Latest news with #DGCA
New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
All-weather condition: DGCA says will begin new training module for pilots
NEW DELHI: To ensure enhanced safety for flyers and meet the expected demand for pilots in the future, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to give the green light to an internationally recognised pilot training programme. The process of introducing Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training with advanced flight simulators is under way. Speaking to this newspaper, the DGCA director general Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said, 'MPL, recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, differs from the traditional Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Training based on single pilot operations. This will focus on the development of pilot competencies required to operate in multi-crew environments right from the start. It will integrate theory and simulator training to ensure that pilots are better prepared for the commercial aviation industry.' The hours spent on the flight simulators would be added to the required flying hours of the pilots, he added. Loss of control in flight is reported as the leading cause of fatal accidents in airlines. 'In MPL, entry-level first officers will benefit through a specially-designed programme that imparts lessons on managing and mitigation of airline-specific operations and threats that have been collated over decades,' Kidwai said. There are over 38 simulators presently in India and a good number would be purchased for use in MPL, he added. The booming Indian aviation sector will need over 1,700 new pilots annually. 'MPL training will ensure fewer training disruptions that are caused in the traditional method due to bad flying weather and shortage of instructors,' the official said, adding that the new module would also result in a reduced reliance on foreign pilots. By switching to modern simulators, it reduces the exposure of students to the risks of serious and often fatal accidents that happen during the primary flight training phase in the traditional system, he added. Another major benefit is that because of reduced hours spent on the aircraft in MPL training, more cadets would be able to train at Flying Training Organisations, he said.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Obstacles delay DGCA nod for advanced runway lighting system at BPIA
Bhubaneswar: A few coconut trees, a temple and an unauthorised building at Jagamara, close to the boundary and landing area, have turned impediments in getting approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the category-2 runway lighting system at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Airport authorities said the DGCA team found the obstructions unfit to operationalise the instrument landing system (ILS) cat-2 on the runway. BPIA authorities recently surveyed the area jointly with agencies like Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), general administration (GA) department and police. "Several obstructions like trees, electric poles and shops lie on the approach side of runway-14, which infringe on the approach light and obstacle-free zone (OFZ) of the airport. DGCA has pointed out these anomalies. A survey was carried out, and objects were identified. Through a joint survey, an initial assessment was done by a team from Airports Authority of India (AAI), BMC, BDA and GA on May 5," said airport director Prasanna Pradhan. He said the structures have to be demolished or trees have to be cut for installing the lighting. Waiting hours for air passengers will be reduced, and planes can land in low visibility after operationalisation of ILS category-2 lighting along the runway. The system will facilitate the landing of aircraft with low visibility up to 300 metres. The current lighting system (category-1) provides visibility to the runway from 500 m. Airport officials said the new facility was ready before March 31, but for the operational safety of aircraft, DGCA approval is important. Around BPIA, there are residential areas, colonies, apartments, commercial centres, trees, ponds and fish and meat shops. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many are within the permissible limits and don't hamper airport operations. But some facilities close to the runway pose a threat. In the past, many tall trees around the airport, mostly towards Jagamara, Pokhariput and Gandamunda, were either cut or pruned to avoid nesting and providing shelter for birds. Pradhan said a temple in Jagamara has three tall coconut trees and a water body nearby. Work on a third terminal (T3) in BPIA is likely to start soon as the tender process has begun. Senior airport officials, including Pradhan, discussed plans for the new terminal building during a meeting. The proposed terminal (T3) may pave the way for segregated handling of arrivals and departures. BPIA now operates with two terminals — T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international operations.
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Carve your path
I finished Chemistry and am preparing for the UPSC. But I would like to be a pilot. How can I achieve this goal? Unnikrishnan Dear Unnikrishnan, Transitioning from Chemistry to becoming a pilot is achievable but requires a different set of qualifications and training. Balancing the UPSC preparation with flight training will be challenging. You need to create a structured study plan and manage time effectively. Consider prioritising one goal at a time. What about taking the UPSC CDS instead of UPSC CSE with the goal of joining the IAF as a pilot? The standard route for aspiring commercial pilots is to get the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and certification from a DGCA-approved flying school in India. You also need to pass a Class I medical and written examination conducted by the DGCA to obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) before starting flight training. Flight training is expensive and becoming a pilot requires significant dedication and hard work. Visit the DGCA website for detailed information on licensing requirements and speak with experienced pilots to gain insights. Is a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication a good choice for an English Language and Literature graduate? Anjana Dear Anjana, It can be an excellent choice because of the synergy of skills. English Literature provides a strong theoretical foundation in writing, analysis, and critical thinking, which are valued in journalism and mass communication. A deep understanding of language is essential for literary analysis, crafting compelling narratives, effective communication, reporting, storytelling, and so on. The study of literature also cultivates analytical and critical thinking skills, again crucial for evaluating information, understanding context, and presenting a balanced perspective. Career opportunities include print, broadcast, and digital media, content writing and editing, public relations, corporate communications, social media management, advertising and marketing, digital marketing and online content creation. I am doing Computer Science (AI and ML), and am interested in Machine Learning. Are there any opportunities in the government sector or any exams I should take to get a good job? Anaswara Dear Anaswara, While the private sector currently dominates AI/ML jobs, government opportunities are emerging, and certain exams can help you access them. