Pilot Training Simulators new talk in Calcutta
Simaero, a Paris-based company, is set to establish a pilot training centre in Calcutta with full-Pilot Training Simulators, addressing the region’s lack of facilities. This new development aims to boost the aviation sector by providing much-needed simulator training for pilots in eastern India, as well as those from neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
In a rather jolly turn of events for the aviation scene in eastern India, a French company, Simaero, has decided to plant its flag (or should we say, its simulator?) in Calcutta, bringing much-needed pilot training simulators to a region sorely lacking them. This is not just a feather in the cap for the City of Joy, but a whole new hat.
Simaero, based in Paris, is gearing up to establish its first pilot training centre. The icing on the cake? They’ve earmarked Calcutta as the location for their first satellite facility, with plans to launch three to four pilot training simulators. Talk about a silver lining for aspiring aviators!
Flying High: The Need for Simulators
Now, for those who might be scratching their heads, a Pilot Training Simulator is a nifty contraption that replicates an aircraft’s cockpit and instruments, simulating actual flying conditions. It’s the sort of thing that allows pilots to practice without needing to refuel or pray to the aviation gods for smooth landings. Khushbeg Jattana, the general manager of Simaero India, pointed out that the demand for Pilot Training Simulators in eastern India is as high as a kite on a windy day, especially since no facilities exist in the area.
And it’s not just local pilots who’ll benefit; Simaero has its sights set on pilots from Nepal and Bangladesh, who are keen to sharpen their skills without trekking halfway across the globe. Apparently, there’s quite a demand for flight training in eastern India, and Simaero is ready to take the bull by the horns with an ambitious $100 million investment over the next five years. That’s enough cash to train around 5,000 pilots—far more than just the odd pair of wings.
A Flying Start for the Aviation Sector
Simaero isn’t flying solo, either. Air India is in on the action, installing a fleet of 20 simulators at its aviation training academy in Gurugram. With about 12,000 pilots already in India and a projected need for three times that number in the next two decades, it seems the sky is indeed the limit.
Yet, as with any good news, there are always a few clouds on the horizon. Current regulations require pilots to undergo skill tests every six months, which can be done either in the sky or in a simulator. But let’s be honest, flying an actual aircraft can cost an arm and a leg, thanks to the steep price of aviation turbine fuel. As a pilot based in Delhi pointed out, a simulator costs a mere $10-12 million to set up, making them a much more economical choice.
Flying Lessons and Costly Concerns
The reality is, many pilots from Calcutta are finding themselves heading to far-off cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and even abroad to get their refresher training. Slots are so scarce that hopping on a plane to train has become a bit of a rite of passage, much like a journey to a spiritual retreat. With the shortage of simulators, training costs are about 20% higher than in other countries, which isn’t exactly what you’d call a bargain.
It’s clear that there’s a desperate need for more simulators in India—not just for convenience but also to bring down those pesky training costs. But let’s not kid ourselves; as much as simulators can prepare pilots for a host of challenges, they can’t replicate the stress of a hijacking situation. Those are best tackled in a classroom setting, with a good dose of quick thinking thrown in for good measure.
So, as Calcutta gears up for this new venture, it seems the city is set to soar to new heights. With Simaero’s investment, the skies above may soon be bustling with well-trained pilots, ensuring that flying isn’t just a lofty dream but a grounded reality. Here’s hoping they don’t lose their heads among the clouds!
What's Your Reaction?
