Madras Flying Club celebrates 80; annual subsidy from govt could increase

Chennai: The Madras Flying Club was set up thanks to the initiative of pilot G Vlasto, who called for a meeting at Madras Guards Institute in Poonamallee High Road in 1929. It was formally inaugurated by the then governor of Madras, Sir George Frederick Stanley, on August 20, 1930. Lady Beatrix Stanley, who witnessed the ceremony, christened the first two aircraft Garuda and Pushpak.
It was the club, which received a subsidy from the director of civil aviation, that kindled an interest in flying in south India and produced several pilots who became pioneers in aviation. The first instructional flight took place in July 21, 1930, with H N Hawker as the pilot instructor and M W Hulcoop as first engineer. Altogether, 878 students have received the private pilot license and 267 students the commercial pilots license after completing training at the club.
Today, after 80 glorious years, the club, which gets about Rs 7.5 lakh from the state government, is in need of funds to improve training. “I will recommend an increase in subsidy being allotted to the club if a detailed proposal is submitted,” said minister of transport K N Nehru. He added that the government could revive a student subsidy for flying lessons (subsidy was discontinued two years ago) as well.
“We will give a proposal soon to the state government. We will like the government to subsidise commercial flying license training for private pilot license holders and provide fuel subsidy,” MFC secretary Captain Sebastian said.
13/09/09 Times of India