20 to 25 pilots were trained here, and now with new planes, the number will rise to 40.
Now, the state government has also pitched in and sanctioned Rs 2 crore for night landing and navigation facility at the Patiala flying club and as much amount for buying another plane, say sources. They say the state government also needs a multi-engine aircraft. As per the new guidelines of DGCA, to be a pilot, one must be given 25-hour training on a multi-engine plane.
16/04/08 Harpreet Bajwa/Chandigarh Newsline
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Nearly 1000 foreign pilots work with Indian airlines
New Delhi: Faced with an acute shortage of trained pilots, various airlines have engaged nearly 1,000 foreign pilots, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised all scheduled, non-scheduled and general aviation operators to submit their plan to phase out foreign pilots and replace them by trained Indian pilots, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in a written reply.
As per the plan submitted by the operators, all the foreign pilots are likely to be repatriated in approximately five years time, he said.
Patel said various scheduled airlines have engaged 944 foreign pilots in order to bridge the gap between demand and availability of pilots.
The government has also taken various steps to reduce the gap between demand and supply of skilled Indian pilots. These include conditionally increasing the age-limit to 65 years for pilots, upgradation and modernisation of training infrastructure of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi to enhance training capacity from 40 to 100 pilots per year.
15/04/08 PTI/Economic Times
To read the news in full |
PermaLink However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised all scheduled, non-scheduled and general aviation operators to submit their plan to phase out foreign pilots and replace them by trained Indian pilots, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in a written reply.
As per the plan submitted by the operators, all the foreign pilots are likely to be repatriated in approximately five years time, he said.
Patel said various scheduled airlines have engaged 944 foreign pilots in order to bridge the gap between demand and availability of pilots.
The government has also taken various steps to reduce the gap between demand and supply of skilled Indian pilots. These include conditionally increasing the age-limit to 65 years for pilots, upgradation and modernisation of training infrastructure of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi to enhance training capacity from 40 to 100 pilots per year.
15/04/08 PTI/Economic Times
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Plane makes emergency landing, Indian students escape
Okeechobee: A pilot and her passenger were forced to make an emergency landing on a road this afternoon after their single-engine plane lost power at 2,000 feet in the air.
According to initial reports, Divya Manchanda, 24, was flying the Cessna 152 owned by N70FT Inc., a flight school based out of Delaware, Okeechobee Sheriff's spokesman Ted Van Deman said.
She and her passenger, student Mayank V. Nimbalkar, 22, had flown from Orlando and were heading back, Van Deman said. Both Manchanda and Nimbalkar are from India.
At about 4 p.m., the engine gave out and Manchanda made the emergency landing at NW 168th Street, a small two-lane road that leads to the county prison. The single-engine plane landed belly-side up.
Manchanda and Nimbalkar sustained minor injuries and were taken to Okeechobee Raulerson Hospital, Van Deman said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash, Van Deman said.
14/04/08 Ana X Ceron/Palm Beach Post, United States
To read the news in full |
PermaLink According to initial reports, Divya Manchanda, 24, was flying the Cessna 152 owned by N70FT Inc., a flight school based out of Delaware, Okeechobee Sheriff's spokesman Ted Van Deman said.
She and her passenger, student Mayank V. Nimbalkar, 22, had flown from Orlando and were heading back, Van Deman said. Both Manchanda and Nimbalkar are from India.
At about 4 p.m., the engine gave out and Manchanda made the emergency landing at NW 168th Street, a small two-lane road that leads to the county prison. The single-engine plane landed belly-side up.
Manchanda and Nimbalkar sustained minor injuries and were taken to Okeechobee Raulerson Hospital, Van Deman said.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash, Van Deman said.
14/04/08 Ana X Ceron/Palm Beach Post, United States
Pilot examination candidates list published
DGCA has published the list of admitted candidates for Pilot Examination April 2008 Session.
The examinations are to be held on 22, 23 and 24 of April 2008 at various centres across the country.
The list of admitted candidates can be downloaded here from the DGCA site.
The list of rejected candidates: List1, List2, List3
For the detailed instructions for the candidates, visit this link at the DGCA site.
