The aircraft was bought at a cost of Rs 6 crore.Thiruvananthapuram: The lone double-engine light aircraft owned by the state government is yet to take off even once after four years of its purchase. The Chakai-located Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology's US-made six-seat Piper - Seneca 5 - is awaiting the approval of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation since 2014.
Since the aircraft hasn't been used even once, its battery has become non-functional and needs to be changed. The aircraft was bought at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
The aircraft was mentioned in the assembly during a discussion on damages caused by the monsoon. It was suggested that a pilot could be appointed and the aircraft be used for emergency purposes.
The aircraft can't event embark on its trial flight unless it gets the approval from DGCA and a pilot, who will double up as a chief flying instructor (CFI), is appointed.
Since 2014, efforts are being made to meet necessary regulatory norms. The government-approved salary of a CFI is Rs 2.25 lakh but demand is in the range of Rs 3.5 lakh. Several pilots moved to better jobs after accepting the job. For DGCA nod, the aircraft will need a CFI and a special engineer.
The current pilot employed by the academy can only fly its four single-engine Cessna 172R aircraft. But even for that, DGCA permission is needed. The move to commence an air ambulance service using these aircraft turned out to be a big flop.
Authorities are now trying to forge a tie-up with the Bombay Flying Club and seek DGCA permission this year itself. A new engineer too has been appointed. The aircraft is likely to remain in the hangar if they don't get a flying instructor for a lower salary.
The Kerala Flying Club set up by Godavarma Raja in 1956 was later converted to Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology.
