IAF pilots take flight, join private airlines

<div class="section0"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-size:="">BANGALORE: Pilot project: With several new airlines queuing up, pilots have become the most sought after. Now that these airlines are doling out attractive offers, pilots are quitting the Indian Air Force (IAF) to rake in an increased ''payload''.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Reason for this manoeuvre: Huge remuneration.Pilots who earn just Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, are being offered anywhere between Rs 1.50 lakh per month to Rs 2.50 lakh for a start. Among the airlines recruiting are: Air Sahara, Jet Air, Air Deccan, Kingfisher Air, SpiceJet.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Other reasons for flight: The promotion rate at the IAF in the flying branch is just 1:4 ratio. At higher levels, it could be as high as 1:10. And many pilots get passed over because of this.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Also, pilots need to work for 20 years to get pensionary benefits and the general range of pension is said to be a meagre Rs 10,000-12,000. IAF pilots are also transferred to distant places and have to stay away from their families.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">The IAF spends close to Rs 8 crore on each fighter pilot on training, and it is recovered in about eight years. IAF sources said there have been recommendations in the past that pilots should be encouraged to leave after serving about 12-14 years, so that they get better money outside, do not get frustrated in the organisation, and keep the human resource young.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Air Marshal (retd) B.K. Pandey said there are certain rules on which the Air HQ allows people to resign. But to prevent an exodus, the government has introduced an accelerated promotion scheme from Dec. 16, 2004, where guaranteed promotion up to the rank of Group Captain is given. Earlier, it took five years for a Flying Officer to become a Flight Lieutenant, but now it takes two years.</span><br /></div> </div>