Spotlight

Suparsa Aviation Services: Investing in the finer nuances of training

EAW Staff - Mumbai

The mere mention of a pilot or the aviation industry makes the mind drift towards the glamour that is attached to the job. In reality, however, becoming a pilot remains one of the greatest challenges. It is a sheer test of attitude and aptitude combined. Especially in India, the process is a very different experience, where the only way to obtain a commercial pilot’s license is to train abroad and not in the country itself. This is due to the lack of flight instructors, aircrafts, and quality of training offered, at a higher price as compared to schools in any other country. Also, as there are not many aviation training institutes in the country, students always aspire to train abroad. Alas, the fact remains that getting to those schools is no cakewalk. "A clear understanding of the entire process is crucial in order to serve the aspirant in the right manner and that's what we major in," said Lalitha Krishnamurthy, director business, Suparsa Aviation Services.

As courses are expensive and time-driven, it is important for parents and students to understand the finer nuances of getting into a training school. Beginning with an insight into the course, to procurement of a bank loan, to facilitating visa processes, etc, are all things that need to be taken care of. The next big step is appearing for a screening test. Besides being important, it ensures that the student gets into the aviation school that he deserves to be in and also to value the money and time he will invest in a course. Therefore, a stringent screening process is conducted to ensure the aptitude and attitude of the students for the training programs ahead, so that they face no disappointments later. The director proudly added that they were the only organisation in India, after the Indira Gandhi Rastriya Udan Academy, that holds this screening exam for students which helps in choosing the right candidates. "The exam also helps the student realise what exactly he wants to choose; giving him an apt introduction to the standards that he is expected to meet," said Krishnamurthy. The screening exam is a standardised psychometric test for reliable and valid measures, she later added.

Considering the dire need for pilots that shoots up to a figure of 4000 by the year 2010, it is important to identify the right candidate and send him for the best training available. Therefore such efforts are sure to contribute towards bringing in more pilots.

Once they clear the test, students have a choice of five acclaimed flight training schools in different parts of the globe like the Orlando Flight Training and Phoenix East Aviation in the United States, Algonquin College in Canada, Aeroflite Aviation Corporation in the Philippines and the Australian National Aviation College in Australia. The students are assessed based on aptitude, finance and visa compliance, and accordingly sent to these schools. Analysing these minute details ensure preciseness of decision, establishing a credibility of the services offered.

It is all about investing in the future that will benefit both the county and the aspirant, as students after completing their course, tend to return to India in view of the high salaries offered, as a consequence of the boom the aviation sector is seeing now and also as a result of many other avenues opening up, Krishnamurthy explained.

Also talking about the inefficient schools outside, she explained that they were more business oriented, often not even checking whether the student had been screened well or not; despite this being of extreme importance for the aspirant's future, in order to avoid any unfavorable experiences later. According to her, this is where Suparsa's role comes into play. It is only a fortunate few who make it to the sky and once they reach there, there is no looking back...that first flight could be a beginning to many others or to none at all. Thus, that is where analysing and foreseeing makes prospects better.

Suparsa Aviation Services has been successful in sending at least 15-20 students per year to various flight training scholls abroad. Currently, it also helps students prepare for the conversion exams once they return to the country. Suparsa also plans to launch a type of rating exam; a bridge course. Concentrating on looking at more aspirants, the company continues to educate students of educational institutions, with their seminar and introduction programs. Thus, the company strongly believes in the policy of screen well, train well.