Expat pilots get extension

New Delhi: In a move that has ramifications across India's booming aviation sector, the government has extended the tenure of foreign pilots from one to three years. This will temporarily help tide over the crisis of pilot shortage.
"India's dependency on foreign pilots," says Kanu Gohain, D-G, DGCA, "will continue till such time as Indian pilots achieve type rating in adequate numbers."
According to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), India has 256 aircraft with around 2,100 pilots. Over 300 are estimated to be foreign commanders. In the next five years, India would need an additional 2,500-3,000 pilots. Of these, over 70% will have to be foreign pilots.
30/07/06 Shobha John/Times of India

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