15/04/08 DGCA
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The examinations are to be held on 22, 23 and 24 of April 2008 at various centres across the country.
The list of admitted candidates can be downloaded here from the DGCA site.
The list of rejected candidates: List1, List2, List3
For the detailed instructions for the candidates, visit this link at the DGCA site.
15/04/08 DGCA
Monday, April 14, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Indian Navy invites applications for Short Service Commission Pilots
Chandigarh: As part of its induction drive, the Indian Navy has invited applications for Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers for the Aviation Cadre (Pilot) of Executive Branch for the Jan 2009 course at Naval Academy.
An official spokesman said here Sunday that unmarried male Indian citizens, aged between (02 Jan 1986 and 01 Jan 1990 both dates inclusive) 19 years and 23 years are eligible to apply. Applicants should be a graduate in any discipline with minimum 60% marks with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
SSC is granted for a term of 10 years, extendable to 14 years, subject to service requirement and performance and willingness of the candidate. On completion of these tenures, officers are entitled for gratuity under the extant rules. Disciplined life, leadership qualities and professional skills imbibed during the service would stand as added advantages in acquiring second career post exit from the navy.
The last date for submission of application is April 22, 2008 and for complete details the applicants may refer to the following website: www.nausena-bharti.nic.in
13/04/08 PunjabNewsline.com
To read the news in full |
PermaLink An official spokesman said here Sunday that unmarried male Indian citizens, aged between (02 Jan 1986 and 01 Jan 1990 both dates inclusive) 19 years and 23 years are eligible to apply. Applicants should be a graduate in any discipline with minimum 60% marks with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
SSC is granted for a term of 10 years, extendable to 14 years, subject to service requirement and performance and willingness of the candidate. On completion of these tenures, officers are entitled for gratuity under the extant rules. Disciplined life, leadership qualities and professional skills imbibed during the service would stand as added advantages in acquiring second career post exit from the navy.
The last date for submission of application is April 22, 2008 and for complete details the applicants may refer to the following website: www.nausena-bharti.nic.in
13/04/08 PunjabNewsline.com
Saya Amusement to set up flight school
Mumbai/Ahmedabad: Saya Amusement Private Limited, an Ahmedabad-based company that manufactures amusement and water park rides besides setting up parks on its own, is foraying into flight schools business.
The company is planning to set up a flight school comprising 16 small aircraft, a small airport and a major repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at an investment of Rs 100 crore.
The company has tied up with Mumbai-based Suraj Water Park to form a 50:50 joint venture company – Saya Suraj Aviation Private Limited – with an initial paid-up capital of Rs 25 crore for its new venture. It has already purchased 16 Cessna ‘Skyhawk’ trainer planes.
The company was scouting for 1,000 acres of land and has already applied with the Gujarat government for its allocation, he added.
Since running a flight school tends to be a costly business, the JV company has already worked out its expenses and will be charging a fee of Rs 18 lakh per student.
14/04/08 Vinay Umarji/Business Standard
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The company is planning to set up a flight school comprising 16 small aircraft, a small airport and a major repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at an investment of Rs 100 crore.
The company has tied up with Mumbai-based Suraj Water Park to form a 50:50 joint venture company – Saya Suraj Aviation Private Limited – with an initial paid-up capital of Rs 25 crore for its new venture. It has already purchased 16 Cessna ‘Skyhawk’ trainer planes.
The company was scouting for 1,000 acres of land and has already applied with the Gujarat government for its allocation, he added.
Since running a flight school tends to be a costly business, the JV company has already worked out its expenses and will be charging a fee of Rs 18 lakh per student.
14/04/08 Vinay Umarji/Business Standard
Sunday, April 13, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Soon, pilots won't have to go abroad for 'type' rating
New Delhi: Fresh commercial pilot licence (CPL) holders may not need to go abroad for getting the expensive ‘type’ rating to fly different aeroplanes.
Soon, the national carrier is all set to get the "type rating training organisation" (TRTO) certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after which it will be able to use its simulators for training fresh CPL-holder recruits of both Air India and other carriers for planes like Airbus A-320 family, Boeing 737 and the jumbo jet.
