Country’s oldest pilot training school, the Bombay Flying Club founded by JRD Tata in 1929, may have to shut shop. The flying school, which boasts of training JRD Tata, has been caught fudging records. An audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revealed several discrepancies in the functioning of flying clubs across the country.
BFC President Mihir Bhagwati was not available for comment.
“The inspection revealed several violations. There were irregularities in records and standard operating procedures were not followed. Even fire extinguishers were scarce,” said Bharat Bhushan, the Director General, adding that the schools fudged logging of hours.
“It indicates that the aircraft was actually on ground but records show it had flown. It is a serious violation,” he said.
He dismissed speculation that daughter of a senior central government official had benefited and said it was not mentioned in the audit report.
The schools have been served notices, he said and if explanations are satisfactory, they will be allowed to function.
There are 41 approved flying training schools and 20 have been audited till now.
