Air Deccan to start training college for technicians

Importing simulators for Airbus, ATR

Deccan Aviation, the pioneer of low-cost aviation and chartered air travel business, intends to be a full-fledged aviation company by not only providing services but also increasing the technical man-power in the Indian aviation sector.

The company has decided to build an engineering school at Jakkur, nearly 20 km from Bangalore, where its helicopter facility is located. While the cost of setting up such a school and the courses to be taught are being evaluated, Deccan Aviation is keen on teaching individuals along with on-the-job-training on all aspects of aircraft maintenance and flying.

"Individuals with an engineering qualification often get into research when they show any inclination for aviation sector. As a result, there is an acute manpower shortage in terms of aircraft maintenance and flying skills. Hence, our efforts will focus towards catering to these needs," Captain Gopinath, managing director, Deccan Aviation Pvt Ltd, said.

To set the ball rolling, Deccan Aviation will install a fixed as well as a full motional pilot simulation machine for Airbus and ATRs within the next 2-3 months.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating Deccan Aviation's dedicated Customer Service Facility for Bell Helicopter, Gopinath said, "We are in the midst of evaluating between Airbus and ATR to bring in the most advanced simulators. The approximate investment for these simulators would be about $45 million. While the fixed simulator would cost about $10 million, the fully motional simulator would cost about $20 million. An ATR simulator would cost about $5 million."

Deccan Aviation has a 2-acre facility around the airfield in Jakkur.

"Over a year ago, we also acquired an additional 50,000 sq.ft of land inside the airfield. The engineering school was to be constructed over two years ago. However, our aggressive plans in the airline business kept us busy. It cannot be postponed any longer. We have to do this either by collaboration or by acquiring companies," Gopinath said.

By the time the school becomes fully functional, Deccan Aviation would be well-established in all forms of aviation like low-cost airline, aircraft chartering, business jets and maintenance and servicing.

Its fleet would include well-known brands like ATR Turbo Props, Airbus, business jets (like Falcon or Gulfstream) among others. Gopinath expects this to provide the biggest training ground for youngsters willing to take up the courses at this engineering college.