Many veteran pilots and flight engineers took a trip down memory lane to reminisce about their academy that helped them fly high, literally.
The alumni of the government-run Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RAGAAT), formerly known as Kerala Flying Club and Kerala Aviation Training Centre, got together for the first time in its 60-year-old history here on Saturday. The occasion also became a platform for aspiring pilots to interact with experienced hands.
Former chief flying instructor Captain T.K.R. Nair, the academy’s longest-serving instructor, was the cynosure of all eyes as his students recounted his role in transforming them into accomplished pilots. The participants also offered suggestions to help the institute in reviving its flagging fortunes. According to alumnus Captain R. Kailas Nair, an instructor with a commercial airline, several issues hindered the academy from exploiting its potential. While it had adequate infrastructure and is well-equipped with aircraft for training, RAGAAT’s growth has been impeded by the lack of flying instructors.
“The reason behind the problem is the unattractive remuneration. We must explore various proposals including introducing a provision for incentives based on their flying hours,” he said. Ajith Mohan, an aircraft engineer, who was one of the coordinators of the event, said there were serving and retired pilots and flight engineers, who were willing to conduct classes, to restore the academy to its glory.
