Pilots not main reason for IAF crashes

Inexperience of pilots is not a major reason for Indian Air Force (IAF) accidents, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Monday.

The minister told the Lok Sabha in a statement that air accidents took place due to several reasons. "Human error is one of them."

He said IAF had a comprehensive training programme, and steps had been taken to improve training of pilots based upon findings of various courts of inquiry "to prevent accidents due to human error".

The minister said a tender had been issued to procure 56 twin engine light utility helicopters by the Indian Navy to replace Chetak and Medium Range Torpedo Carrying Helicopters.

"Upgradation of aircraft is a continuous process based upon operational requirements," he said. "No upgradation programme for Su-30 aircraft is currently planned."