Chopper training cost to go down

The single line on aviation in the Union Budget could prove to be a bonanza for youngsters nursing dreams of becoming a chopper pilot.
The finance minister removed customs duty on chopper simulators used for training and this move could make training cost go down even as the demand for helicopter pilots is all set to shoot up in coming years.
India currently has 170 choppers and less than 300 pilots for them.
The number of choppers is expected to rise by another 500 in next five years.
A requirement of three pilots per chopper means nearly 1,500 of them would be needed by 2013.
“Training to become a chopper pilot costs about Rs 17 to 18 lakh. With customs duty gone on simulators, this training cost could fall by 10 to 15%. I welcome this move,” said R K Tyagi, CMD of state-owned chopper operator Pawan Hans.
01/03/08 Times of India