Self-sufficiency can only be achieved if India recognises the important role general aviation and small business aircraft play in training youth to acquire not just flying expertise but a host of other skills.
Crisp uniform, peak cap and gold stripes on the sleeves, an airline captain striding smartly down the terminal often calls to mind the romance of flying. The thrill of piloting a commercial jet across oceans and continents, transporting hundreds of passengers through all sorts of weather to exotic destinations lures so many into the profession. Such an achievement requires years of professional training, perseverance and experience, which is not easily attained.
In recent years, the dramatic growth of Indian aviation has led to an acute shortage of pilots, compelling airlines to hire expatriate pilots from many countries. On account of the inadequate and limited flight training capability of institutions in India, some have sought expensive and fast track pilot training in overseas locations such as Canada, the US, Australia and the Philippines in order to start careers in commercial aviation back home. Besides flying, there are myriad less well-known but equally lucrative careers in aviation.
Flight Instructor
The severe shortage of pilots in India cannot be remedied for the long term by continually training prospective pilots overseas. India has excellent flying weather conditions for most of the year, except for the monsoon season. Thus, India has the ideal subtropical climate for flight training institutions to attract students from across the world.
An excellent career option for a young pilot looking to gain experience quickly is that of a flight instructor, who teaches students for their Private Pilot Licence or for additional ratings like Instrument Flight and Multi-Engine. To impart ground and flight instruction, practical techniques and manoeuvres, and the wisdom of experience while staying close to home and family is the major advantage. In contrast, the rigorous routine of an airline pilot often means travelling away from home to distant lands for days and weeks on end. The flight instructor also stands to make a higher salary sooner than many commercial pilots since seniority systems of most airlines are structured so that a lucrative salary takes a while to achieve.
Aircraft Maintenance
The backbone of aviation is the maintenance of aircraft. Certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Basic Aircraft Mechanical Engineer’s Certificate are some of the desired positions in the aviation industry today. Airlines in India are currently engaging expatriate engineers and technicians to handle the maintenance of the Boeing and Airbus aircraft as there are simply not enough technical hands in India. Unfortunately, very few locations in India can adequately prepare anyone to become a qualified technician although several institutions have come into existence every year. A well-trained senior engineer/technician can earn salaries comparable to a pilot.
