State set to get four new flying training centres

In a move that could pave the way for career opportunities for the youth in the civil aviation sector...

In a move that could pave the way for career opportunities for the youth in the civil aviation sector, the state has mooted a proposal of setting up private civil aviation centres under the Public Private Partnership PPP mode.

By opening up four domestic airstrips, at Pinjore, Karnal, Narnaul and Bhiwani, to the private sector, the state government expects participation from the private parties in providing flying training to the interested candidates. Expressions of Interest EOI have already been invited, last date for which is October 20. The interested parties would be given a project briefing on October 6.

Giving the information, M Ramshekhar, adviser, civil aviation, said, 8220;By leasing out the airstrips, we intend to put them to multifarious use, wherein private companies will provide flying training, besides operating and maintaining the airstrips. They will also act as competitors to the existing flying clubs, managed by the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation HICA, and provide those interested with more choice.8221;

The department of civil aviation has decided that the parties interested in operating these airstrips as private flying training academies would have to pay Rs 10 lakh as the annual license fee and Rs 8,000 to 10,000 per month per aircraft as operation charge, depending on the aircraft8217;s weight. Charges for built-up hanger or office space would be Rs 500 per square metre annually.

Ramshekhar further said, 8220;The players will have a right to use the airfield but only temporary structures will be allowed to be built on the airfield, that too after they pay the due charges.8221;

Even at the flying clubs at Hisar, Karnal and Pinjore, the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation is making efforts to spruce up the infrastructure. 8220;Two new Cessna 172 aircrafts have been bought for Hisar and Karnal aviation clubs. The one deployed at Hisar club is an advanced version with glass cockpit and has been given to us by the Aero Club of India. We are also recruiting new instructors for these flying clubs as we are short of pilot instructors,8221; said Ramshekhar.

8220;On an average about 30-50 candidates undergo flying training at these clubs. The government has also been subsidising the expenditure incurred by HICA by granting about Rs 40-45 lakh per annum, apart from the internal funds,8221; he added.