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
