The state administration, responsible for overseeing the Nagpur Flying Club (NFC), is reportedly recommending that the management of the NFC be transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) or another aviation-related organization, such as airlines.
A letter to this effect was sent from the office of the Divisional Commissioner a few weeks ago to senior officials overseeing civil aviation matters in the State Government. The letter reportedly suggested transferring the management of the Nagpur Flying Club (NFC) to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) or another aviation-related entity. While the staff at the Divisional Commissionerate manage the NFC effectively with their administrative skills, there is a recognized need for aviation experts with technical knowledge during discussions or meetings related to aircraft. Therefore, sources indicate that it was recommended to hand over NFC management to MADC, which was established for aviation purposes, or to any airline operating at Nagpur airport.
In another related development, the flying training operations of the Nagpur Flying Club (NFC) are expected to be relocated to Chandrapur airport soon. Trainee pilots at NFC are struggling to complete their required flying hours due to a lack of available slots for trainer aircraft. This delay is hindering their ability to obtain private and commercial pilot licenses. The busy schedule at Nagpur airport, which handles numerous daily flights, does not allow for dedicated time slots for NFC’s training activities. Additionally, NFC faces challenges in completing flying training during the summer due to extreme heat, in the monsoon season because of rainfall, and during certain periods in winter due to fog.
Consequently, NFC is looking into relocating to Morwa airport in Chandrapur, following approval from the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). The runway at Morwa has been recarpeted, and a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently conducted a site visit. NFC is optimistic about receiving DGCA approval within the next month. Administrators chose not to consider Birsi airport in Gondia due to the presence of its own flying club.
Currently, the position of Chief Flying Instructor at NFC is reportedly vacant. Sources indicate that when someone is appointed to this role, they often leave for better offers elsewhere. Given the numerous opportunities in the aviation sector, it has become challenging to retain talent in the Chief Flying Instructor position. Additionally, the long-delayed acquisition of a flying simulator to help trainee pilots complete their mandatory flying hours is still in progress.