| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| Air force chief admits shortage of 400 pilots |
| 2008-08-21 |
| NEW DELHI - The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a shortage of 400 pilots and it will take five years to plug the gap, says its chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major. Overall, the IAF is short of about 800 officers. It takes 6-8 years of operational training before an IAF pilot can be fully utilised in his intended role. "They have to be trained over a period of time and there are not shortcuts. We are short of about 400 pilots but with the measures we are taking, we will make good the shortage in the next five years," the chief of the air staff told IANS in an interview. According to Major, the IAF was working on a two-pronged strategy to reduce the shortage. "The IAF has addressed the issue with emphasis on two aspects - 'retain' and 'attract'. We are carrying out a focused publicity campaign to attract the best to our fold. "Whilst we cannot match the salaries of the private sector, we compensate by offering a challenging and fulfilling profession with an unequalled quality of life," Major said. The IAF chief said plans are afoot to increase the intake of men and women into the Short Service cadre as it would be an attractive option for youth while meeting the organisation's needs. Short Service cadre officers are appointed for 10 years, which can be extended by another four years depending on one's performance. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 The Air Force must have received my application by now, so let's adjust these numbers, thank you! 400 - 1 = 399 Air force chief admits shortage of |
| Posted by: Red Dawg 2008-08-21 13:20 |