On Friday, the government introduced indigenous trainer aircraft technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) and mentioned that it would collaborate with the private sector for the manufacturing of this aircraft. CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) and Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd signed a technology license agreement for the Hansa-3 (NG) two-seater trainer aircraft on Friday. This aircraft will meet the flying clubs' requirements for providing the PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL to the youth.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated the government's intent regarding democratization and decentralization of pilot training, which will lead to reduced costs of pilot training and give wings to the aspirations of youth, who give up on their dream of being a pilot because of costs. Over the next 15 to 20 years, India will need 30000 pilots, up from the current 6000-7000 pilots, while Indian airlines together have over 1700 aircraft on order. The current Indian commercial aircraft fleet has over 800 aircraft.

Typically, each aircraft requires 15-20 pilots for narrow-body aircraft, and 25-30 pilots for long-range wide-body jets. Therefore, there is emergency need to create a world-class flying training ecosystem in country.

Dr. Abhay Pashilkar, Director, noted that CSIR-NAL has procured Letters of Intent (LOI) for over 110 HANSA-3(NG) aircraft from FTOs across the country. To address domestic demand and export potential, CSIR-NAL is collaborating with M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. They will develop a manufacturing facility to produce up to 36 aircraft a year, with capacity to scale up to 72 aircraft per year as per the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.