AeSI calls for technology self reliance in Aerospace & Defence

The 226th meeting of Governing Council of The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) was held on June 16, 2018 at AeSI HQrs, New Delhi. The Aeronautical Society of India was founded in the year 1948 with the objective to promote the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of aeronautical sciences and aircraft engineering as well as elevation of the aeronautical profession.  Over the years, the Society has grown into a major professional body in the field of aeronautics, aviation and aerospace.  The Society has 17 branches at all the important centers of aviation and aeronauatics in the country, viz., Agra, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nasik, Nagpur, Pune, New Delhi, Sunabeda, Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari and two special centres i.e. CFD Division and Design Division at Bangalore.  Its membership of more than 13,000 is drawn from all major aeronautical establishments such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, DGCA, Defence Research and Development organizations, Academic Institutions, Aeronautical Development Agency, Indian Air Force, Indian Space Research Organisation, Vikram Sarabhai Space entre, National Airport Authority of India, Air India, Jet Airways, Pawan Hans and aero industry in private sector.While welcoming the Council members, Dr R K Tyagi, President, AeSI spoke about the recent initiatives taken by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence and ISRO towards Make in India efforts.  He said that recently introduced UDAN Scheme announced by Ministry of Civil Aviation and the 3rd party inspection allowed by Ministry of Defence for defence supplies have been noteworthy initiatives by the government.  While welcoming the growth in the aircraft operations in the country, he also cautioned that there is a need for better safety ambience management in the Indian skies. Dr A S Kiran Kumar, President Elect and former Chairman of ISRO while talking to the delegates apprised how the recent initiatives taken by the space department and a very meaningful role which the space department, ISRO are playing in the growth and development of India.  He also emphasized the need of technology reliance. AeSI also deliberated upon the issues related with technology self reliance in the aerospace, aviation and defence services.  The Society formalized its recommendations on various issues pertaining to above areas and decided to take up the policy advocacy matters with the government with more vigour and urgency.