CHENNAI: The Madras Flying Club (MFC) has just been managing to exist by training their pilots at the Vellore airfield. But after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) informed them that subsidised operation rates applied only to the Madras Airport, and to use the Vellore airfield, they would have to pay commercial rates, the flight training school finds itself on shaky ground. Add to this, a strong statement made by Director General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan that the MFC might have to “necessarily move out of Chennai” because of the spike in air traffic; and this does not bode well for the club. His suggestion that looking at Pondicherry and Salem as other “probable” locations for flight schools in Tamil Nadu indicate that the central body is not in favour of sharing airport space with the club. With the AAI having used up some of the club’s space as part of the nearly-complete expansion work, the MFC has taken succour in the State government’s backing to keep them in Chennai. “The government has intervened and said that they do not want MFC to leave Chennai. In fact, they suggested that an 18-acre patch attached to the airport on the Porur side be allocated, but this has not found favour with some,” alleged Sebastian. “We’re not particular, really. Even if they give us a decent airstrip on the outskirts, we will continue the legacy,” he added.
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