'IGRUA to be a world-class pilot training academy'

Mumbai, Sep 30: To overcome shortage of pilots, the government-run Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA) is set to undergo a major revamp and upgradation.

Civil aviation minister Praful Patel said today the government will soon invite major global aviation players in flight training to manage the IGRUA.

Eventually, the IGRUA -- which is now registered as a society -- will be converted into a company so that a joint venture partner with equity participation can also be brought in.

This is pursuant to a decision taken by the board of IGRUA governors September 22. Notices inviting expressions of interest from major international players have since been issued by the ministry of civil aviation.

Mr Patel said this will lead to the training of a far greater number of pilots than that is currently produced by the academy.

The output will go up from the current level of 40 pilots a year to more than 200 pilots a year.

This will also be on account of the reduction in total training time taken at the IGRUA which is being brought down from the present two years duration to about one year. The training will also include simulator training so that once a pilot passes out of the academy he can be absorbed directly into an airline.

Meanwhile, the government has acquired six new trainer aircraft and plans to pump in close to Rs 60 crore for modernisation and upgradation of existing infrastructure and other facilities. The government will also be forthcoming in further increasing facilities if the requirement arise by means of equity or funding, said Mr Patel.

At a meeting held with all domestic airlines recently, the minister asked them to provide their instructors on a rotational basis to overcome the current shortage.

UNI