reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.
New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed.
However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF.
Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.
“The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.
HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.
The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies.
Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.
China says no tariff talks with US, even…
26-04-2025
Amidst escalating trade tensions, China denies ongoing negotiations with the US, contradicting President Trump's claims of communication with Xi Jinping. Beijing insists Washington must rectify its errors and eliminate tariffs...
Read morePresident Droupadi Murmu, Donald Trump, …
26-04-2025
World leaders and dignitaries have converged on St Peter's Square to honor Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 from heart failure. The funeral ceremony, attended by figures like Donald...
Read more'Major points agreed to': Trump claims R…
25-04-2025
Donald Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine are nearing a ceasefire, suggesting high-level talks to finalize the deal after his envoy's meeting with Putin. Trump believes "most major points are agreed...
Read moreWhat 'busy' Donald Trump did for wife Me…
25-04-2025
President Trump admitted he was too occupied to purchase a birthday gift for First Lady Melania Trump, who turned 55 on Saturday. Instead, he planned a dinner aboard Air Force...
Read moreMan stabbed to death in NYC subway after…
25-04-2025
In a tragic incident, John Sheldon, a 38-year-old Brooklyn resident, was fatally stabbed at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station following an argument over a stepped-on shoe. The altercation, which began...
Read moreVideo: Russian general Yaroslav Moskalik…
25-04-2025
A senior Russian general, Yaroslav Moskalik, was assassinated in a car bombing near Moscow, prompting accusations from Russia that Ukrainian special services were responsible. This marks the second such attack...
Read moreFlorida airport receives bomb threat, fo…
25-04-2025
A bomb threat discovered on an Allegiant Air flight at Florida’s St Pete-Clearwater International Airport led to an evacuation and temporary shutdown. The threat, found in a lavatory, prompted the...
Read moreFormer Indiana commissioner gets jail ti…
25-04-2025
Former Hancock County Commissioner John Jessup received a six-to-fifteen-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the attempted sexual assault of his daughter during a Las Vegas trip. Jessup, who was...
Read moreUnitedHealthcare CEO murder: Accused Lui…
25-04-2025
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to federal murder charges in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this politically motivated assassination case. The...
Read moreVirginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein …
25-04-2025
Virginia Giuffre, a prominent voice against Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring and accuser of Prince Andrew, has tragically died by suicide at 41. Her family confirmed her passing at their...
Read morePrez warns of military action if N-talks…
25-04-2025
President Trump indicated the US might spearhead military action against Iran if a nuclear agreement proves unattainable. He expressed willingness to act if a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program isn't...
Read more10 Pakistan army personnel killed in Bal…
25-04-2025
In Quetta, a convoy of the Pakistani army was struck by an IED attack orchestrated by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), resulting in the deaths of ten personnel. The BLA...
Read moreNewsom: California is now world's 4th-bi…
25-04-2025
California's economy has surged to become the world's fourth-largest, surpassing Japan with a nominal GDP of $4.1 trillion. Governor Newsom is using this economic strength to challenge President Trump's trade...
Read moreMilwaukee judge arrested by FBI for alle…
25-04-2025
Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for allegedly obstructing ICE agents by helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a previously deported man, evade arrest at the courthouse. Dugan faces charges of concealing an...
Read more'They'll figure it out one way or anothe…
25-04-2025
Amid heightened tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, US President Donald Trump stated that India and Pakistan would resolve the situation themselves. He acknowledged the long-standing dispute over Kashmir...
Read moreOverlooked letter shows Shakespeare was …
25-04-2025
A newly analyzed 17th-century letter fragment challenges the long-held belief that William Shakespeare had a detached marriage. The letter, addressed to "Mrs Shakspaire," suggests Anne Hathaway may have lived with...
Read morePak defence minister admits his country …
25-04-2025
Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif, admitted on Sky News that Pakistan has harbored and funded terror organizations, claiming they were doing the West's "dirty work" for decades. He stated these...
Read morePublic opinion moulded India’s response …
25-04-2025
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistan's response to India's diplomatic measures reveals structural differences. Pakistan's National Security Committee, dominated by the military, contrasts with India's democratic decision-making. Islamabad's denial of...
Read more