The Nagpur Flying Club (NFC) is taking a significant step towards establishing the city as a regional aviation training hub by procuring a state-of-the-art flight simulator. This move is expected to reduce training costs and eliminate the need for trainee pilots to travel outside the state for mandatory certification.
Tender for Simulator Acquisition
The divisional commissionerate has floated a tender to acquire a combined single-engine and multi-engine simulator system. This system is designed to meet the training requirements for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) aspirants. Currently, trainees from Nagpur have to travel to centres in Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Baramati to complete the required 20 hours of simulator training. This incurs expenses ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1 lakh per student.
Official Statement
Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, who heads the NFC, stated, "We have floated the tender for the simulator, which will be directly available to our students. Currently, they have to travel across states to complete their mandatory training hours. Bringing this facility to Nagpur will significantly ease that process."
Technical Specifications
The proposed simulator will support both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft configurations, including advanced Garmin-equipped systems and conventional platforms such as the Diamond DA42. Installation is expected to be completed within six months of the work order, subject to approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Benefits and Impact
Bidari highlighted the advantages of the in-house facility, saying, "With around 42 students currently undergoing training at the club, the in-house simulator will enable structured scheduling and reduce waiting periods. Additionally, it will help the institution retain training revenue that was previously spent on external agencies." NFC officials believe that by integrating modern simulation technology, Nagpur will attract aspiring pilots from across the country, strengthening its role in the national aviation ecosystem.
