Pilot Scarcity is Acute!

BizAvIndia (BAI): Is the pilot scarcity more with business aviation (BA) and general aviation (GA) and less with the commercial airlines (scheduled operators)? Can you elaborate on this?

Colonel Sanjay Julka (Julka): Yes, scarcity is more in GA/BA because scheduled airlines have bigger planes and therefore is a preferred place. Also, the younger generation want to join airlines to pick up hours as airlines pilots fly at an average 125 hours, compared to 30 hours in GA/BA.

BAI: What are the factors contributing to this kind of scarcity?

Julka: Growth in number of aircraft not supported by growth in number of pilots. Regulations archiac in nature and therefore training takes longer than normal. Bureaucratic delays in getting clearances. Regulatory and tax structure does not support opening up of ground or air training organisations in India.

BAI: Can you indicate on as to how old the rule is, which forces the operators to opt for a pilot with 100 flying hours. Which in turn complicates the usage of a second type or a third type of aircraft but part of the fleet of the same operating company? Why is this continuing while as you say that there is no such restriction in the other countries?

Julka: The 100-hour rule is not followed by any country. I suppose it’s as old as the advent of simulators but this would need clarification.

Indian pilots in general are safer than foreign pilots mainly from situational awareness point of view

BAI: Even if we get a cream (top-end in terms of experience and endurance) out of foreign pilots’ fraternity, there are a few associated issues apart from the language-based issues? Can you elaborate them a little?

Julka: Accent of ATC personnel and foreign pilots.

BAI: Isn’t there any technological solution to languagebased issues associated with a foreign pilot?

Julka: Yes, practice.

BAI: Is the attrition rate of pilots high with non-scheduled operators/BA & GA? If so, why?

Julka: It is the same as I said in the beginning.

BAI: In your view, how would one compare the foreign pilots versus Indian pilots specifically in terms of security and safety?

Julka: My views are endorsed by many. Indian pilots, in general, are relatively safer than foreign pilots mainly from ‘situational awareness’ point of view.

BAI: What all solutions would you like to list down to address pilots’ concerns/scarcity?

Julka: Revamp all regulations and bring them at par with world standard practices. Involve and encourage private players to open training schools and academies. Liberalise tax policies on training infrastructure and equipment import.