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) utilises AI/ML for various defence applications, including image analysis, pattern recognition, and autonomous systems. Research scientist positions or roles related to AI/ML development in DRDO open up from time to time. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses AI/ML for satellite data analysis, image processing, and mission planning. Opportunities exist in areas like remote sensing and data analytics. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is involved in developing and implementing IT solutions for various government departments. AI/ML skills are increasingly relevant for data analysis, automation, and citizen services. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is involved in research and development in advanced computing technologies, including AI/ML. Opportunities exist for research scientists and engineers. All these organisations have their own recruitment processes and exams. Many government research labs and institutes are involved in AI/ML research, particularly in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. Government Data Analytics Roles have a growing demand for data analysts and data scientists with AI/ML expertise. Exams to consider are the GATE, NIC Scientist 'B' exam, CSIR exams, the UPSC and State Public Service Commission Exam. Keep an eye on the websites of government organisations and recruitment agencies for job openings and exam notifications. I am in the first year of a Master's in Public Administration and Policy Studies. I want to start my own business but need financial support until I can do so. How should I go about this? Gowtham Dear Gowtham, Balancing academic pursuits with entrepreneurial aspirations requires careful planning. Leverage your academic skills and consider part-time jobs related to your field of study. This will provide income and relevant experience. Consider being a research assistant at your university, interning or explore part-time roles at local government offices or non-profit organisations, freelancing and writing or doing research for policy-related projects, grant writing for non-profits, consulting for small businesses or organisations who need policy guidance, online tutoring or teaching. Explore options like scholarships or grants for graduate students, especially those with entrepreneurial ambitions. Some organisations support students pursuing social entrepreneurship or businesses aligned with public policy goals. Explore student loan options, but study the long-term repayment implications. Start researching small business loan and grant programmes. Even if you are not ready to apply, this will help you understand the requirements and prepare for future applications. Study government programmes supporting small businesses. If your business idea has a strong social impact component, consider crowdfunding to raise initial capital. Network by attending industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field and identify potential mentors. Work on a business plan and utilise university resources using market research, financial projections, taking courses on business creation and small business management. Does your university offer resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as business incubators, entrepreneurship workshops, and mentorship programmes?
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Ramesh Sharma is first certified drone instructor of Rajasthan Police
JAIPUR: In a first for the Rajasthan Police, Ramesh Sharma, posted at the Intelligence Training Academy (ITA) in Jaipur, became the force's first certified drone instructor. The police aim to strengthen technical capabilities by establishing a drone research centre and forensic lab at the ITA. Sharma cleared the Remote Pilot Instructor Course conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Govt of India, in New Delhi on his first attempt. Officials noted the significance of this feat, citing the course's low pass rate of just 22%. The initiative was led by Director General (Intelligence) Sanjay Agrawal in view of increasing drone activity along Rajasthan's international borders and also because of the ongoing plans to strengthen technical capabilities by establishing a drone research centre and forensic lab at the ITA. Sharma, who also heads the IT cell at the academy, was selected for the specialised training programme in New Delhi. According to police officials, the DGCA's Remote Pilot Instructor Course is mandatory for those who wish to train other drone operators. Additional SP Shalini Saxena of the ITA said that the course equips instructors to work at certified Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs), allowing them to legally train drone pilots in line with DGCA norms. Sharma's appointment is seen as a milestone in enhancing the force's in-house technical proficiency.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
DGCA cuts short Indigo's Turkish aircraft lease pact
India's aviation regulator granted IndiGo only a three-month extension to operate two Turkish Airlines aircraft under a damp lease arrangement, instead of the six it sought, amid close scrutiny of Turkish companies following Ankara's military support to Pakistan during the recent conflict. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Friday that it extended the lease of two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft until August 31, but made clear this would be the final extension. 'In order to avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, Indigo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months,' the DGCA said in a statement, adding that the airline must terminate the arrangement within this period and 'shall not seek any further extension.' In the aftermath of Turkey's support to Pakistan, India revoked the security clearance of Turkish-founded ground handling firm Celebi Aviation, citing national security concerns, affecting operations at nine major airports. Celebi has sued the government and a decision is pending in the Delhi high court. IndiGo had requested a six-month extension for the aircraft, which were originally leased until May 31, but regulators granted only half that period. The airline leased these planes in November last year under a damp lease arrangement, where Turkish Airlines provides the aircraft and flight crew while IndiGo supplies cabin crew and handles other operational aspects. HT reached out to IndiGo for a response but did not get one as of going to print. Earlier, IndiGo's chief executive spoke on the company's Turkey-related operations, though did not specifically mention the issue of the jets. 'Flights between India and Türkiye are governed within the bilateral air service agreement. We are compliant today and we will continue to comply with any government regulations,' said Pieter Elbers, IndiGo's chief executive officer, speaking ahead of the International Air Transport Association summit in India. The damp lease arrangement has allowed IndiGo to operate wide-body aircraft for international routes without immediately training its own pilots on the Boeing 777-300ER type. Elbers separately announced that IndiGo plans to launch direct flights to eight new international destinations within the current financial year, including four to Central Asia. The airline has faced operational constraints due to Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian carriers in April, forcing IndiGo to temporarily suspend operations to Tashkent and Almaty due to extended flight times and operational costs. When asked about operations to Central Asia given the airspace restrictions, Elbers said the airline was evaluating departure cities within India.
