India’s Pilot Training Gets a Push as CSIR-NAL Prepares for HANSA-3 NG Production

Picture credits: Sean D Silva

New Delhi, INDIA: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is set to announce its industry partner for the manufacturing, commercialization, and after-sales support of the HANSA-3 NG aircraft. The event, scheduled for April 3, 2025, at the National Media Center, New Delhi, is a critical step toward strengthening India’s pilot training ecosystem with indigenous solutions.

The announcement will be made in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, and Shri K Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, along with senior officials from CSIR, NAL, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and representatives from the selected industry partner.

Picture credits: @RamMNK(X)

This follows Shri Ram Mohan Naidu’s active involvement in aviation advancements, including his participation in an event last October, where he highlighted the urgent need for domestically built trainer aircraft. He had acknowledged HANSA-3 NG as a key solution to address India’s growing demand for commercial pilots, stressing the importance of reducing dependence on foreign-built training aircraft.

Addressing India’s Growing Pilot Training Needs

India is currently facing a shortage of trained pilots, with commercial airlines rapidly expanding fleets to meet increasing air travel demand. Flight training organizations (FTOs) across the country have been heavily reliant on imported trainer aircraft, leading to higher costs and longer wait times for aspiring pilots.

The HANSA-3 NG aims to solve this by providing a cost-effective, Indian-built alternative. Designed for primary flight training, it is an ideal platform for student pilots to complete their early training before transitioning to larger commercial aircraft.

The aircraft has been tested and certified to meet the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requirements, ensuring it meets the operational standards required for flight schools.

HANSA-3 NG: India’s First Indigenous Trainer Aircraft

The HANSA-3 NG is an all-composite, two-seater trainer aircraft developed by CSIR-NAL. It builds on the success of the original HANSA-3, which has been used for pilot training in India since 2000.

Picture credits: CSIR – NAL

Key features of HANSA-3 NG

• Glass cockpit avionics, giving student pilots a modern training experience.
• Rotax 912iSc fuel-injected engine, improving efficiency and reliability.
• Aerodynamic enhancements for stable handling during training flights.
• Lower maintenance and operational costs, making it a viable choice for flight schools.

The aircraft successfully underwent rigorous flight testing and received Type Certification (TCDS) from the DGCA, clearing the way for commercial production.

What the ToT Partner Will Do

The selection of a technology transfer (ToT) partner will play a crucial role in bringing HANSA-3 NG to flight training organizations across India and beyond. The chosen industry partner will be responsible for:

• Manufacturing HANSA-3 NG at scale for the Indian aviation market.
• Marketing the aircraft to flight training academies and aviation institutions.
• Providing after-sales support to ensure reliability and operational efficiency.

This initiative aligns with the government’s “Make in India” vision and is expected to boost India’s position in the global aviation training sector.

With pilot demand at an all-time high, the successful launch of HANSA-3 NG into flight schools and training academies could significantly impact India’s aviation industry. The April 3rd event will provide clarity on the next steps in production and market deployment, with discussions from key industry stakeholders.

More details on the selected ToT partner and their strategy for expanding HANSA-3 NG’s presence in the flight training market will be revealed at the event. Stay tuned for further updates.

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