DGCA orders crackdown on agents promising pilot’s licence to students

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to take action against agents which promise aspiring pilots with licences on payment of a few lakh rupees.
DG Naseem Zaidi issued a public notice last Friday seeking information on this violation. “I have been receiving at least two complaints every month regarding these malpractices.
But these complaints are either anonymous or non specific in nature,” said Zaidi. Zaidi has promised legal action against such dubious agents. “We are mounting a special vigil on so-called middlemen,” he added.
Flight training schools say such corrupt practices are rampant and have been brought to the notice of the DGCA.” There are agents who charge Rs 2-3 lakh from students for clearing the commercial pilots licence examination.
Some are affiliated with flying clubs and institutions abroad and promise licence without completion of mandatory flying.
Students have obtained licences from abroad using fraudulent means but have been unable to get their licences converted in India because of tough examination standards,” said Capt Raj Shetty, MD of Kompass Aviation.
Students are also forced to approach agents because of inordinate delays in issue of licence. “DGCA norms say that licence will be issued within a month after completion of exam.
18/05/10 Mumbai Mirror