Unable to find a pilot, Karnataka Government puts up chopper for sale

After more than two years of unsuccessful search for an experienced pilot to fly its chopper, the Karnataka Government has finally put up its Dauphin helicopter for sale.

The State Government’s only helicopter, which was once used to ferry Chief Minister and other VVIPs, has remained grounded since the last twenty-eight months at the hangers of Pawan Hans in Mumbai, one of country’s biggest helicopter operators.

With the salary offered by the Government for pilots comparing poorly with the remuneration offered by the booming aviation industry, there are no takers for the post of pilot for the Government-owned helicopter, a Government official said.

But, even while lying idle, the chopper was costing the Government a hefty bill. “As we are unable to find pilots, the chopper is now with Pawan Hans. We are paying nearly Rs 250,000 every month towards maintenance charge. To avoid this recurring expenditure in the face of little or no response from candidates to fly the chopper, the Government has decided to sell it”, the official said.

Ever since the Dauphin helicopter was flown off to Mumbai during April 2004, the VVIPs in the State have been using private chartered choppers.

Apparently, the Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 monthly salary offered by the Government to pilots is turning out to be “peanuts” to the high-fliers, who are commanding a remuneration of Rs 100,000 to Rs 150,000 in private airliners, the Government official said.

In contrast, the Government finds its more economical to use chartered helicopters than owning one and maintaining it. “The high costs involved in hiring a pilot and maintaining a helicopter has forced the Government to sell its only official chopper and continue with chartered helicopters”, the official added.