Can India be a global training hub for aviation?
India is the fastest growing aviation market but the new Civil Aviation Policy doesn’t have anything specific on flying schools. Wanna fly? Ensure a smooth take-off
By Shobha John, TNN |
At 25% annual growth, India is the fastest growing aviation market. But is it doing anything to become a global training centre for the industry? The answer is no. The new Civil Aviation Policy doesn’t have anything specific on flying schools.
"There are no plans to revive defunct schools as it depends on the promoter," says Ashok Chawla, secretary, civil aviation. "But we’re actively pushing for places where new flying schools can be started and by people who’re genuinely interested in it as a professional venture, rather than as a hobby, as it was earlier."
Meanwhile, the US, Canada, Australia and Europe are far ahead of us. Capt Jugal Sharma (name changed), sent his son to Vancouver for flying and says, "Most Indian flying schools are teaching shops. Though more costly, almost Rs 25 lakh, I preferred to send my son to Canada, where not only does he get to do all kinds of flying , but his textbook training is more rigorous. Plus, he gets his licence faster."
Indian flying schools, says Mark D Martin, senior advisor, KPMG, need to break away from the age-old flying club model. "They need to raise their bar of training, think globally and adapt to international standards, instead of just being centres for logging flying hours." And they could, if they follow these guidelines:
Upgrade infrastructure
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Most flying schools have Cessna 152s, which hardly compare with airline jets. "Schools should invest in advanced training planes with semi-glass cockpits, retractable landing gear, weather radars and which are capable of flying over 7,500 ft with speeds between 120-160 knots," says Martin. Cessnas fly at 70-100 knots. World-class instructors
"In India, it’s easier to get planes than good instructors," says Kapil Kaul, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. And how many have instructors who’re genuine educationists? Some don’t even allow the student to fly and log in the hours themselves, say insiders.
Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)
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It’s a term that defines how the men in the cockpit should behave: The commander and co-pilot are a team, so ego issues should be kept at bay. Though basic functioning between the two is laid down in India, softer interpersonal issues too should be dealt with. Martin says, "Usually, there are differences in age, training backgrounds and ways of functioning. The basic values of CRM should be inculcated at the flying school itself for more proficient pilots." Get established players
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Why can’t Boeing, Airbus or reputed flying schools abroad become stakeholders in schools here? That’s likely to happen soon, predicts Kaul. IGRUA, for instance, is already in the process of getting a foreign management partner running flying academies, says director S C Malhan. Some states such as Uttar Pradesh have come out with a policy where flying schools can be started wherever there are airstrips. "Half-a dozen are expected to come up in the state," says Chawla. "In future, we expect 15-20 business savvy schools to come up in India." Much also depends on whether the foreign direct investment limit of 49% will be raised, he adds. A decision is likely soon.
Aviation universities
This is an idea whose time has come. Most big universities in the US have their own flying schools, says Martin. "Many," says Capt Jack Ekl, chief pilot, SpiceJet, who was in South West Airlines for around 22 years, "are big airports in themselves, complete with runways and 30 40 planes. They can teach cadets to fly anything from single-engine planes to jets. Some are run by airlines like Delta Airlines. And instructors are dedicated professionals." Spicejet has a tie up with an academy in Arizona for teaching 60 students and one in Vancouver for 30-40 pilots.
Marry theory with flying
At present, the two are taught separately by different establishments. "It’s imperative to have theoretical lessons alongside practical flying for a holistic education. This should be made mandatory," says Martin. Is anyone listening?
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