'High tech modular aircraft will minimize manual maintenance'

Pune, May 31 (UNI) Air Chief Marshal F H Major today said the induction of new aircraft will minimise manual maintenance as the systems are more modular and there is a built-in snag detection.

Talking to the press after the Passing-out-Parade (PoP) of the 112th course, the Air Chief while replying to a query that air accidents largely happen due to human error said, ''There have been cases where pilots have made errors but there have also been technical faults. There is more focus on trainings while the maintenance will be minimized due to the modular systems and by IMMOL. The computer system within the aircraft will detect snags, making maintenance easier. Besides, even inventories are managed in a scientific manner, making the system more efficient,'' adding that it is going to be seen soon with the introdution of HAWKS and the Light Combat Aircraft.

To a query about the weaponisation of Air-Space, the Air Chief dismissed the question saying that India has no such policy.

About moving squadrons from one place to another in view of conflicting interests with civil aviation, the Air Chief made it clear that no such compulsions exist. ''We move squadrons as per the operational imperative and nothing else but we do realise the need for working with the civil aviation closely,'' the Air Chief said.

He informed that 20 air fields were being shared with civil aviation in the country and efforts were on to integrate the civilian and air force radars. ''We have always been flexible and realise the need to share air space with civil aviation. Recently, a MOU has been signed where by Air Force pilots can be absorbed in the civil aviation as they have great talent and can fly upto 65 years of age in the civil sector,'' he said.

UNI