UK company selected to train India's future captains

CTC will be delivering an intensive command skills development training programme to upgrade some of IndiGo's carefully selected First Officers to command positions, in preparation for the airline's ongoing expansion (IndiGo currently operates 56 of a total of 280 firm orders for Airbus A320 aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2025).  

CTC’s command skills development programme has been approved by the Indian DGCA for use by IndiGo.  Consisting of a four-day ground school programme followed by 12 simulator details prior to returning to the line for a continuous development programme, the course has been fully tailored to incorporate IndiGo’s SOPs, documentation and company culture.

“We have chosen to invest in our future captains to ensure they feel properly equipped for the additional responsibilities that come with command,” said Captain Saleem Zaheer, vice president of flight operations for IndiGo.  “We take safety extremely seriously and believe it is vital that a company growing as rapidly as we are retains a focus on ensuring training standards are maintained to an exceptional level.  We did our homework and decided that CTC was the right company for us.  We wanted to take our pilots out of their normal working environment and immerse them in a training development programme that fully identifies with their needs.  Our pilots will return to the line with us as captains; confident that they have received the highest quality, bespoke training.”

The ground school element of the course comprises of three days command specific CRM and human factors training encompassing IndiGo’s company culture and procedures.  The fourth day is a ‘dry swim’ or ‘desktop loft’ day.  The pilots will run through a variety of real life scenarios utilising IndiGo documentation and employing IndiGo SOPs.   The simulator details will be carried out at CTC’s simulator centre in Southampton (UK).
 
Mike Redrupp, operations director and head of training for CTC Aviation Services Limited, the company’s TRTO division, said: “We believe CTC sets the standard for command skills training around the world.  It is an aspect of aircrew training that is under provided for and not enough airlines invest effectively in their future commanders.  IndiGo has been very forward thinking in its decision to ensure their Captains are properly equipped for their role.  The figures that are being quoted in our industry regarding future pilot requirement suggest that around 450,000 new pilots will be employed over the next 18-20 years.  We must not forget that with such growth comes a need for more rapid promotion to command.  Whilst some people undoubtedly have natural leadership potential, it is essential that they are taught the correct application skills. It is not a simple step from the right hand seat to the left and as a rapidly growing industry we must ensure that we fully equip our aircrew for their jobs.”