With the entry of high tech & multi role Aircraft, automated & manufactured by same manufacturers as that of Passenger Aircraft (Fixed Wing & Helicopters) joining fleets of Air-force, Naval Aviation and Army Aviation, Defence Pilots are as ready & competent as Civilian Pilots.
Further, as they too fly into common air space except for the notified Exercise Area they are equally ready & competent to fly in Civil Air Traffic controlled air spaces, unlike 1980-90s era Civil Aviation set up which was totally new for them.
Similarly, Defence Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers too are as ready & competent as Civilian AMEs and ATCOs unlike 1980-90s era Civil Aviation set up which was totally new for them; as AMEs too are maintaining same/similar or rather better aircraft than passenger aircraft and in case of ATCOs not only are exposed to Civil air traffic management system but also defence tactical procedures too. As many most operational Airports in India are under Control of Air-force and Navy. Defence ATCOs & Radar ATCOs too are trained at CATC (Civil Aviation Training College), Allahabad alongwith Civilian ATCOs & Radar ATCOs.
My last Blog Indian Aviation Sector seek revival: PCBMs,Regulatory & Structural corrections to Airlines operations,a Must! listed out key fixed cost heads that heavily burden the Airlines operating cost are Salaries of Pilots & Engineers.
Looking at CAGR of Aviation Sector globally and india being the highest potential market for growth, there is need to look at following :
a. Lateral entry of Defence Pilots who are retiring after serving as short service commissioned or permanent commissioned officer. They should be issued with Temporary Flying License for a period of 5 year as per the eligibility criteria for various license and basis of Aircraft AUW (All up weight) category flown with full privileges of particular license. These Pilots would be required to pass written examination with in 5 years, failing which License is automatically canceled. This will meet requirement of Commanders and Co-Pilots for Airlines and even Instructors for flying clubs/academies.
b. Lateral entry of Defence AMEs who are retiring after serving as short service commissioned or permanent commissioned officer. They should be issued with Temporary AME License for a period of 5 year as per the eligibility criteria for various license and basis of type of Aircraft category maintained, with full privileges of particular license. These AMEs would be required to pass written examination with in 5 years, failing which License is automatically canceled. This will meet requirement of Chief of Maintenance, QCM and line AMEs for Airlines/flying clubs/academies.
c. Lateral entry of Defence ATCOs who are retiring after serving as short service commissioned or permanent commissioned officer. They should be issued with Temporary ATCOs & Radar Control ATCOs License for a period of 5 year as per the eligibility criteria for various license with full privileges of particular license. These ATCOs would be required to pass written examination with in 5 years, failing which License is automatically canceled. This will meet requirement of WSOs, Radar ATCOs and duty ATCOs for various Airports.
These measures will create a big pool of talent for Indian & global Aviation Sector and would enable Airlines to rationalise Salaries of Pilots & Engineers and Airport Operators would be able to meet shortage of ATCOs and Radar ATCOs at reasonable cost.
Aviation Technology of defence forces in terms of type of aircraft, aircraft operations and maintenance have gone through revolutionary alignment with Civil aviation wherein Engine type, Aircraft type, manufacturers and role of Aircraft have come very close to-gather rather defence aircrafts are better automated, better equipped and multi role in performance and simultaneously the Maintenance practices and & competency needs.
In addition to above, Indian Coast Guard and BSF too have large number of Aviation Professionals retiring each year, even they may be eligible for same privileges.
These measures can work wonder in setting things right for making Civil Aviation sector ready for exponential growth through optimizing Airline Operating Cost making Airline a viable Business Model, in post COVID Scenario.
Author: Vipul Saxena can be reached on Twitter: @saxenavipul64
Credit and Source: Republished with permission from Author
https://myreviewmytake.co.in/2020/07/21/airline-operations-can-be-a-viable-business-model-a-new-road-map/