Jet Airways is also learnt to be keen on having similar permission for its Boeing-737 simulator in Mumbai, near Powai, where they train pilots for their Boeing fleet. They are also likely to get an approval, given the severe shortage of type rated pilots in India, said sources.
At present, the airlines invest a lot in sending Indian CPL holders abroad for getting type rating. At times, airlines pay Rs 7-18 lakh in foreign exchange for each rating. Having this facility in India would be both cost effective and time saving for the airlines.
13/04/08 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
To read the news in full |
PermaLink Soon, the national carrier is all set to get the "type rating training organisation" (TRTO) certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after which it will be able to use its simulators for training fresh CPL-holder recruits of both Air India and other carriers for planes like Airbus A-320 family, Boeing 737 and the jumbo jet.
Jet Airways is also learnt to be keen on having similar permission for its Boeing-737 simulator in Mumbai, near Powai, where they train pilots for their Boeing fleet. They are also likely to get an approval, given the severe shortage of type rated pilots in India, said sources.
At present, the airlines invest a lot in sending Indian CPL holders abroad for getting type rating. At times, airlines pay Rs 7-18 lakh in foreign exchange for each rating. Having this facility in India would be both cost effective and time saving for the airlines.
13/04/08 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
What flight attendants do on the job
The job of a flight attendant may be likened to that of a glorified waiter or waitress, but that’s far from it. Though there may be some element of glamour, the job still requires a heavy dose of patience, tact and spontaneity.
In fact, aspiring candidates should see it as a career in itself, or could use it as a platform to chart their career path, says Hilary Miranda director of airline training and placement centre, Inter-Excel Advisory Sdn Bhd.
“Flight attendants have room for advancement within the airline industry itself, and there is scope for them to branch into other fields. However, it also depends on an individual's attitude and educational background,” he adds.
Inter-Excel’s trainer, Azuraini Abdul Aziz, showing her students the right way of carrying a bag during a preparatory lesson for flight attendants.
Contrary to what some might say, Miranda is keen on changing people's perception of what a flight attendant does. He and his team are currently visiting schools, colleges and universities to give students a rundown of the job functions of flight attendants and members of the cabin crew.
It is not a dead-end job, says Miranda who pointed out that graduates could also apply to become flight attendants.
One could branch out to other areas within the industry, for instance, join the human resource department and become a trainer in the grooming department.
The job would require the trainer to guide fresh cabin crew recruits on the finer points of looking good, portray a professional image and presenting the right impression, while at the same time staying close to the qualities that make them compassionate and approachable.
Co-director Chong Siew Fong agrees that the scope for promotion is already charted for cabin crew if they perform their duties diligently. They can be become in-flight supervisors or even move up to become managers.
She adds that former flight attendants are very much sought after by hotels “because of the interpersonal skills they have”.
“They are also very much in demand in the high-end fashion sector and public relations because of their immaculate dressing, poise and communicative skills,'' adds Chong.
Their ability to think spontaneously in an emergency and handle safety procedures, she says, are qualities that will hold them in good stead in any job.
A flight attendant, especially of a national carrier, Miranda adds, also plays the role of an “ambassador” as she deals with foreigners whose first impression of a country and people are formed by opinions they make of the cabin crew.
13/04/08 Tan Ee Loo/Malaysia Star, Malaysia
To read the news in full |
PermaLink In fact, aspiring candidates should see it as a career in itself, or could use it as a platform to chart their career path, says Hilary Miranda director of airline training and placement centre, Inter-Excel Advisory Sdn Bhd.
“Flight attendants have room for advancement within the airline industry itself, and there is scope for them to branch into other fields. However, it also depends on an individual's attitude and educational background,” he adds.
Inter-Excel’s trainer, Azuraini Abdul Aziz, showing her students the right way of carrying a bag during a preparatory lesson for flight attendants.
Contrary to what some might say, Miranda is keen on changing people's perception of what a flight attendant does. He and his team are currently visiting schools, colleges and universities to give students a rundown of the job functions of flight attendants and members of the cabin crew.
