Latest news with #FTOs
27-05-2025
- Politics
DHS, FBI warn large-scale events could be target for violence
The Department of Homeland Security and FBI are warning that large-scale events are prime targets for violence, highlighting the potential for violence at events this summer. However, the DHS and FBI did not indicate there are any known threats in a joint intelligence bulletin sent to law enforcement on May 23. "Violent extremist messaging continues to highlight major sporting and cultural events and venues as potential targets, and threat actors -- including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and other mass casualty attackers not motivated by an ideology -- previously have targeted public events with little to no warning," according to the bulletin. Some attacks, such as the New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans, could serve as inspiration for future attacks, the bulletin said, noting that calls for violence typically increase in the days leading up to holidays or big events. Domestic and homegrown extremists "not primarily motivated by an ideology, likely will see public events as potential attack targets, given the number of high-profile events this summer that are expected to draw large crowds and recent attacks and plots in the West targeting mass gatherings, which could serve as inspiration," the bulletin said. "We advise government officials and private sector security partners to remain vigilant of potential threats to upcoming public celebrations and large gatherings," it added, highlighting World Pride 2025, Independence Day and the 250th Army anniversary parade as possible targets. The bulletin also said some attackers could use a variety of means to carry out an attack. "Attackers in the United States historically have used a variety of tactics to target public events, including vehicles, firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs)," it said. "The use of vehicle-ramming alone or in conjunction with other tactics, such as edged weapons, firearms, or IEDs used after the vehicle has stopped, is a recurring tactic that a variety of threat actors in the West have employed when targeting crowded pedestrian areas." Last week's shooting that targeted Israeli Embassy staffers and killed two in Washington, D.C., could inspire other attacks in the United States, the DHS said in a separate bulletin obtained by ABC News. "The 21 May attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff members at an event in Washington, DC, underscores how the Israel-HAMAS conflict continues to inspire violence and could spur radicalization or mobilization to violence against targets perceived as supporting Israel," according to the bulletin, which was also dated May 23. The department noted that it has seen online users sharing the suspect's alleged writings and "praising the shooter and generally calling for more violence." "If calls for violence continue, particularly if other violent extremists in the Homeland or abroad reference the Capital Jewish Museum shooter, our concern for additional violence in the Homeland would increase," the bulletin said. The suspect in the fatal shooting last Wednesday outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is a 31-year-old Chicago man who police say shouted "free, free Palestine" following the attack. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, was promptly taken into custody at the scene of the shooting and was questioned by police, according to Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DHS, FBI warn large-scale events could be target for violence
The Department of Homeland Security and FBI are warning that large-scale events are prime targets for violence, highlighting the potential for violence at events this summer. However, the DHS and FBI did not indicate there are any known threats in a joint intelligence bulletin sent to law enforcement on May 23. "Violent extremist messaging continues to highlight major sporting and cultural events and venues as potential targets, and threat actors -- including domestic violent extremists (DVEs), homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) inspired by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), and other mass casualty attackers not motivated by an ideology -- previously have targeted public events with little to no warning," according to the bulletin. MORE: FBI reopens investigation into cocaine at White House, leaked Dobbs opinion Some attacks, such as the New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans, could serve as inspiration for future attacks, the bulletin said, noting that calls for violence typically increase in the days leading up to holidays or big events. Domestic and homegrown extremists "not primarily motivated by an ideology, likely will see public events as potential attack targets, given the number of high-profile events this summer that are expected to draw large crowds and recent attacks and plots in the West targeting mass gatherings, which could serve as inspiration," the bulletin said. "We advise government officials and private sector security partners to remain vigilant of potential threats to upcoming public celebrations and large gatherings," it added, highlighting World Pride 2025, Independence Day and the 250th Army anniversary parade as possible targets. MORE: Questions raised whether security adequate after shooting of Israeli Embassy staffers The bulletin also said some attackers could use a variety of means to carry out an attack. "Attackers in the United States historically have used a variety of tactics to target public events, including vehicles, firearms, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs)," it said. "The use of vehicle-ramming alone or in conjunction with other tactics, such as edged weapons, firearms, or IEDs used after the vehicle has stopped, is a recurring tactic that a variety of threat actors in the West have employed when targeting crowded pedestrian areas." Last week's shooting that targeted Israeli Embassy staffers and killed two in Washington, D.C., could inspire other attacks in the United States, the DHS said in a separate bulletin obtained by ABC News. "The 21 May attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff members at an event in Washington, DC, underscores how the Israel-HAMAS conflict continues to inspire violence and could spur radicalization or mobilization to violence against targets perceived as supporting Israel," according to the bulletin, which was also dated May 23. MORE: Trump pardons Virginia sheriff convicted of federal bribery charges The department noted that it has seen online users sharing the suspect's alleged writings and "praising the shooter and generally calling for more violence." "If calls for violence continue, particularly if other violent extremists in the Homeland or abroad reference the Capital Jewish Museum shooter, our concern for additional violence in the Homeland would increase," the bulletin said. The suspect in the fatal shooting last Wednesday outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is a 31-year-old Chicago man who police say shouted "free, free Palestine" following the attack. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, was promptly taken into custody at the scene of the shooting and was questioned by police, according to Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. DHS, FBI warn large-scale events could be target for violence originally appeared on
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Class 12 arts & commerce students can now pursue career as commercial pilots in India after ministry okays proposal
