Hyderabad: GITAM School of Technology Hosts Successful Pilot Training Workshop
The Department of Aerospace Engineering at GITAM School of Technology proudly hosted a one-day Pilot Training Workshop on ‘Flight Simulator’ today, September 26, 2024. The event was graced by Captain Vigo, CEO of SpaceGen Aviation, who served as the chief guest and main resource person for the workshop.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Rama Sastry Vedala, Dean-Core Engineering and Director of the School of Technology. In his opening remarks, Prof. Sastry emphasized the importance of hands-on experience in piloting systems. He encouraged students to pursue internships of at least one month, urging them to identify organizations within the industry and correspond with them to secure valuable training opportunities. He also congratulated the Aerospace Engineering department for organizing this meaningful workshop and announced that he would cover the subscription fee for the Aeronautical Society student chapter at GITAM.
Captain Vigo shared his vision of bridging the gap between academia and industry, engaging the aspiring aerospace engineers with thought-provoking questions about their career aspirations. He highlighted the significance of practical experience in the field, revealing that SpaceGen Aviation has successfully placed over 400 to 500 pilots in both commercial aviation and the Indian Air Force. Captain Vigo proudly noted that among the recent graduates trained at his institute, 20 pilots have emerged, showcasing the effectiveness of their rigorous training programs.
During the workshop, Captain Vigo provided hands-on training in operating a flight simulator, guiding students through the entire process of taxiing an aircraft from parking to take-off. Participants learned about controlling the aircraft, cruising altitude maneuvers, engine shutdown procedures mid-air, and performing a dipstick landing—landing the plane without engine power. The students expressed exhilaration at the opportunity to gain firsthand flight simulator experience.
In an exciting opportunity for GITAM students, Captain Vigo offered to facilitate visits to Air India, air traffic control, and the Indian Air Force through the Aeronautical Society in Hyderabad. This initiative includes an immersive experience at the Dundigal Air Force Academy, where students will interact with Air Force pilots and learn about aircraft control, landing techniques, and parachute deployment.
Dr. Md. Akther Khan, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, welcomed the guests and encouraged students to embrace this hands-on session as a way to explore and enhance their skills, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities faced by pilots in the field.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. S. Kishore Kumar, the coordinator of the event. The budding aerospace engineers left the workshop with renewed enthusiasm and appreciation for the skills acquired from industry experts.
