Redbird Aviation Academy, a famous Indian Flight Training Organization (FTO) is witnessing big corruption allegations. Lets have a look at the root of the matter & what is the problem?
Root of the matter
Root of the matter lies at the former Director of Flight Training Anil Gill. Serious corruption allegations were levied against the former DFT. He faced accusations of taking aircraft as bribes from Indian aviation training organizations. After taking them as bribes, he then used to lease those aircraft to other FTOs & collect lease rentals. Companies belonging to his cousins were involved in the transactions of these aircraft.
In total, Anil Gill took 3 aircraft in bribes. We have registration of 2 such aircraft – VT-EUC & VT-AAY. With this 3 trainee aircraft, Gill & his cousins were making Rs 90 lakhs per month. After Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) becoming aware of this information, he was transferred to Aerosports department.
Redbird Academy involvement
Now, lets take a look at why is Redbird Aviation Academy being dragged into this corruption case? As per complaint to DGCA, it seems that Anil Gill actually leased 2 aircraft to Redbird Aviation Academy as well. The complainant alleged that promoter and Anil Gill are friends. Hence, despite 15-20 incidents in past 3 years, no action was taken against the academy. He even said that Redbird Aviation Academy is profitable right now because of the friendship between Promoter & Anil Gill.
In October month, the aviation academy suffered 2 non-fatal crashes in a gap of 4 days. Cause of crash in both incidents is mid air engine shutdown. After repeated incidents, DGCA on October 23 suspended the operational license of Redbird Aviation Academy indefinitely. As of now, DGCA is not permitting the FTO to conduct flight training, leading to numerous cadets with uncertain fate.
Redbird denies allegations
Of course, there are always two sides of the coin. Hence, lets look at the second side. On the other hand, Redbird Aviation Academy has completely denied these allegations. It said that it started operations in 2017. Since then, the FTO fleet increased to 40 aircraft. All these aircraft are brand new. It even said that in all the incidents, there are not a single incident in which instructor or trainee received an injury.
Regarding the friendship between promoter & Anil Gill, he said that other DGCA officials excluding Anil Gill have inspected the FTO. He termed this allegations as baseless. Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam recieved a report on this matter on November 7. It is under investigation.
Redbird Aviation Academy is a Flying Training Organization in India with flying bases at Baramati, Lilabari, Gulbarga & Belgaum. The FTO provides courses like Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), Conversion Flying, Multi-Engine Rating (MEIR), Simulator Flying and Flight Instructor Course.
Read : Pradhaan Air Express to get a strategic investor
Source : Hindustan Times