It is not a dead-end job, says Miranda who pointed out that graduates could also apply to become flight attendants.
One could branch out to other areas within the industry, for instance, join the human resource department and become a trainer in the grooming department.
The job would require the trainer to guide fresh cabin crew recruits on the finer points of looking good, portray a professional image and presenting the right impression, while at the same time staying close to the qualities that make them compassionate and approachable.
Co-director Chong Siew Fong agrees that the scope for promotion is already charted for cabin crew if they perform their duties diligently. They can be become in-flight supervisors or even move up to become managers.
She adds that former flight attendants are very much sought after by hotels “because of the interpersonal skills they have”.
“They are also very much in demand in the high-end fashion sector and public relations because of their immaculate dressing, poise and communicative skills,'' adds Chong.
Their ability to think spontaneously in an emergency and handle safety procedures, she says, are qualities that will hold them in good stead in any job.
A flight attendant, especially of a national carrier, Miranda adds, also plays the role of an “ambassador” as she deals with foreigners whose first impression of a country and people are formed by opinions they make of the cabin crew.
13/04/08 Tan Ee Loo/Malaysia Star, Malaysia
Indian pilot student's death: NTSB releases preliminary report
The National Transportation Safety Board has released preliminary report regarding a March 21st plane crash that claimed two lives. According to the report, posted on the NTSB's website, a witness reported that the Beechcraft BE-76 appeared to be struggling and climbing at a slow rate of speed after takeoff from runway 19 at the Richard B. Russell Airport. The plane then made a nose first descent toward the trees, southeast of the airport. The report went on to state that 23-year old Lokesh Venkat of India, a flight student who was flying the plane, had 182 hours of flight experience, including 7 hours in a plane of the same make and model as the one that crashed. The flight instructor, 34-year old Kwang Yi of Duluth, had 827 hours of total flight experience, including 111 hours in the same make and model as the twin engine Beechcraft BE 76. The report does not mention a cause for the crash.
12/04/08 Joey Weaver/WEIS, USA
To read the news in full |
PermaLink 12/04/08 Joey Weaver/WEIS, USA
Friday, April 11, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Jharkhand to provide pilot training to 30 tribal youth
Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has decided to provide pilot training to 30 more tribal students after an earlier group of 24 students landed jobs with leading airlines. The pilot training is being sponsored by the state welfare department.
“The 24 tribal boys, mostly from poor families, were provided pilot training. Most of them are employed with Indian Airlines, Air India, Air Deccan and Jet Airways,” said U.K. Sangama, secretary of the social welfare department.
He said: “The state government spent Rs.1.1 million on training the students. Considering the success story of the 24 tribal boys, we have decided to sponsor pilot training for 30 more tribal boys.”
The students are selected through a written examination and later they are sent to various training centres. The entrance examination for the second batch of students will be conducted by July.
“We have put a condition that the tribal students after getting jobs in airlines will sponsor the education of two tribal boys of their village till the graduation level,” said Sangama.
10/04/08 Thaindian.com, Thailand
To read the news in full |
PermaLink “The 24 tribal boys, mostly from poor families, were provided pilot training. Most of them are employed with Indian Airlines, Air India, Air Deccan and Jet Airways,” said U.K. Sangama, secretary of the social welfare department.
He said: “The state government spent Rs.1.1 million on training the students. Considering the success story of the 24 tribal boys, we have decided to sponsor pilot training for 30 more tribal boys.”
The students are selected through a written examination and later they are sent to various training centres. The entrance examination for the second batch of students will be conducted by July.
“We have put a condition that the tribal students after getting jobs in airlines will sponsor the education of two tribal boys of their village till the graduation level,” said Sangama.
10/04/08 Thaindian.com, Thailand
Thursday, April 10, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
IGNOU to start B.Tech in aeronautical engineering
New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) announced here Wednesday the start of a B.Tech programme in aeronautical engineering in an effort to keep pace with the growing aviation sector of the country. The varsity signed an agreement with Pune based Aeronautical Engineering and Research Organisation (AERO) to develop course curriculum and facilitate the programme.
