Andhra Pradesh

The sky is opening up

R. Ravikanth Reddy

Flying high in the sky is a dream for many kids but rarely is this dreams realised. Financial constraints apart lack of opportunities to learn keep many youngsters from zooming away in the Boeings and airbuses or jets and Mirages. But the open sky policy of the Government has opened the skies for private operators.

Careers in the aviation industry are among the top 100 most attractive job options available. As several national and international carriers now zoom past the clouds the opportunities too have literally touched sky for ambitious youngsters looking for careers in aviation sector whether its on the flying side, technical, or hospitality or administration. The aerospace and aviation industry offers a multitude of challenging careers for pilots, engineers, scientists, mechanics, teachers, researchers, designers and other professionals. Aviation-related opportunities abound in manufacturing, air traffic control and air safety.

Indian Air Force was one of the few options available in the country while the rich preferred to study abroad.

There are only a few institutes in the country that are now offering courses in the aviation sector given the huge costs involved and qualified technical professionals.

But as the opportunities are growing demand for the institutes too are increasing day by day.

The Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy is one such institute that offers a multitude of courses at every level for those interesting in making careers in the skies or related to aviation on the ground.

Courses offered are:

Private pilot licence course

The course offers flight training right from abinitio level to private pilot licence. The 3 to 6-month course gives 60 hours of flying time. Completion of this program licences a person to become a pilot in command of a single engine aircraft carrying passengers or cargo.

Commercial pilot licence course

An 18-month course that offers an in-depth study of aerodynamics, weight and balance control, advanced aircraft systems, aviation regulation, manoeuvres and high performance aircraft training. This course requires 250 hours of flying. A commercial pilot licence holder can become captain of a single engine aircraft. This licence issued is valid internationally. He can be employed as a pilot in government and civil airlines or in private airline companies. He is also eligible to become an officer under Ministry of Civil Aviation and has a host of career opportunities.

Instrument rating course

This course includes instrument navigation, instrument cross-country flight and instrument emergency procedures. It provides skills necessary for flying in instrument meteorological conditions or in the clouds. It equips a pilot with precision flying skills in an increasingly complex air traffic system.

Multi-engine rating course

The course covers aerodynamics, systems, and procedures. The focus is on multi-engine air work and single engine operation of a conventional twin-engine airplane. It will give pilots a host of practical skills and equip them with a thorough knowledge of aircraft systems.

Assistant flight instructor course

It covers various theories of instruction and advanced teaching methodologies combined with real flight instruction.

The academy also offers Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) courses and the certificates are recognised and valid in India and abroad. The courses - training in aircraft maintenance engineering (mechanical) and training in aircraft maintenance engineering (avionics) consist of two-and-half years of theoretical, demonstrative classes and practical training followed by six months of unpaid apprenticeship.

The extensive syllabus is as laid down by DGCA guidelines specified to meet civil airworthiness requirements. On successful completion of the courses, licence will be issued by DGCA. Aircraft maintenance engineers can join national airline companies, the burgeoning private airline enterprises, corporate houses, flying clubs and also take up jobs in government organisations.

The academy also proposes to start airhostess and flight purser courses shortly.

Managing Director of the Academy Y. Prabhakar Reddy says the students will be equipped to excel in all areas of aerospace technology under the guidance of gifted and caring instructors. He says the Centre offers scholarships for SC and ST students and they can take advantage of the facilities. Those interested can contact on 040-27762377, 040-55502045. Check www.rgaviation.com for more details.

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