Staff Reporter :
After troubles, Nagpur Flying Club appears finally set to be back on runway to take off. Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has allotted five acres of land to Nagpur Flying Club for its hangar. According to sources, MADC issued a letter in this regard to Divisional Commissioner/ Chairman of Nagpur Flying Club on November 11. MADC referred to the demand for the land made in July earlier this year and approved the land allotment.
Sources told ‘The Hitavada’ that the allotted land is near the Maintenance-Repair-Overhaul (MRO) unit of Air India. As per the directions of the High Court with positive approach, and steps like allotment of land for hangar, Nagpur Flying Club may be able to fly the trainer aircraft once again in next six months, said a source. At present, Nagpur Flying Club has four trainer Cessna aircraft of different models. The admissions to the club had come to a halt in the past two years, owing to certain issues. The matter is being heard by the High Court. Nagpur Flying Club was founded in the year 1947.
In 1990, Maharashtra Government took over the operations. It ran well till 1994. Then, it became defunct. It was revived in 2006. On March 6, 2007, the club started functioning again with a new name Nagpur Flying Club Pvt Ltd. However, it again ran into trouble. Though there were admissions, the Government failed to provide new aircraft and simulator for training purposes. Also, there were problems with appointment of Chief Flying Instructor.