The state government has assured aviation enthusiasts that the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) would not be shut down or shifted out from its present location in Jakkur Air Field.
The state government has assured aviation enthusiasts that the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) would not be shut down or shifted out from its present location in Jakkur Air Field.
Chief secretary SV Ranganath, who chaired a meeting on Friday, assured that the GFTS—which is facing the threat of closure, as a significant portion of its existing runway fell on the path of the six-lane elevated highway (between Hebbal and Bengaluru International Airport)—will not be shut down or shifted out. The construction of the six-lane elevated highway meant that the runway length will be shortened by 1,000 ft from the existing 3,000 ft.
Besides, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had found that operating fixed-wing aircraft from the runway would be unsafe, and currently, only micro light aircraft operate from the Jakkur Air Field. Due to these obstacles, the GFTS had hinted that the flight training activities will be shifted to Mysore or Hubli.
Air Commodore (Retd) MK Chandrasekhar, who along with other aviation enthusiasts attended the meeting, welcomed the assurance given by the government.
“We have received a positive response from the government and they have guaranteed to look into the options suggested by us to ensure that the flying school remains operational,” he said.
One option is to bring down the elevated highway to the existing highway level across the runway alignment by 50 meters on either side and the second one is providing land for extending the runway by 2,000 ft on the eastern side.
Chandrasekhar added that the GFTS established in 1948—which is the country’s first flying school—is also a heritage property.
“Since independence, Bangalore has developed into the aviation capital of India due to serious and sincere efforts put in by the many professionals. There are many benefits that come out of a flying school, and this has not been understood by the public,” Chandrasekhar added.
Julian D’Souza, general manager, Jupiter Aviation Services Private Limited, who attended the meeting said that the government had also assured that lamp posts would not be erected on the highway, as they cause obstructions to the runway funnel. The flying school trains pilots for private pilot licence (PPL) and commercial pilot licence (CPL). Currently, 19 students have enrolled for the 18-month CPL course.
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