Nagpur: The Nagpur Flying Club (NFC), an institution with a rich heritage from the British era, is poised to embark on a new chapter of expansion. The NFC administration has announced plans to extend its operations to Chandrapur’s Morwa Airport, as reported in a local English daily.
While talking to the daily, the Divisional Commissioner Vijayalaxmi Bidari, who serves as the Chairman of the Nagpur Flying Club, disclosed that the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has granted in-principle approval for NFC to commence operations at Morwa Airport. This strategic move is aimed at broadening the scope of the flying club’s activities and providing enhanced training opportunities.
The NFC encountered a temporary setback in 2017 when it was compelled to cease operations due to a lack of funds from the Maharashtra Government. The closure resulted in a hiatus in maintenance and staff appointments. However, persistent efforts and legal intervention culminated in the reopening of the club, driven by directives from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. Flt Lt Shridhar Ghatate, supported by counsel Shriniwas Deshpande, spearheaded the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the club’s operations.
While discussing the challenges faced, Bidari mentioned that the MADC had stipulated a rental fee for utilizing its facilities at Morwa Airport. Despite this, NFC has made a request to the government for a waiver, citing their nominal fee of Rs 20 lakh, which is amongst the lowest in the country. The NFC’s operations are currently in full swing, training around 40 students. Additionally, the club extends scholarships to 20 students from disadvantaged backgrounds through the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (Mahajyoti), thereby sponsoring their comprehensive 18-month training.
Bidari emphasized the rationale behind selecting Chandrapur’s Morwa Airport for expansion. Nagpur Airport experiences constant traffic with a multitude of incoming and outgoing aircraft, limiting the availability of flying time for students. In contrast, Morwa Airport, characterized by its relatively lower traffic, is ideal for offering students extended flying hours. The airport primarily accommodates small and chartered flights, contributing to a more conducive training environment.
