Sky is the limit for ISB students

Students at the Indian School of Business (ISB) may well turn out to be jet-setting management professionals who also know how to fly. Amid their grinding academic schedules, many of these budding professionals are taking flying lessons from a fellow-student who happens to be a training instructor.

The student���s initiative, called Hi-Flier , is reckoned to be a stress buster and comes without a fee. Their instructor is none other than an ex-serviceman of the Army Aviation Corps ��� Lieutenant Colonel Gourav Ray. He is now pursuing an MBA and finds it easy to groom his peers.

���I always cherished flying and wanted to share this extraordinary experience with my batch mates too��� said Ray. Students can take a full package without having to shell a penny from their pockets. So what is the package? An on-ground capsule session covering descriptions of the flight instruments, procedures, air regulations, terminology and the basics of the Cessna aircraft.

Initial sessions focus on giving a pilot���s perspective to the students. They also identify the risks and hazards involved in flying. Armed with the basics, they would move on to a simulation flying session.

The more courageous students can then take to the skies. Ray���s efforts are being complemented by the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy which is providing the infrastructure support. ���I did not want to limit the experience to a joy ride.

They will gain experience in flying , but will not get a pilot���s licence��� , Ray said. A spokesperson of ISB said the response from students to Hi-Fliers was overwhelming. ���It is a one of its kind experience that students are enjoying. The intensive schedule at ISB has not deterred them from participating in this initiative,��� she said.

Currently, 60 students have undergone the training and will be airborne by the end of the academic year. Two to three students are trained every week. ���I was always passionate about flying. Thanks to ���Hi-fliers��� , I had the experience of flying over the campus as well. These sessions also act as a good stress reliever,��� said Vaidhyanathan Ramani , a student.

The B-school is now hoping to enroll more professionals from the air-force . Of course, they will have to qualify in the exams to double up as students and instructors.