Capt. Rajiv Kothiyal, a former Indian air force test pilot and currently a type rated examiner (TRE) with Kingfisher Airlines’ Airbus A320 fleet, will be an advisor to India’s ambitious National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) program. Although a formal announcement has not yet been made, this high-profile appointment was confirmed by Dr. A.R. Upadhaya, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) director. “I can’t tell you what role he (Capt. Kothiyal) will play now, but he will come with rich experience of civil, military background,” says Dr Upadhaya. Capt. Kothiyal was the first man to fly India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Jan. 4, 2001, and contributed immensely to the program.
Dr. Upadhaya says a committee set up to review the requirements and prepare a project report for NCAD will submit its recommendations by the end of April to the government. “The government will study our proposals and then decide on the future course of action,” he said. The NCAD project will initially have manpower from NAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Aeronautical Development Agency and the Defense Research and Development Organization. Former ISRO Chairman Dr. G. Madhavan Nair heads the committee.
To a query posed by Aviation Week, Kingfisher Airlines too confirmed Capt. Kothiyal’s new assignment. “It is a proud moment for all of us at Kingfisher Airlines that Capt. Kothiyal, a TRE on our Airbus A320 fleet, has been appointed by the Indian government as an advisor for the 70-90 seat aircraft project of NCAD. This recognition accorded to Capt. Kothiyal will serve as an inspiration for all of us. He will continue in his regular role at Kingfisher Airlines, in addition to this responsibility,” says Prakash Mirpuri, VP, corporate communications, via email.
Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that the NAL officials received a formal letter from Kingfisher Airlines on Feb 28 in reply to a letter dated January 13, 2011 from NAL seeking the assistance of Capt. Kothiyal. The Kingfisher letter is signed by the airline's Executive VP (engineering and operations) Hithesh Patel. "Capt Kothiyal is really excited about the new assignment as he would be once again entering into a familiar terrain. He will have to inform the KFA officials about the time he would need to devote to the NCAD program so that necessary changes can be met to the flying roster. We can't be asking for more as KFA sees this as a huge recognition. It's a matter of great pride," a close aide and pilot-friend of Capt Kothiyal said.
To a query posed by Aviation Week, Kingfisher Airlines too confirmed Capt. Kothiyal’s new assignment. “It is a proud moment for all of us at Kingfisher Airlines that Capt. Kothiyal, a TRE on our Airbus A320 fleet, has been appointed by the Indian government as an advisor for the 70-90 seat aircraft project of NCAD. This recognition accorded to Capt. Kothiyal will serve as an inspiration for all of us. He will continue in his regular role at Kingfisher Airlines, in addition to this responsibility,” says Prakash Mirpuri, VP, corporate communications, via email.
Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that the NAL officials received a formal letter from Kingfisher Airlines on Feb 28 in reply to a letter dated January 13, 2011 from NAL seeking the assistance of Capt. Kothiyal. The Kingfisher letter is signed by the airline's Executive VP (engineering and operations) Hithesh Patel. "Capt Kothiyal is really excited about the new assignment as he would be once again entering into a familiar terrain. He will have to inform the KFA officials about the time he would need to devote to the NCAD program so that necessary changes can be met to the flying roster. We can't be asking for more as KFA sees this as a huge recognition. It's a matter of great pride," a close aide and pilot-friend of Capt Kothiyal said.
