Question : TRAINING TO AIR FORCE PILOTS

(a) whether the Indian Air Force trainee pilots have proceeded to Stage-2 training without completing the basic 24-week training on the HPT-32 Deepak piston engine aircraft;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for poor execution of training courses;

(c) whether the number of trained pilots has been declining due to this;

(d) if so, the steps being taken to procure primary trainer aircraft in place of already grounded and obsolete HPT-32 aircraft to cater to the basic training requirements;

(e) whether the delayed procurement of Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk has also affected the training programme of the trainee pilots; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken to expedite procurement of the Hawk aircraft?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE(SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b): The IAF trainee pilots have not proceeded to Stage-II training withoutunder going the basic Stage-I training. After a fatal accident on the HPT-32 aircraft on 31.7.2009, a decision was taken by Air HQ, to ground the HPT-32 aircraft fleet. Stage-1 of flying training is now being imparted on Kiran MK I aircraft.

Currently, trainees are undergoing full stipulated duration/training of their flying courses on Kiran trainer aircraft.

(c) No, Madam.

(d) The replacement of a fleet, including trainer fleet, is decided based on operational requirements of IAF which is an ongoing process. Necessary steps are taken accordingly from time to time.

(e) & (f): Hawk Mk-132 (Advance Jet Trainer) induction into the IAF was commenced on 2008 as a lead in fighter trainer with an aim to completely replace the Kiran Mk-II / Mig-21 route of training for stage-III.

A total of 66 Hawk Mk-132 aircraft have been contracted. Of these, 24 have been directly supplied by BAES from UK and the remaining 42 are being license manufactured by HAL. All 24 Direct supply aircraft have been delivered at AF Station Bidar by December 2008. The Hawk is planned to take over the Stage-III training from Kiran/Mig-21.