Air Force enables pilots to join Pawan Hans

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force and Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd (PHHL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) enabling IAF to share its expertise in operations with Pawan Hans. Under the agreed terms and conditions, helicopter pilots nearing the end of their flying career in IAF for induction into Pawan Hans. The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal LK Malhotra, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) on behalf of IAF and Shri GP Srivastava, GM(P&HRD) for Pawan Hans.
This would ensure Pawan Hans, India’s leading helicopter service provider, benefits from the extensive operation experience of IAF pilots. At the same time, it will offer a second career option to IAF helicopter pilots would be able to utilize their flying skills even after their career in IAF. The accrued training and expertise of IAF pilots nearing the end of their terms of service would therefore be effectively harnessed in furtherance of the national cause.
AVM LK Malhotra, who signed the MoU on behalf of IAF said during the ceremony “the MoU will enable IAF pilots to get opportunity for growth and a longer, fruitful second career upto 65 years of age…”.
Shri RK Tyagi, CMD of Pawan Hans Ltd mentioned that Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd is looking forward for a massive fleet expansion as well as to enter new areas of operation such as inter and intra city transportation besides setting up a state of art maintenance center and also new helicopters at Delhi, Mumbai and other viable areas. It is understood that PHHL is poising for acquiring new helicopters during next financial year for which requirement of more qualified pilots is paramount.
15/02/08 Press Information Bureau