» A lot of students aspire to be a part of the Aviation Industry. What do you suggest to all of them before joining the industry?

Along with a desire to excel at a particular profession, it is also vital that you must have the aptitude for that job. If you are looking to become a pilot, you must have a healthy physique, an analytical thinking ability, good command over the English language and a fair knowledge of physics and math.

Also do a complete check on the school where you would like to train.

The training you receive must be of world-class standards as this will set you apart in testing times and make you competitive in all scenarios.

» The Aviation Industry is one of the fastest growing sectors today. How far will the recent Jet-layoff-episode affect the new comers or aspirants into the field?

The Aviation Industry has seen an unprecedented boom in the last 5 years. There is a slowdown at present due to global economic factors but the industry is going to grow in the next 10 yrs. The recent happenings at Jet are temporary measures at cost cutting. As the economy looks up new aircrafts will be inducted and pilots, cabin crew and ground staff will again be hired.

Also, we usually get influenced only by commercial airlines (the biggest % in aviation) but there are other important segments like private jets, charter services, jobs with defence, coast guards etc, where there continues to be under supply/growth and these jobs are equally rewarding and less susceptible to economic conditions, so aspiring aviators must widen their horizon and include these opportunities!

» What specific trades in the aviation sector do you see a shortage of trained manpower in the years to come?

Pilots and Cabin Crew, in that order. They will continue to be inducted as services grow. The only reason I say pilots first and cabin crew 2nd is because pilot training is a deeply technical course and much more expensive and hence less takers, whereas cabin crew is less technical and entry level for this course is much lower, but still they both will be in regular demand.

» Is there any part-time opportunity for those willing to serve the Aviation Industry?

Aviation represents broadly 3 categories of staff – Cabin crew & Ground Staff, Engineers & Technicians & Pilots. A Pilot surely has alternate streams of work in like charter, defense, corporate aircrafts in addition to becoming a trainer. Cabin crew and ground staff are well trained to take up opportunities in any service or hospitality segment but in any case with the way new airports are coming (in scale and size) there would be many opportunity for them at the airport itself. AME's can also explore alternate streams as mentioned.

One just needs to remember Aviation is not just restricted to commercial airlines. Its like being an actor, your option is not just to be a hero, but a character actor, regional cinema, TV or theater. There are many options

» Chimes Aviation Academy recently launched an integrated pilot training academy at Dhana, Madhya Pradesh. Kindly elaborate on the new venture. Which other courses are offered at Chimes Aviation Academy?

CAA offers integrated courses to prepare you for jobs in commercial airlines and general aviation. We also offer courses for aviation enthusiasts and hobby fliers who may wish to rent an aircraft or own their own personal plane.

CAA will soon launch a new course to target high net worth individuals. This course is a fast track course for busy executives and entrepreneurs who want to learn how to fly but cannot take time off.

» Do you have any plans to launch an aviation academy in the underdeveloped / far-off regions of the country?

Our expansion plans require us to set up a second base and we are currently evaluating many places vis-à-vis their suitability by way of air space, connectivity, weather and other parameters.

» Where do you see the Indian Aviation Industry in the years to come?  

The Indian Aviation Industry is still in the growing phase and the major growth is projected in regional connectivity and cargo operations.