The four-year B.Tech programme aims to develop knowledge, awareness and professional skills in the discipline.
The delivery of the programme will be through both classroom and distance learning modes. The course would start in July 2009 from four centres across India, said IGNOU Pro Vice-Chancellor Omprakash Mishra.
“The initiative aims at development of technical professionals in the area of aeronautical engineering through joint design by IGNOU and AERO,” varsity spokesman Ravi Mohan said.
09/04/08 Thaindian.com, Thailand
To read the news in full |
PermaLink The four-year B.Tech programme aims to develop knowledge, awareness and professional skills in the discipline.
The delivery of the programme will be through both classroom and distance learning modes. The course would start in July 2009 from four centres across India, said IGNOU Pro Vice-Chancellor Omprakash Mishra.
“The initiative aims at development of technical professionals in the area of aeronautical engineering through joint design by IGNOU and AERO,” varsity spokesman Ravi Mohan said.
09/04/08 Thaindian.com, Thailand
Flight instructor training school up and away
Northam could well be on the world map of professional pilot training.
A start has been made on an elite flight training facility dedicated to flight instructor training at Northam aerodrome.
At the south-eastern corner of the aerodrome two substantial flight training units with their attached sunscreen shelters for four aircraft are in place.
This is the beginning of a project which aims to have international significance.
The Australian Flight Instructor Training School is the initiative of retired Indian Air Force Wing Commander Barney Fernandes who has a track record of establishing three major flying colleges across Australia since he migrated here in 1967.
Barney is acutely aware of the critical pilot shortage in Australia and India and was a major force behind the establishing of flying schools at Jandakot and Merredin.
He believes the shortage is entirely due to the lack of well-trained career flight instructors.
The Australian Flight Instructor Training School will offer a course specifically designed for the education and training of professional flight instructors to standard suitable for employment worldwide.
Training will take place in the specially designed units with each unit able to accommodate 10 trainees and two instructors.
Also available for training will a full-motion 3D flight simulator.
“Well-trained pilots are desperately needed for the booming airline industry in India which needs 4500 additional pilots by the end of 2012,” Barney said.
10/04/08 Avon Valley Advocate, Australia
To read the news in full |
PermaLink A start has been made on an elite flight training facility dedicated to flight instructor training at Northam aerodrome.
At the south-eastern corner of the aerodrome two substantial flight training units with their attached sunscreen shelters for four aircraft are in place.
This is the beginning of a project which aims to have international significance.
The Australian Flight Instructor Training School is the initiative of retired Indian Air Force Wing Commander Barney Fernandes who has a track record of establishing three major flying colleges across Australia since he migrated here in 1967.
Barney is acutely aware of the critical pilot shortage in Australia and India and was a major force behind the establishing of flying schools at Jandakot and Merredin.
He believes the shortage is entirely due to the lack of well-trained career flight instructors.
The Australian Flight Instructor Training School will offer a course specifically designed for the education and training of professional flight instructors to standard suitable for employment worldwide.
Training will take place in the specially designed units with each unit able to accommodate 10 trainees and two instructors.
Also available for training will a full-motion 3D flight simulator.
“Well-trained pilots are desperately needed for the booming airline industry in India which needs 4500 additional pilots by the end of 2012,” Barney said.
10/04/08 Avon Valley Advocate, Australia
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
DGCA go-ahead to Nagpur flying club
Nagpur: In what could be termed as a shot in the arm for British-era Nagpur Flying Club (NFC), the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), New Delhi, finally gave its green signal for reopening of the club on Tuesday that was lying defunct for well over 14 years.
According to a senior NFC official from Mumbai, the DGCA granted the permission to the club as a 'flying institute' which would enable NFC officials to induct trainees for Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and train them on its three aircraft.
"The entire process including admissions, screening and induction would take three to four weeks after which we can formally inaugurate the club. But, the club would start operations from Wednesday without formal inauguration," the official said.
The decision has come as a major success to advocate Shriniwas Deshpande and club members campaigning for the NFC's reopening for over 15 years. The British-period NFC secured a 'Certificate of air-worthiness' from DGCA for its Cessna-152 VT-ENC aircraft on Nov 14 last year.
