Trainee pilots await HAL nod

Bangalore: The Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur is anxiously waiting for Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) to give the green light to carry out training operations. The decision by HAL will decide the fate of 17 students training at the school. It may be recalled that recently the state government had asked the school authorities to suspend operations on security grounds after the elevated expressway on the adjacent National Highway was found to obstruct flights.

GFTS director Naveen Raj Singh said, “The state government has asked us to shift training operations to HAL airport. We are in touch with the airport authorities, and once they give the green light, we will shift operations. We will use HAL airport only for flight training. The remaining activities like classes will continue to be held at the Jakkur premises.

GFTS started its operations in 1950. The state government built infrastructure for the school spread across 214 acres of land. The school offers training towards obtaining commercial pilot’s licence (CPL) and private pilot’s licence (PPL). CPL requires 200 hours of flight training, while PPL needs 40 hours of flying.
19/06/14 Suchith Kidiyoor/Bangalore Mirror