IAF pilots to get job in Pawan Hans after retirement

New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) Retiring Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter pilots will now have another stint in the skies with India's leading chopper service provider -- the Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited (PHHL) -- all set to recruit them.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between the IAF and the PHHL at Air Headquarters here.

The agreement would enable the IAF to share its expertise in operations with Pawan Hans. Under the agreed terms and conditions, helicopter pilots nearing the end of their flying career in the IAF for induction into Pawan Hans.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) Air Vice Marshal L K Malhotra and Mr G P Srivastava signed signed the MoU on behalf of the IAF and the Pawan Hans respectively.

This would ensure Pawan Hans benefits from the extensive operation experience of the IAF pilots.

At the same time, it would offer a second career option to the IAF helicopter pilots. They would be able to utilise their flying skills even after their career in the IAF.

The accrued training and expertise of IAF pilots nearing the end of their terms of service would therefore be effectively harnessed in furtherance of the national cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Fali Major said the signing of this MoU was indicative of the IAF's commitment to growth of aviation in the country - be it civil or military.

The MoU would not only promote mutual benefits to both the organisations but also prove a milestone for Indian Aviation.

Air Vice Marshal Malhotra said the MoU would enable the IAF pilots to get an opportunity for growth and a longer, fruitful second career up to 65 years of age.

Similarly, Pawan Hans would also be benefited by augmenting their strength of qualified pilots, he said, adding the inclusive human resources policies of the IAF would yield positive results for overall growth of aviation in the country.

Pawan Hans CMD R K Tyagi said his company was looking forward for a massive fleet expansion as well as to enter new areas of operation such as inter and intra city transportation besides setting up a state-of-the-art maintenance centre and also new helicopters at Delhi, Mumbai and other viable areas.

Pawan Hans is understood to acquire new helicopters during the next financial year, thus making the requirement of more qualified pilots paramount.

UNI AG VD KN1827