Govt, airlines to address pilot shortage

Mumbai: As shortage of commercial pilots has started thwarting the expansion plans of the domestic airlines, the government and companies are gearing up to meet the challenge. With the airlines adding more than 300 aircraft over three to five years, the country needs 3500 additional pilots.
The government is trying to mitigate the shortage by providing additional training slots. Also, airlines are planning their own training houses, backed by the latest technology, including aircraft simulators.
“The government has delegated powers to the DGCA to allow foreign pilots for a period not exceeding 12 weeks with an Indian pilot for training. This will facilitate training Indian pilots for type endorsement on the particular aircraft,” a government official said.
Industry analysts said this would accelerate training procedures for co-pilots to do his route check and certification.
30/08/06 P R Sanjai/Business Standard

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