Aviation in any country is usually
divided into Military and Civil Aviation. Military Aviation pertains to Air Force / Army
/ Naval Aviation. Civil Aviation relates to Airlines, corporate and private aircraft,
and Flight School operations.
How does one get into Civil Aviation?
One needs to do Commercial Pilot's
Licence Course from one of the Flight Schools approved by Director General of Civil
Aviation, Government of India. The basic eligibility of this course is 10+2 pass with
physics and mathematics.
What all is covered in this course?
Pilot training in India broadly
requires a student pilot to do 200 hours of flying training on single / multi engine
aircraft and passing of theory subjects of Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Meteorology,
Technical and Radio Telephony. These examinations are conducted by DGCA 4 times in a
year.
What are the facilities available at
Ahmedabad?
AAA, one of the finest flying academy
in India, is located at Ahmedabad International Airport and Mehsana Airfield is one of
the top Flying Schools in India today. It has been functioning since 1994, and has the
distinction of providing over 140 pilots to Indian Aviation industry. AAA has got
Mehsana Airfield from Govt of Gujarat, which has been developed under PPP model, and is
fully functional. AAA is conducting extensive flying training operations from Mehsana
Airfield.
What is the normal duration of the
course?
For getting Commercial Pilot License
in India, the duration depends on the student's ability to pass theory papers. The
course can comfortably be completed in 18 to 24 months.
What are the job opportunities?
The country is facing a shortage of
trained manpower, and the situation is going to be more acute in times to come. It is
predicted that in next 3-5 years, over 1600 pilots would be required for domestic &
international operations.
What is the approximate cost of the
course?
The complete course fee is given in
the web site.
1600 does not seem to be a large
number?
Aviation in India has developed at a
snails pace in the past. We are far behind in numbers of pilots and aircraft by world
standards. Take for example Canada, which has 1/3 of India's population. There are about
58,000 licenced civil pilots in Canada, compared to India's less than 6,000. U.S. &
Germany have much more. Even Pakistan has more pilots than us today. With the industry
looking up, we have a large requirement coming up.
What is current & future scenario
of Civil Aviation in India?
India had barely two State controlled
operators till late 80s, having limited resources & destinations. After Government's
open sky policy, number of private operators have come in with world-class services.
They also have undertaken to bring air travel within reach of common man. This has
resulted in a healthy competition, with more airlines starting operations soon. All this
has resulted in large requirement of trained manpower. There is a large business waiting
for regional airlines, and work is already in progress to start these.
Apart from Pilots, which are the other
avenues in Aviation?
A most important component of
Aviation, which is not so well known, is the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. AMEs are the
people who are highly trained on various aircraft systems, and are responsible to
maintain the aircraft in a fit to fly condition. It is an excellent and challenging
career with good remuneration.
How does one become an AME?
The basic eligibility is 10+2 with
PCM. The student has to undergo a 3-year course at an institute approved by DGCA, Govt.
of India. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics has started such an institute, Western
India Institute of Aeronautics, which is Government approved institute.
How long can a person work as a Pilot?
The Govt. allows a person to fly
commercially up to the age of 65 years, subject to being medically fit.
What remuneration can a person expect
as Commercial Pilot?
Airlines in India are paying a
starting salary in excess of Rs.1.5 lac per month.
Can a person who has trained in India
fly abroad?
Your flying hours are protected. If
you wish to migrate then you may have to pass that country's examination and convert
your license. Interestingly, few pilots wish to serve abroad as pilots job in India is
very elite and the pay and perks are much better here.
What if my question is not answered
above?
If you have any further questions you
can talk personally to our counselors or visit our admission cell (C/O Indus Institute
of Technology & Engineering (IITE) Village Rancharda, Via Thaltej, Shilaj,
Ahmedabad-382115. Gujarat(India).) Mobile : +91-99251 90527 E-mail: info@aaa.co.in
