Karnataka is set to significantly enhance its aviation training infrastructure with the establishment of the state’s inaugural Flight Training Organisation (FTO) at the Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport (RKA) in Shivamogga.
This landmark initiative, announced by Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, marks a strategic step towards addressing the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals and underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a robust, gender-neutral, and equitable ecosystem for career development in the aerospace sector.
The FTO, backed by the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), aims to become a pivotal hub for aviation skill development in the region. KSIIDC will take the lead in providing the essential infrastructure for the training centre, ensuring it meets world-class standards. The initial plan outlines the training of 100 cadets, with a significant cohort of 50 students commencing their rigorous training in the very first year of operations. In a progressive move towards inclusivity, 25% of the total seats will be specifically reserved for students from Karnataka and women candidates, who will also benefit from subsidised training fees. This inclusive approach is crucial for democratising access to high-skill professions and empowering diverse talent pools within the state.
Minister Patil, in a social media post, detailed the extensive facilities planned for the 3,500 square metre FTO. These will include state-of-the-art aircraft hangars, advanced simulators, dedicated briefing rooms, modern classrooms, and a specialized radio telephony training centre. Crucially, all infrastructure and operational protocols will adhere strictly to the regulatory standards stipulated by key aviation authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), ensuring the highest levels of safety and quality in training.
The operational model for the FTO involves a collaborative approach. A selected private agency will be responsible for managing the daily operations, aircraft fleet, and student admissions. Concurrently, KSIIDC will retain oversight of critical functions such as air traffic control (ATC), safety systems, and overall maintenance, ensuring robust regulatory compliance and operational excellence. The tendering process for selecting the private agency has already commenced, with an ambitious timeline projecting aircraft deployment within three months of the agreement’s signing and full-fledged training operations commencing within nine months.
The choice of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport as the location for this pioneering FTO is strategic. Located in Sogane, approximately 15 km from Shivamogga city, RKA was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2023. Boasting a formidable 3,200-metre runway, it holds the distinction of being the second-longest in Karnataka, capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft, from smaller ATR 72s to larger Airbus A320s. This robust airport infrastructure provides an ideal environment for flight training, offering ample airspace and modern facilities. This landmark initiative not only positions Shivamogga as a pivotal hub for aviation training in Karnataka but also directly contributes to the socio-economic development of the region, opening new avenues for employment and giving tangible wings to the aspirations of countless aspiring pilots from Karnataka and beyond.
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