(a) the number of foreign pilots employed by various airlines operating in the country, airline-wise;
(b) whether there is a shortage of trained pilots in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to recruit trained pilots; and
(d) the time by which foreign pilots are likely to be replaced by Indian pilots?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Dr Mahesh Sharma)
(a) The details of foreign pilots employed by various aviation companies as on 31st December, 2014 are annexed.
(b) & (c) There is a shortage of type rated commanders in the country due to growth in aviation industry and induction of new aircraft in the fleet of the airlines. However, sufficient number of Indian co-pilots are available and employed with the airlines. These co-pilots do not possess sufficient training and experience as required to become commander on that type.
To cover the shortage of type rated pilots, validation of foreign pilots is done as per rule 45 of Aircraft Rules, 1937. Indian pilots who are eligible to become Pilot in Command as per the policy of the airlines are trained by them to phase out expatriate pilots. As a follow up cases of Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) pilots are processed on the basis of information furnished by each airline and only after security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs. The strength of foreign pilots have decreased in the subsequent years as more Indian co-pilots are upgraded to commanders.
(d) The Government has restricted issue of Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) up to 31st December, 2016 on case to case basis.