Stating that these (foreign) pilots are not directly employed by the airlines but engaged through certain hiring agencies, the ICPA has said that virtually no checks are carried out on previous employment history of foreign pilots and called for immediate investigation and review of employment of foreign pilots in India.
“Foreign pilots are not required to obtain an Indian licence. When pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including pilots who have flown VVIP aircraft are required to obtain an Indian licence when flying in civil arena, it is intriguing that foreign pilots are not required to obtain one” the ICPA said.
According to the association, it is a worldwide practice that pilots of an airline appear for periodic medical examinations, in the country which the airline company is registered, while expatriate pilots are exempted. “Why are they not subjected to same rigorous medical standards as us and accountability not fixed,” questioned the ICPA.
Published 22 May 2010, 17:29 IST