IAF Pilots for AI, MoU Signed: Fali Major

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The Indian Air Force will soon outsource pilots to the national carrier Air India -- under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding the IAF will release 15 to 20 pilots to help AI tide over the acute shortage it has been facing.

Announcing this today, newly-annointed IAF Chief Fali Homi Major told mediapersons here that the IAF would relieve some of its pilots for permanent absorption in Air India -- which faces a shortfall of 118 pilots.

In his first Media Interaction since assuming office on March 31, Air Chief Marshal Major -- in a clear softening of the earlier IAF rigidity -- said the IAF would release 15 to 20 pilots at regular intervals to join the civil flying stream in the national carrier Air India.

''It will be a second career for our pilots and the scheme would commence soon,'' said ACM Major.

''We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air India under which we will be releasing 15 to 20 pilots to be absorbed in the national carrier....'' Unveiling the plans to release fighter, transport and helicopter pilots, the Air Chief, however, ruled out allowing IAF pilots to join private airlines. ''The MoU is with AI only, the national carrier....'' In the past, the IAF has stoutly resisted efforts by its pilots to leave the force for greener pastures in the civilian sector. Of an estimated 200 to 300 pilots who sought release, only a handful were permitted to leave.

According to IAF top-brass, the pilots to be released for AI service would range from Group Captains to Air Vice Marshals -- with experience ranging from 3,000 flying hours to 4,000 flying hours.

''The release of pilots would depend on the numbers available...

It can go as high as 30 to 40 in a year or nothing,'' said the IAF Chief adding that the release of pilots could be made quarterly, half-yearly and annually -- depending on their availability.

''If we feel we are comfortable, we may spare more,'' he said observing that before their release the pilots would undergo two to three months training to acquaint them with civil airliners.

UNI