The Airports Authority of India (AAI), Southern Region, has sent a letter to the Madras Flying Club asking it to stop training activities on the Vellore airstrip.
In a letter dated May 5 this year, the Joint General Manager of the AAI, Southern Region stated: “With respect to operation of flying activities from Vellore airfield, may note that no official allotment was made to use the space and land, which was occupied by the club. The unauthorised occupation has been vacated by you on March 31 this year. The AAI has a defined policy for operation of flying schools in the country, which are determined on commercial terms and procedures. The club can participate in such tenders as and when it is invited.”
Already the international airports division of the AAI, manning the Chennai airport, have issued a notice to the club asking it to vacate existing property on the old airport premises, as the land is required for expanding the taxi track.
With the AAI Southern Region asking the club to stop their training in Vellore, it is facing the threat of closure. The Club had stopped training activities since March this year.
Employees affected
Due to the problem, the fate of over a dozen employees, who have been working in the Club for over 20 years, has turned uncertain.
One of the employees said as most of the office-bearers such as secretary, treasurer, chairman and members were working in Air India, they would not be affected even if the club is closed. The employees would have to bear the brunt.
Attempts to approach the Director General of Civil Aviation authorities had proved futile as they refused to extend any help and clearly stated that flying clubs in other parts of the country were patronised by the State governments concerned.
When contacted, K. Sebastian, honorary secretary of the club, said they were planning to meet the Chief Secretary next week and apprise him of the issue. Only by approaching the government the problem can be resolved.
