Women set their sights above ground level

Hyderabad: With the Indian aviation industry back on the path to recovery, with a 0.1 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger demand and a 14.4 per cent year-on-year increase for international freight, there has been a steep increase in the demand for pilots, and many women have benefited. Women form 30 per cent of the pilot output of the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy and the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Flying Club, which trains young pilots.
Growth in the aviation sector showed an upward trend towards the end of 2010, with passenger and freight demand being five per cent above the pre-crisis levels of early 2008. This has created more jobs in the aviation sector and women are at the forefront in meeting the demand.
Captain S. N. Reddy, CEO of the AP Aviation Academy said: “Nearly 30 per cent of the total pilots that we train are women. There are fewer women training in engineering or as ground staff, but the demand is increasing for pilot training and so is the competition.”
To obtain a private pilot’s licence, a candidate has to fly for 60 hours. A commercial pilot flying licence requires 200 hours of flying experience, explains Mr Krishanmurthy, chief engineer, AP Aviation Academy, which provides both types of training in its two Cessna-152s and two C-172Rs. It also has two simulators.
After getting the requisite flying hours, the candidate must take an exam conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The exams are held three times in a year.
After successfully clearing the exam, the candidate is eligible to fly for any airline and they can also apply for Interantional airlines provided they pass their required examination.
07/12/10 Deccan Chronicle