In a significant reform, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA ) has approved a proposal to revise the educational eligibility criteria for commercial pilot training in India. The move aims to allow Class 12 graduates from arts and commerce streams to pursue a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), ending the nearly three-decade-long restriction that limited CPL training to science stream students with physics and mathematics. The DGCA has forwarded its recommendation to the Union aviation ministry, which will finalise the amendment before sending it to the law ministry for notification. Currently, CPL training requires candidates to have studied physics and maths in Class 12. Once the new rules are notified, all Class 12 graduates — provided they meet medical fitness and other criteria — will be eligible to train as commercial pilots. 'The DGCA recommendation has been sent to the aviation ministry. Once they finalise it, this ministry will send in to the law ministry to notify the change. When that happens, the change will come into effect,' a senior official told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TOP 10 Sofás de Couro mais vendidos em São Paulo Fiori Sofás Saiba Mais Undo Since the mid-1990s, India has restricted CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) training to students from science and maths backgrounds. Prior to that, a Class 10 (matric) pass was sufficient to enrol. Senior captains argue that this is an outdated rule unique to India, as no other country enforces such a requirement. They believe the necessary understanding of physics and maths for pilot training is already covered in early schooling. Over the past three decades, numerous arts and commerce students have had to reappear for Class 12 exams in physics and maths through open schooling just to meet the eligibility criteria for CPL training. Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) have highlighted several measures the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) must take to make pilot training in India less challenging. They point out that the journey to becoming a pilot — from training to landing a job — is far from easy. Many aspiring pilots come from middle-class families, often relying on hefty loans to support their aviation dreams. Live Events Meanwhile, senior pilots have issued a word of caution for those looking to enter the profession. 'Even after the expensive CPL traning and endorsement, getting a job can take a long time. If you are planning to become a pilot, the entire family must factor in the financial aspect and the time lag in getting a job after the entire training is complete. The reality is not as rosy as it seems for wannabe pilots. It's a ,' they caution.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
DGCA tells flying schools to maintain updated sites
Generative AI NEW DELHI: Aspiring commercial pilots in India will now be able to make an informed choice for a flying training organisation (FTO) to learn the ropes. In a major reform, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday directed all flying schools in country to 'maintain a dedicated website' with updated information on several parameters. These include, among other things, minimum and maximum time taken to complete 200 hours of flying; number of aircraft, instructors, designated examiners, availability of ground school and simulators. Apart from clearing DGCA exams and medical tests, completing 200 flying hours is a key requirement to earn a commercial pilot licence (CPL) in India. However, the long time it usually takes to do so due to multiple factors like availability of planes and instructors — apart from other concerns like safety and quality of training at many schools — sends a large number of aspiring Indians pilots abroad every year for CPL training. As reported by TOI on March 23, 2025, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai decided to bring in transparency on FTOs. He sought to do so by requiring them to put information in public domain, based on which students choose them. The aim is to make them competitive, safer and student-friendly. Setting that plan in motion, DGCA wrote to all flying schools in country Friday. 'FTOs advised to maintain a dedicated website… it must be updated regularly. Specified information must be prominently displayed and kept current,' DGCA's letter states.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Helping students make right choice: DGCA directs flying schools to display data on website
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai NEW DELHI: Aspiring commercial pilots in India will now be able to make an informed choice for a flying training organisation (FTO) to get trained here. In a major reform, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday (May 16) directed all flying schools in the country to 'maintain a dedicated website for their organisation' which must have updated information regarding several parameters that include, among other things, the minimum and maximum time taken to complete 200 hours of flying; number of aircraft, instructors, designated examiners, availability of ground school & simulator. Apart from clearing DGCA exams and medical tests, completing 200 flying hours is a key requirement to earn a commercial pilot licence (CPL) in India. However the long time it usually takes to do so here due to multiple factors like availability of planes and instructors — apart from other concerns like safety and quality of training at many schools — sends a large number of aspiring desi pilots abroad every year for CPL training. As reported by TOI on March 23, 2025, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai decided to bring in transparency about FTOs so that the information being in public domain based on which students will choose them will make them competitive, safer and student-friendly. Setting that plan in motion, the DGCA on Friday wrote to all flying schools in the country: 'FTOs are advised to maintain a dedicated website for their organisation. If a website is already in place, it must be updated regularly. The specified information must be prominently displayed and kept current the reference of the cadets on the website. Further, the FTOs will be advised on the additional parameters to be published if any, on their website in due course.' With India planning to make students from arts and commerce stream in Class 12 eligible for CPL, the number of aspiring pilots could rise significantly soon once the requirement of having physics and Maths at that level goes. On their part, some FTO operators on condition of anonymity said they are constrained by issues like trainer shortage. 'Often trainers are those who are still awaiting an airline job. The moment they get the same, they leave. Then FTOs poach each others' 'good' trainers. There are several issues that DGCA has to take care of like ensure quick approval for instructors. It makes business sense for us to train as many as possible and we don't delay for fun or sadistic pleasure,' they said. Another flying school operator said: 'The regulatory body has bigger issues to sort out such as giving computer numbers to aspiring pilot trainees. This can take one to five months. Booking of exam slots is a cumbersome process wherein the website is unable to handle the large number of applications causing outages. Timely issue and renewal of licenses in a transparent manner ( varies from 15 days to 4 months) needs to be ensured.' 'Technical deficiencies in eGCA portal is causing inconvenience to users in executing routine tasks. Routine DGCA approvals and corrections which can be done in a few hours take several weeks due to technical deficiency. Issue of permits and regulatory clearances to imported aircraft or Indian registered aircraft undergoing change of ownership has to be tackled as it takes very long. This delays timeframe within which aircraft can be operational leading to loss of revenue to FTOs. Clearance of an imported trainer can take as much as 3 to 8 months. Timeframe to obtain FTO approval can take 1 to 2 years. There is a need to improve ease of doing business for new operators. The regulatory body must work to improve efficiency of operations and a level playing ground for all FTOs,' another operator said. With all these issues, becoming a pilot in India is anything but easy — right from training stage to eventually getting a job.
