Aviation academy to expand operations

The proposed academy complex of the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RGAAT), the only pilot training institution in the State, is aimed at enabling the State-owned institution to expand its operations, launch new courses, and provide world class training to the future pilots.

The Rs.9-crore academy complex is coming adjacent to the new international terminal of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Air India's Aircraft Maintenance Base at Chakka in the 2.71 acres of land provided by the government. At present, the academy has no hangar to park the four aircraft as it had been demolished for the development of the new international terminal.

The 22,000 sq.ft. complex will have a hangar, which can accommodate eight single engine aircraft and one twin-engine aircraft, a fuel store and four-storeyed academy building. On completion, the complex would have all modern facilities and even a swimming pool, Minister for Forests and Sports and Chairman of Academy K.B. Ganesh Kumar said. The BSNL Engineering wing had been entrusted with the work.

Apart from pilot training and practical training in aircraft maintenance engineering, the RGAAT has plans to commence Full Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course, B.Sc. Aviation course for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) & AME, Cabin Crew Training and Flight Despatcher course. Talks are on with the University of Kerala and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to offer degree to students.

The academy that functioned out of the premier international airport of the State needed its own airstrip so that intense flying training could be provided to students, Executive Vice-Chairman V. Thulasidas said. Finance Minister K.M. Mani had announced construction of airstrips in districts that did not have airport in the 2012-13 budget.

Once these airstrips are built, the RGAAT is of the view that their requirement of intense flying can be achieved.

The main courses offered are Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and CPL. At present, there are 37 students for pilot training and 12 of them have already acquired PPL, with another four becoming eligible for PPL shortly. Six have completed the examinations and have acquired eligibility for CPL. In addition, 20 are undergoing practical training in aircraft maintenance engineering.

The Academy has three Cessna 172 R aircraft, including a modern glass cockpit aircraft provided by the Aero Club of India. Aero Club is to provide a single engine light sports aircraft (CTLS) also to the academy, which has already reached the country. The academy has decided to add one more Cessna 172 R aircraft with the funds provided by the government in the budget for 2011-12.

Steps had been taken to increase the number of instructors. The academy is to procure a twin engine aircraft at a cost of Rs.6 crore.

Experience on a twin engine aircraft after CPL will help students passing out of the academy for getting employment in airline companies.

SOURCE