Expat pilots likely to get another year to fly Indian skies
Expat pilots likely to get another year to fly Indian skies
Saurabh Sinha, TNN, Apr 15, 2010, 04.29am IST
NEW DELHI: Caught between the demands of Indian carriers to extend the July 30 deadline for returning 600-odd expat pilots employed with them and the rising number of jobless desi co-pilots, the government may give a final extension of one year for sending back the foreigners. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has got a number of representations from airlines here, who essentially say that their services would be severely affected and many planes grounded if the July 30 deadline is not extended.
The regulator is now learnt to be planning to give one more year subject to condition that airlines ensure career progression of Indian pilots. The idea: Only when desi co-pilots are upgraded to captains, will airlines start hiring the over 3,000 unemployed co-pilots. "We want this to be the final extension and are trying to devise ways to ensure airlines keep their promise. The extension may have to be given as safety cannot be compromised," said a senior official.
On their part, airlines have told DGCA that there is a paucity of experienced Indian commanders. "It is essential to have the right experience level in cockpit for safety reasons. This will be jeopardized if airlines are unable to hire foreign commanders and have to pair newly upgraded Indian commanders with low experienced Indian co-pilots," said an airline official. They have told the regulator that it is essential to have experienced pilots for safe flying in monsoon and winter fog that may not be possible if July 30 deadline is not extended.
"Keeping experienced foreign commanders will allow airlines to recruit Indian co-pilots while still maintaining required safety levels in the cockpit. After recommended training, the fresh recruits can be paired with an experienced commander," said the airline official. In fact some airlines are seeking a three-year extension for retaining expat pilots, something that has not gone down well with the powers that be.
Expat pilots likely to get another year to fly Indian skies - The Times of India
I am pretty sure these extensions will continue for the next couple of years
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