By Sangeeta Saxena
Begumpet, Hyderabad. 22 January 2024. Training seemed the buzz word and it was trainers’ galore all over the Ministry of Civil Aviation- FICCI organised show Wings India 2024. Big, small and medium sized, all pilot and crew training schools, aeronautical engineering departments with aviation research and development focussed institutes were all either exhibitors or visitors at the show. And one name which attracted even the Minister of Civil Aviation enough to inaugurate the booth, is a veteran in training and simulation , which also is one of the respected and old name- Flight Simulation Technique Centre popularly called FSTC
Naresh Sharma – Head of Business Development, FSTC, speaking exclusively with ADU said that “this honor is the defining moment for FSTC and the pilot training industry which has come at a stage when the Indian Aviation industry has yet again announced themselves with another order of 150 aircraft. This will further generate tremendous demand for trained pilots, we are confident to produce more than 200+ fully trained pilots on an annual basis through our FTO and ATO, and expand the capacity further in the times to come. FSTC is both DGCA and EASA certified.”
In the last 11 years, FSTC has provided over 200,000 hours of simulator training to more than 3000 pilots. Since it’s inception in 2012, FSTC has made significant strides in advancing the aviation sector under Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat which means Self Reliant India, policy. For a company which started with two simulators today operates eleven. “It is a testament to our growth and commitment of excellence to the Indian Aviation industry. Our team comprises qualified professionals who hold certifications from esteemed organizations such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Supporting the Prime Minister’s vision of the UDAN (UDEY DESH KA AAM NAGRIK) by providing comprehensive and competitive training support for ramping up the flight operations for the regional connectivity with smaller aircraft under this mission and ensuring safe travel,” reiterated Sharma.
It may be recalled that In pursuit of fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities, FSTC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BAE for manufacturing HAWK (Defence Helicopter) simulators in India under Self-Reliant India. For all of us journalists who have been covering defence, FSTC has been training Indian Air Force’s C-17 pilots since the force decided to procure them. This is being done at it’s Gurugram facility. It has been a full-service location offering instruction to aircrews that operate the 10 C-17 airlifters that Boeing delivered to India in 2014. The centre features a complete training solution for C-17 pilots and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training to practice the complete range of tasks required for military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, along with other scenarios such as aerial refuelling and emergency procedures. This is honour and recognition at the international level indeed.
“We have saved a substantial amount of Forex outflow by providing indigenous training solutions. Additionally, the GST generated and paid by FSTC has made a positive contribution to the exchequer. By training pilots of Indian carriers, we have increased the efficiency of airlines, ensuring a robust and well-trained workforce. We take immense pride in the fact that FSTC has trained over 3000 pilots, making us the leading organization in providing employment opportunities for a significant number of pilots in India. Approximately, 40% of the pilots flying in India have received training from FSTC. About 50,000 hours of simulator training FSTC extends to carriers flying in Indian skies,” he added. FSTC has a 8-bay pilot training facility in Hyderabad since 2018.
FSTC has been having the honor of training VIP Squadron pilots who fly for the Prime Minister and undertake critical national missions. Another feather in it’s a;ready full cap is that it has trained the greatest number of female pilots in India than any other training organization in the country in the year 2023. Through these unwavering efforts, FSTC has not only contributed to the development of skilled pilots but also made a significant impact on the nation’s economy. FSTC is India’s first registered standalone DGCA Approved Training Organization (ATO). It is the largest in the region with the greatest number of full flight simulators catering to all the airlines in India that fly various fleet types. FSTC is accredited by EASA, Airbus, and Boeing. FSTC’s course curriculum conforms to the best-in-class international standards. FSTC is a preferred training partner for the majority of Indian carriers as well as international airlines based out of Southeast Asia. It provides high-quality end-to-end training, including the grant of commercial pilot license (CPL) followed by ab-initio Type rating on a range of leading commercial aircraft.
Capt. D. S, Basraon, Founder and Chairman commented, “Our commitment towards our honourable Prime Minister’s mission of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, through our FTOs at Bhiwani, Narnaul, Solapur, and ATOs, FSTC will produce ‘Make in India” pilots fully qualified and Type Rated to take up jobs as First Officers in any of the airlines operating in India. Pilots produced by us will have the required competency levels and safety standards to become successful aviators. ”
A buzz at the Wings India 2024 was that FSTC might start making it’s own simulators though there was no confirmation from the training provider. Is it time for manufacturers like CAE and PacSim to face competition from an Indian organisation , foraying into Make in India keeping pace with Aatmanirbhar Bharat?