09/04/08 Vaibhav Ganjapure/Times of India
To read the news in full |
PermaLink According to a senior NFC official from Mumbai, the DGCA granted the permission to the club as a 'flying institute' which would enable NFC officials to induct trainees for Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and train them on its three aircraft.
"The entire process including admissions, screening and induction would take three to four weeks after which we can formally inaugurate the club. But, the club would start operations from Wednesday without formal inauguration," the official said.
The decision has come as a major success to advocate Shriniwas Deshpande and club members campaigning for the NFC's reopening for over 15 years. The British-period NFC secured a 'Certificate of air-worthiness' from DGCA for its Cessna-152 VT-ENC aircraft on Nov 14 last year.
09/04/08 Vaibhav Ganjapure/Times of India
Kingfisher Training Academy to set up 25 centres
New Delhi: Vijay Mallya-led Kingfisher Training Academy plans to set up 25 centres by 2010 in the country, a company official said Tuesday.
“We plan to set up 25 centres nationally by 2010. We may be able to do that even earlier than 2010. In the next two months itself we will set up 12 centres,” Executive Vice- President Kingfisher Airlines Rajesh Verma told reporters here.
He, however, did not mention the amount of money that would be spent on setting up these centres.
The academy, which already has a centre in Mumbai, would have centres in the non-metros as well.
“Our centre in Chandigarh would be ready by April end,” Verma said, adding that the academy plans to train 6,000-8,000 students across centres in the current fiscal.
The academy would provide training in the field of aviation as well as the hospitality sector.
Besides, it is also targeting corporates to outsource its management training programmes.
08/04/08 PTI/Livemint
To read the news in full |
PermaLink “We plan to set up 25 centres nationally by 2010. We may be able to do that even earlier than 2010. In the next two months itself we will set up 12 centres,” Executive Vice- President Kingfisher Airlines Rajesh Verma told reporters here.
He, however, did not mention the amount of money that would be spent on setting up these centres.
The academy, which already has a centre in Mumbai, would have centres in the non-metros as well.
“Our centre in Chandigarh would be ready by April end,” Verma said, adding that the academy plans to train 6,000-8,000 students across centres in the current fiscal.
The academy would provide training in the field of aviation as well as the hospitality sector.
Besides, it is also targeting corporates to outsource its management training programmes.
08/04/08 PTI/Livemint
Sunday, April 06, 2008
To read the news in full |
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Aptech aviation academy in Kolkata
Kolkata: The aviation sector boomhas attracted Aptech Ltd, the IT solutions major, into the business of preparing a trained workforce for the industry and spreading at break neck speed. Avalon Aviation Academy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aptech Ltd, which is just in its second year of operation, has increased thes number of its centers from 17 in 2007 to 51 by April 2008. According to Preeti Malik, head of the Avalon Aviation Academy, although there are a number of institutes coming up in India which can support the aviation industry's manpower requirement, that is not enough to bridge the demand supply gap. She said at present there are 14 airlines operating in India's domestic routes but there are a number of airlines waiting for the director general of civil aviation's approval to operate on domestic routes. Recently the DGCA has cleared 10 new airlines to operate in the domestic route. Avalon has tied up with Karnataka state open university to offer diploma management and customer care. So far it has trained 2000 students of which 80% have been absorbed, Malik said. Avalon has tie-ups with 38 airlines across the globe. It has roped in Diana Hayden, the former Miss Universe as its brand ambassador. Hayden opened the Avalon's first centre in Kolkata and its 51st nationally on Saturday.
