No flying tests for IAF pilots joining Air India

New Delhi: The civil aviation industry is facing a shortage of trained civilian pilots, Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
In order to bridge the gap between the demand and availability of pilots, 944 foreigners have been engaged by various airlines in the country, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in a written reply.
He said that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Indian Air Force and Air India on April five, enabling IAF pilots to join it.
A similar agreement was signed between IAF and Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd last month, he said.
Patel said that qualified pilots from the IAF are exempted from appearing in flying tests and certain specified technical examinations of Directorate General of Civil Aviation, required for issue of licence.
04/03/08 PTI/Times of India