NEED HIGHLY SKILLED...

FSI offers training for regional airline operators too through their global network of training locations. They deliver turnkey service to establish, operate and support highly effective, costefficient training facilities for airlines and large commercial aircraft operators. FSI also offers master-level pilot training to enhance skills with targeted, aircraft-specific training in a controlled environment, as well as master-level advanced pilot training ensuring its curriculum expands aviation education beyond the fundamentals covered by initial and recurrent training.

FSI’s commitment to excellence extends beyond traditional aviation training and the company continues to expand its offerings to cater to various segments within the industry. SP continued from Page 11

Trainees begin studying in India then move to Florida for 12 months of intensive instruction. Successful cadets earn their FAA licenses which they can then convert to DGCA licenses when they return to India, a process that takes two months. The final stage involves travel to Abu Dhabi for three months of additional training before receiving their Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) and A320 type ratings.

Qualification Is More Than Just Accumulated Hours

ICAO maintains that “relying solely on number of hours does not always effectively capture a pilot’s true competence.” The quality of a pilot “… can encompass a number of factors, including, but not limited to, training received, operational context, singleengine or multi-engine flight time, multi-crew operations and weather-related flight experience.”

While a pilot may have accumulated sufficient hours to be considered for hire, airlines must scrutinise the applicant’s background. IATA reported that operators are “experiencing licensing training limitations” with some approved training organisations and that “the standard of performance achieved at the end of training is not always aligned with the standard of performance expected by the operators.”

ICAO also believes “the industry has reached a crossroads in determining how pilots need to be selected, hired, trained, and professionally mentored for career growth.” The organisation has called for more attention to the quality of pilot training “… which depends on … the capacity and training organisations, structure of training programmes, specificities and training tools … qualification of ground and flight instructors, as well as adequacy of safety oversight by regulators.”

In other words, high quality training produces high quality pilots.

Priority On Selecting Quality Pilots

Given the sheer number of new pilots Indian carriers must recruit, especially since many will be off-the-street candidates with little or no flying experience, high-quality training is essential.

The best pilots are able to handle real-world situations, evaluate risks, have the skills and knowledge for quick decision-making, have a thorough understanding of automation and its limitations and, of course, have superlative manual flying abilities.

Moreover, they must be proficient in effective crew resource managementand know that human factors always play a role in flight safety.

It will be a tall order for India’s airline recruiting departments to fill because it takes years, not just hours, to produce a good pilot. SP