06/04/08 Financial Express
Friday, April 04, 2008
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ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Kerala flying school set to soar
Thiruvananthapuram: The Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology, the city’s own flying school, is revving up for take-off, with classes expected to begin in June this year.The academy invited applications from interested youngsters on Thursday, with plans to conduct the written part of the entrance examination on May 25 and the interviews shortly after that, Capt T.J. Joseph, the chief instructor, said."After the entrance tests in May and the mandatory medical tests, we should be able to begin classes by June," he said.The last date for applying is April 26. The minimum age of the applicants should be 17 years as on May 31, 2008. Pre-degree or Plus Two (with Physics or Maths) is the required qualification. Those who have appeared for the qualifying exams can also apply.The phone number of the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology is 0471-2571814.The academy offers a two-year course with 200 hours of flying. The course fee is approximately Rs 15.2 lakh, which can be paid in instalments. There is reservation for SC/ST candidates as per government norms. There are 20 vacancies in the first batch.The academy will come up at Eanchakkal near Chakkai, but the flying lessons will be held at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and other airports. Ground classes at Eanchakkal will cover air regulations, aviation meteorology, air navigation, aircraft and engines and radio telephony."One hour flying training in our course costs Rs 7,000, while in Hyderabad it is Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000. The course fee at private clubs will cost between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh," Joseph said. The course will equip successful candidates with a commercial pilot’s licence. The exams at the academy will be conducted by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).]
04/04/08 Newindpress
Hubs for aviation career
Jamshedpur: Youngsters in the steel city will have a flying start to dream career this summer.For, the city is all set to witness a spurt in number of institutes to provide air hostess and hospitality training.While Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training was the first one to set up shop here about two years ago and has so far trained over a 100 boys and girls, the next month would see the entry of two other big names in the league — Flying Cats and Air Hostess Academy. Considered to be a pioneer in the field of air hostess and hospitality training, unlike similar such courses offered by other institutes, Flying Cats would have two USPs. First, they will provide a university-recognised degree. Moreover, with its opening here, the company would also launch a year-long certificate course for students only with matriculation degree.Another institute, which would soon begin classes, is Air Hostess Academy. Slated to operate from Sakchi, this would be a one-stop course for aviation, hospitality and tourism industries. The institute would offer one-year diploma course.
04/04/08 Nilanjana Ghosh Chowdhury/The Telegraph
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PermaLink 04/04/08 Nilanjana Ghosh Chowdhury/The Telegraph
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
ALL aviation news from India: Aviation India Blog
Air Deccan seeks govt nod for foreign crew
New Delhi: Air Deccan, which becomes eligible to fly abroad from August 26, has sought government permission for hiring foreign cabin crew. Interestingly, Kingfisher had last summer applied for a similar permission with the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA). Since this airline is not eligible to fly abroad, it did not give its approval.
Now with Kingfisher all set to fly abroad on Deccan's licence, the combine decided to apply for foreign cabin crew under the latter's name. "The DGCA has officially told Deccan it can fly abroad and therefore to prepare for the same, it can logically be allowed to hire foreign cabin crew. Currently, Jet and Air India are allowed to hire expat cabin crew as they fly abroad," said sources. Mallya had recently said, "If the clearance (to fly abroad) is for Deccan and if Deccan changes its name to Kingfisher, then understandably the same applies to Kingfisher."
Industry sources said the expat crew is likely to be deployed on Kingfisher's luxurious flights to Europe and US. Deccan, which Vijay Mallya will fly as an economy carrier to nearby regions like Gulf and southeast Asia, is unlikely to have foreign cabin crew to keep cost low.
"We will be hiring cabin crew from some countries where we plan to fly to ensure a multi-lingual staff for passenger convenience. Europe will be among the places where we will scout for talent," said sources in the Kingfisher-Deccan combine.
01/04/08 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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PermaLink Now with Kingfisher all set to fly abroad on Deccan's licence, the combine decided to apply for foreign cabin crew under the latter's name. "The DGCA has officially told Deccan it can fly abroad and therefore to prepare for the same, it can logically be allowed to hire foreign cabin crew. Currently, Jet and Air India are allowed to hire expat cabin crew as they fly abroad," said sources. Mallya had recently said, "If the clearance (to fly abroad) is for Deccan and if Deccan changes its name to Kingfisher, then understandably the same applies to Kingfisher."
Industry sources said the expat crew is likely to be deployed on Kingfisher's luxurious flights to Europe and US. Deccan, which Vijay Mallya will fly as an economy carrier to nearby regions like Gulf and southeast Asia, is unlikely to have foreign cabin crew to keep cost low.
