Lack of basic trainers hits naval pilots' training

It is not only the Indian Air Force (IAF) that is grappling with the absence of the basic trainer aircraft but also the Indian Navy that has been forced to send its pilots to the US for initial training.

Since 2009, the HPT-32 basic trainers of the IAF have been grounded following a spate of engine failures and fatal crashes. The Indian Navy was earlier training its pilots with the IAF for initial period of four years. However, the grounding of the basic trainers for the past four years adversely affected their training.

“The lack of basic trainers has affected us badly. Earlier we used to have four years training with the IAF. But now we are going overseas,” said sources.

Naval aviation, especially operating a fighter jet from the deck of an aircraft carrier that looks like a match-box tossing and turning in the sea, is a difficult skill to acquire. The rookie naval pilots now undertake the first step of their training at Pensacola, Florida.

The effort had begun to train the pilots for the MiG-29 Ks that will be operating from Russian-built Admiral Gorshkov. However, the grounding of the entire fleet of the basic trainers and thereafter the delay in the acquisition of new trainers made the programme necessary for the training of naval pilots.

 MiG-29Ks during induction

Earlier, the Navy’s pilots used to undergo six months of training at the Air Force Academy on the HPT-32s. From there they used to graduate to Kirans and then on the MiG-21s at the MiG-Operational Flying Training Unit.

The deal for 75 basic trainers is likely to get the nod of Cabinet Committee on Security this week, addressing the woes of the two forces.

The Indian Navy is facing a peculiar situation, as the number of its Sea Harriers (presently down to five) – operating from INS Viraat is dwindling - it needs to give the pilots requisite flying hours. Also the new MiG-29Ks arrived nearly two years back whereas Admiral Gorshkov or INS Vikramaditya will arrive only in December this year. Till then the MiG-29 Ks will be doing off-shore flying and will need to move abroad for their carrier flying.

 Sea Harrier taking off from INS Viraat

The naval variant of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is still long away from induction and the home-built aircraft carrier will join Indian Navy’s fleet around 2018 only.

 LCA Navy before its maiden flight