Daijiworld Media Network- Shivamogga
Shivamogga, Jun 1: In a significant step towards enhancing the state’s aviation training infrastructure, the Karnataka government has announced the establishment of its first-ever Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at the Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport (RKA) in Shivamogga.
The announcement was made by Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, who shared that the training centre will be backed by the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC). The government aims to strengthen aviation skill development through this project, with KSIIDC taking the lead in providing the required infrastructure.
As per the initial plan, the FTO will train 100 cadets, with 50 students commencing training in the first year itself. In a move to encourage inclusivity, 25% of the seats will be reserved for students from Karnataka and women candidates. These reserved candidates will also benefit from subsidised training fees.
“The FTO will include world-class facilities such as aircraft hangars, simulators, briefing rooms, classrooms, and a radio telephony training centre, spread over an area of 3,500 square metres,” Patil stated in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The infrastructure will meet all regulatory standards laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
The selected private agency will manage the operations, aircraft, and admissions, while KSIIDC will oversee air traffic control (ATC), safety systems, and maintenance. The process of inviting tenders has already been initiated, with aircraft deployment expected within three months and full-fledged training operations likely to commence within nine months of signing the agreement.
The Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, located in Sogane, about 15 km from Shivamogga city, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2023. With a runway spanning 3,200 metres, it is the second-longest in the state, capable of handling aircraft ranging from ATR 72s to Airbus A320s.
This landmark move positions Shivamogga as a pivotal hub for aviation training in Karnataka, giving wings to the dreams of aspiring pilots from the state and beyond.