Centre lines up plans to tackle pilots146; shortage

Faced with an acute shortage of pilots in the country, the Civil Aviation Ministry is lining up a slew of long-term measures to tackle the problem.

Faced with an acute shortage of pilots in the country, the Civil Aviation Ministry is lining up a slew of long-term measures to tackle the problem. Top on the agenda is reviving 15-odd flying schools which have become defunct over the years.

8220;There was a low phase in the aviation industry, which led to many flying schools becoming unoperational. We are trying to revive these flying schools, which are being selected through the Aero Club of India,8221; Civil Aviation Secretary Ajay Prasad said. 8220;We will provide trainer aircraft to these institutes. Also, we have got a grant sanctioned from the Planning Commission in this year8217;s budget for this purpose,8221; he added.

Admitting that measures like allowing airlines to recruit foreign pilots and allowing pilots to fly till the age of 65 years were more in the 8220;fire-fighting8221; nature, Prasad said the government was alive to the need of having a larger pool of trained manpower.

8220;The capacity at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy at Fursatganj has been increased from 30 cadets per year to 50. The capacity will be increased to 100 cadets by October 2007,8221; Prasad said. He also stated that International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO was going to debate a new 8220;compressed8221; curriculum for pilot training so as to increase the output of flying schools in Montreal this year and if it was approved, India would adopt it.

Prasad also expressed his willingness to take pilots retiring from the IAF to plug the gap between demand and supply of pilots.

Meanwhile, work on the modernisation of 35 non-metro airports is likely to get a major thrust with the Civil Aviation Ministry likely to invite Expressions of Interest EoI from private players for the city-side non-aeronautical development works shortly. 8220;The techno-feasibility reports for 25 of these airports have already been submitted and reports for the remaining 10 airports are likely to come in by October 15. We will invite Expressions of Interest from interested parties after that,8221; Prasad said.

8216;ASEAN Open Sky system a choice8217;

NEW DELHI: The Indian Government is considering a suggestion by ASEAN nations to become a member of the Open Sky system these nations are planning to evolve among themselves. 8220;ASEAN nations are planning an Open Sky policy between their national capitals. Although no formal offer has been made, suggestions have come that India could be a part of the policy. We are examining the proposal and a formal decision may be announced at the ASEAN summit in November,8221; Prasad said on Tuesday. India8217;s airline industry could benefit significantly if the government decides in favour of joining the ASEAN nations8217; plan. 8212;ENS