India's aviation sector is soaring, with its commercial aircraft fleet poised to double in the next five years. This surge, alongside growing numbers of helicopters and business jets, promises better connectivity and economic growth. Yet, recent accidents-like the Air India crash, Kedarnath helicopter accidents, and trainer aircraft mishaps-cast a shadow over this optimism. As India's skies grow busier, the need for experienced professionals across all aviation roles becomes critical to ensure safety and efficiency.

EXAMPLES OF ACCIDENTS: WHEN RAPID EXPANSION OUTPACED EXPERIENCE

History shows that unchecked aviation growth can lead to safety risks. Here are three global examples where rapid expansion exposed gaps in experience:

India's aviation sector is soaring, with its commercial aircraft fleet poised to double in the next five years.

1. United States (1970s Airline Boom)

After airline deregulation, the US saw a surge in air traffic that overwhelmed pilots, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), and regulators. Airlines cut corners on pilot training, and ATC systems struggled to keep up. The 1978 PSA Flight 182 crash, a mid-air collision, underscored the dangers of prioritising growth over expertise.

2. China (Early 2000s Aviation Expansion)

China's aviation boom in the early 2000s led to a rush in pilot licensing to meet demand. Inadequate training and skill gaps contributed to accidents, like the 2010 Henan Airlines crash, revealing how rapid growth can compromise safety when experience is sidelined.

3.India (2000s Low-Cost Carrier Boom)

The rise of low-cost carriers in India during the early 2000s triggered a pilot shortage, prompting airlines to hire foreign crews unfamiliar with local challenges like monsoon weather or high-altitude airports. The 2010 Mangalore Air India Express crash highlighted the catastrophic risks of insufficient cockpit experience.

INDIAN SKIES: EXPERIENCE IN THE MAKING

India's aviation growth demands a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to match its ambitious trajectory.

Pilot and Technician Shortages

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) projects a need for 10,000 pilots and 15,000 technicians by 2030 to support the expanding fleet forcing us to source pilots from abroad. However, reliance on foreign pilots and fast-tracked training risks gaps in expertise. Historically, airlines enforced strict criteria for upgrading copilots to captains, but rapid growth may tempt operators to lower these standards, affecting both cockpit and maintenance expertise.

Operational Complexity

India's unique aviation challenges-monsoon weather, high-altitude airports, and short runways-require seasoned judgment. The Kedarnath helicopter crashes exposed the limits of technology in extreme conditions, emphasising that experience is vital for safe operations.

As India's skies grow busier, the need for experienced professionals across all aviation roles becomes critical to ensure safety and efficiency.

Strain on Air Traffic Control and Infrastructure

The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, doubled India's operational airports, but this growth has strained air traffic control systems. A 2024 Mumbai incident, where two aircraft occupied the same runway, highlighted the risks of overburdened ATCs with limited experienced staff. As passenger numbers climb, these gaps could become critical choke points.

Regulatory Gaps

The DGCA, with fewer than 1,500 staff, oversees 1,200 commercial aircraft, hundreds of helicopters, and business jet operations, struggles with resource constraint. A 2022 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit flagged delays in accident investigations and inconsistent maintenance standards. Rapid fleet growth only widens these regulatory cracks.

ROLE	2030 NEED	CURRENT POOL	KEY RISKS
Air Traffic Controllers	6500	~3,800	High fatigue, operational delays
DGCA Safety Inspectors	1200	<600	Delayed audits, incomplete oversight
Continuing Airworthiness	2000	~1,100	CAMO burnout, safety lapses
Quality & Safety Managers	3000	~1400	Gaps in SMS deployment, and training

(Sources include ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan, DGCA public reports, and industry staffing standards).

The Crucial Role of Experience Across Entire Spectrum of Aviation

Safety doesn't rest solely on pilots and technicians. Accountable Managers, Quality Managers, Continuous Airworthiness Managers (CAMs), Safety Officers, and airport personnel all play vital roles. Their expertise ensures smooth operations, from daily decision-making to crisis response. Without experienced management and leadership across these roles, India's aviation boom risks faltering.

A 2024 Mumbai incident, where two aircraft occupied the same runway, highlighted the risks of overburdened ATCs with limited experienced staff.

EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT IN INDIAN AVIATION: STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

To sustain growth while prioritising safety, India must strategically manage its aviation expertise.

Recognise and Mobilise Existing Talent

Wasted time on duplicating approvals or retraining slows progress. India should streamline qualifications across agencies like the FAA, EASA, and Defence sectors to retain talent.

• Standardise Protocols: Align training, licensing, and certification for consistency.
• Bridge Gaps: Offer accelerated orientation programmes to address inter-agency differences.
• Global Collaboration: Partner with each other to mutually recognise licenses and certifications.
• Consolidate Infrastructure: Unify training academies and regulatory processes to free senior talent for critical tasks like safety oversight and mentoring.

Without experienced management and leadership across these roles, India's aviation boom risks faltering.

Global Standard Aviation University for Training Regulators and Managers

India lacks a flagship aviation university comparable to Embry-Riddle (USA) or Cranfield (UK). While the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) exists, its scale and scope remains limited. A flagship institution could address fragmented expertise by:

• Integrating existing training centers into a national framework.
• Using seasoned professionals as mentors and faculty.
• Offering specialised degrees in airworthiness, ATC, safety, regulatory policy, and DGCA post-holder roles.
• Serving as a policy think tank, similar to Singapore's CAAS Academy.

Dedicated Owner-Operator Model for Business Aviation

India's 120+ Non-Scheduled Operator Permits (NSOPs) manage nearly 400 aircraft with stretched technical staff, leading to inconsistent safety oversight. A US-style "Separate Owner-Operator" Part 135 model could:

• Consolidate compliance and technical teams for better accountability.
• Enable cost-effective maintenance and training.

Note: While NSOP consolidation is vital for safety and scalability, implementation of the "Separate Owner-Operator" model has been hindered by India's differential import duty regime. Aircraft imported for exclusive private or corporate use face higher duties than those for commercial operations, discouraging fleet integration. This anomaly not only inflates costs but also limits the formation of technically robust, accountable entities. By shifting the tax burden from import to usage, India can level the playing field, enabling consolidation, and strengthening safety oversight.

Structured Mentorship Programmes

Institutionalising mentorship for safety officers, DGCA post-holders, and inspectors ensures knowledge transfer. Incentives for senior professionals to guide emerging talent would embed expertise within airlines, MROs, and regulators.

Form an Indian Aviation Commission (IAC)

A unified body, modeled on Malaysia's MAVCOM, could streamline coordination among DGCA, AAI, MoCA, and defence stakeholders. An IAC would:

• Eliminate bureaucratic silos.
• Accelerate approvals.
• Align manpower and infrastructure with industry growth.

CONCLUSION

India's aviation boom reflects its economic ambition, but growth without seasoned expertise risks safety and efficiency. By learning from global missteps, India can prioritise experience management-standardising training, unifying oversight, and fostering mentorship. With these steps, India's skies can become a model of ambition balanced with wisdom, setting a global standard for aviation excellence.