India Launches Domestic Trainer Aircraft for Pilot Licensing

The government introduced domestic trainer aircraft technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) and revealed plans to partner with the private sector in producing this aircraft.

CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) signed a technology licensing agreement with Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd for the Hansa-3 (NG) two-seater trainer aircraft. The aircraft will meet the needs of flying clubs by offering PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL training to the younger generation.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated the government's commitment to the democratization and decentralization of pilot training, which will lower the costs associated with training and enable the dreams of youth, many of whom abandon their aspirations of becoming pilots due to financial constraints.

India will require 30,000 pilots in the next 15–20 years, increasing from the current 6,000–7,000 pilots, as Indian airlines together have more than 1,700 aircraft on order. At present, India's fleet of commercial aircraft exceeds 800 airplanes.

Generally, every aircraft needs 15–20 pilots for narrow-body planes and 25–30 pilots for long-haul wide-body jets. Therefore, there is a pressing requirement to establish a world-class aviation training system in the nation.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan stated that the nation requires additional pilots, and homegrown aircraft will aid in their training; initiatives are underway to create India's own regional aircraft. The agreement covers production and commercialization, including marketing and post-sales service for flight training and related applications