Pilot training for Saudis in India

Jeddah: Nujum Aviation, based in the southwestern Indian city of Bangalore, offers a package pilot training program to Indians, non-resident Indians as well as Saudis and other foreign nationals.
Capt. K.M. Gaffar, chairman and managing director of Nujum, said those enrolled in the program would receive 200 hours of pilot training and 350 hours of ground training. The company, a joint venture with ITL Tours & Travels, has 11 aircraft of varying sizes and advanced training facilities.
Nujum has an overseas training center in Northam, Australia. He said the package includes travel, accommodation, food and an aviation license issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He added that the academy has been registered with the ministry.
Students who have completed higher secondary education with science as a major are qualified to join the program. Non-science students can apply to the National Institute of Open School for the bridge course that will help them meet the requirements. Gaffar, a pilot himself, said the academy has plans to provide training for air-ambulance and chartered passenger and cargo flights. Non-Indians would require an extra three months to process their papers.
The period for obtaining a commercial pilot license is 10 months.
16/03/10 PK Abdul Ghafour/ Arab News, Saudi Arabia