By IANS
New Delhi : Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper pilots nearing the end of their careers in the force will now be able to seamlessly move to state-owned helicopter service provider Pawan Hans.
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed here Friday, “helicopter pilots nearing the end of their flying career in IAF can be inducted into Pawan Hans,” a defence ministry statement said.
“This would ensure Pawan Hans benefits from the extensive operation experience of IAF pilots. At the same time, it will offer a second career option to IAF helicopter pilots, who would be able to utilize their flying skills even after their career in IAF,” the statement said.
“The accrued training and expertise of IAF pilots nearing the end of their terms of service would therefore be effectively harnessed in furtherance of the national cause,” it added.
The IAF assistant chief, Air Vice Marshal L.K. Malhotra and Pawan Hans general manager (Personnel and Human Resource Development) Srivastava signed the MoU.
The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, who was present during the signing ceremony, said: “This MoU is indicative of the IAF’s commitment to growth of aviation in the country, be it civil or military.
“The MoU will not only promote mutual benefits to both the organisations but will prove to be a milestone for Indian aviation as such,” he added.
According to Malhotra, “the MoU will enable IAF pilots to get an opportunity for growth and a longer, fruitful second career up to 65 years of age.
“Pawan Hans would benefit by augmenting its strength of qualified pilots. The inclusive HR policies of IAF would yield positive results for overall growth of aviation in the country,” Malhotra added.
Pawan Hans chairman and managing director R.K. Tyagi said the company was poised for a massive fleet expansion and would also enter new areas of operation such as inter and intra city transportation.