"We will be hiring cabin crew from some countries where we plan to fly to ensure a multi-lingual staff for passenger convenience. Europe will be among the places where we will scout for talent," said sources in the Kingfisher-Deccan combine.
01/04/08 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
International pilot academy at Ryan Airfield files for bankruptcy
Tucson, Arizona: A Tucson-area pilot-training school has filed for bankruptcy, citing at least $1 million owed to creditors.
The International Airline Training Academy, which trains hundreds of students per year at its Ryan Airfield facility, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last week.
Pima County Superior Court documents had showed the company owing about $1 million to Bank of America for business loans, and has been sued in the past for failing to pay a vendor for services.
In mid-2003, IATA moved its operations to Ryan from Glendale Municipal Airport, purchasing a building and 18 planes from KLM and leasing the land from the Tucson Airport Authority.
31/03/08 Jack Gillum/Arizona Daily Star, USA
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PermaLink The International Airline Training Academy, which trains hundreds of students per year at its Ryan Airfield facility, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last week.
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Indian student pilots at US local school demand refunds
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The academy's attorney, Scott Gibson, blamed bad contracts with Chinese airlines amid rising costs for fuel and to pay instructors.Read Also:
Indian student pilots at US local school demand refunds
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Pima County Superior Court documents had showed the company owing about $1 million to Bank of America for business loans, and has been sued in the past for failing to pay a vendor for services.
In mid-2003, IATA moved its operations to Ryan from Glendale Municipal Airport, purchasing a building and 18 planes from KLM and leasing the land from the Tucson Airport Authority.
31/03/08 Jack Gillum/Arizona Daily Star, USA
Flying tests should be conducted on aircraft available in India
DGCA has again made it clear again that it will issue Indian pilot’s licences on the basis of licences issued by other Contracting States only if the aircraft on which the flying tests are done areavailable and registered in India.
The latest flight crew licencing circular (FCLC NO. 2 of 2008, dated 24th March 2008) says that as per aircraft rules 1937 all flying tests including cross country tests for issue of Indian pilot License/ conversion of foreign pilot license shall be :-
which endorsement on Indian pilot license is not requested. And sometimes the flying test reports are not submitted in appropriate performa.
31/03/08 DGCA
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PermaLink The latest flight crew licencing circular (FCLC NO. 2 of 2008, dated 24th March 2008) says that as per aircraft rules 1937 all flying tests including cross country tests for issue of Indian pilot License/ conversion of foreign pilot license shall be :-
- carried out on aircraft type available and registered in India.
- carried out on the same type of aircraft which is to be included in the Aircraft rating of the pilot license;
- carried out only after pilot under test has passed the written examination in aircraft and engine on the type to be included in the aircraft rating of a pilot’s Indian license. The written examination shall be valid on the date of flying tests as well as on the date of application in DGCA.
- submitted on the flying test performa prescribed by DGCA India and shall be duly authenticated by the Instructor/ designated representative of State Regulatory Authority.
which endorsement on Indian pilot license is not requested. And sometimes the flying test reports are not submitted in appropriate performa.
31/03/08 DGCA
Procedure for ratification of flight crew medical certification
DGCA has published a Flight Crew Licencing Circular (FCLC NO. 3 of 2008, Dated 25th March 2008) to explain the Procedure for ratification of medical certification of flight crew. The circualr says, to maintain currency of medical assessment in respect of various categories of pilot licences, the medical examinations may
be conducted up to four weeks in advance of the due date. However, at times, due
various reasons, the medical examination may not be conducted within the validity
period and the applicant in such cases is normally required to undergo a fresh
medical. In situations where the medical is conducted within a period of two years of
the last medical examination, the procedure to be followed is given in detail in the circular.
31/03/08 DGCA
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PermaLink be conducted up to four weeks in advance of the due date. However, at times, due
various reasons, the medical examination may not be conducted within the validity
period and the applicant in such cases is normally required to undergo a fresh
medical. In situations where the medical is conducted within a period of two years of
the last medical examination, the procedure to be followed is given in detail in the circular.
31/03/08 DGCA