Pawan Hans
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) will be offering a three-year BSc (Aeronautics) degree in collaboration with the country’s national helicopter company, Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), a mini-Ratna Public Sector Undertaking.
A Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) for the academic collaboration was signed recently by A P Siddiqui, registrar, and T Sridhar, executive director, PHL, in the presence of Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, and BP Sharma, PHL Chairman-cum-Managing Director and Shahid Ashraf, pro-vice chancellor, deans, faculty members and senior officials from the two sides.
About the course:
BSc (Aeronautics) will be a dual degree course in which the graduation degree will be awarded by JMI and certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering will be issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The theoretical aspects of the course will be taught at the faculty of engineering, JMI while the practical training part will be provided at PHL facilities.
Eligibility:
The course will be open to both male and female applicants who have cleared XII board exams with science and maths combination. As per JMI rules, the university will conduct an entrance test for admission to the course.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad, said that the civil aviation industry was growing at a rapid pace and the course will help in meeting the requirements of trained personnel not just within the country but globally.
Further Views:
He also said that this is another feather in the cap of JMI which already has MoUs with the Indian Air Force and the Navy allowing their personnel to pursue degree courses in JMI. It will enable them with fresh job opportunities after their retirement from the services.
Observing that JMI has always contributed towards the nation-building, he said, that a course like this will go a long way in serving and strengthening the nation.
Ahmad said that the country has made advancements in aerospace and satellite research but there is scope for more research in the field of aeronautics especially given the country’s topography.
Sharma said that this was a historic day when two prestigious institutions have joined hands for a cause which is the need of the aviation industry.
He also added that currently India has a fleet of 380 aircraft and 280 helicopters and with many players coming into the aviation sector, more than 500 aircraft will be added in the next 4-5 years. This, he said, will require a large number of trained engineers and personnel to maintain the aircraft.
He further added that earlier the students were investing three years and were only getting a certificate in Aircraft Maintenance from DGCA but with the launching of this course they will be get a graduate degree.
The dual degree is a good combination and with the phenomenal expansion of the aviation sector the pass-outs will have great job opportunities. As per the MoU both the sides have also agreed to explore the possibility of launching BSc (Aviation).
