Aviation Trainings in Bangladesh

Subject: Aviation History

Aviation Trainings in Bangladesh

Syed Mohd. Saleh Uddin

(The writer is Assist. Prof. (retd.)Rampura Ekramunnessa Degree College, SWO (retd) AEC, Ex Airman   PAF & BAF and Ex CI, College of Aviation Technology (CATECH) & National Institute Engineering and Technology). Updated article of connecttask.com republished for further dissemination by HAMZA.

Before liberation of Bangladesh in East Pakistan the only institute in Aeronautical discipline was East Pakistan Flying club. It was established in 1948. It is one of the oldest flying schools in the world. It has produced many pilots ever since and still producing pilots proudly. Now its name is ‘Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation Ltd. After liberation, BAF started imparting education in this discipline. First they started giving on job training to its technical airmen and pilots. So, far I remember BAF started its formal training programme in Aeronautical Engineering opening its first ‘Advanced course’ in BAF Dhaka commenced from January 1974 to June 1974. Then BAF established a Training wing in BAF Base Chittagong to train its airmen of all trades. Its ‘Advanced course’ is recognised as equivalent to Diploma of Associate Engineers by BTEB. BAF may have other institute also of same level under BAF, CTTB. It is worth mentioning here that these Air Force schools are only for its Airmen and other Air forces who sent their airmen for training under government arrangement. BAF also established Bangladesh Air force Academy in BAF,Base Jessore for all its officers including GDP. Officers of other Air forces are also trained in this academy on special arrangements. Now BAF officers are also sent to MIST for further higher education under the BUP. In Bangladesh there are other Aeronautical institutes also as:

1.      College of Aviation Technology (CATECH),

2.      Aeronautical College of Bangladesh (ACB),

3.      National Institute of Engineering and Technology (NIET),

4.      United College of Aviation (UCA),

5.      Cambrian International College of Aviation (CICA),

6.      Heritage International College of Aviation and management (HICAM),

7.      Mirror Aviation Institute etc.

 

Following is the only CAAB approved BTEB 4 years Diploma awarding non government institute in Bangladesh for Aeronautical Engineering:

 

AERONAUTICAL INSTITUTE OF BANGLADESH (AIB)

 

It is in Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh. No other such Diploma awarding non government institute in Dhaka or elsewhere in Bangladesh exists. It is having a glorious past and till date is operating very successfully. Its present Chairman is Air Commodore (retd) Iftikhar.

 

Few of the above are operating successfully. Serial no 6 & 7 stopped their operation at the outset due to various unavoidable reasons. Others are running courses of EDEXCEL, England, BTEB and other foreign bodies. Their students are permitted to compete for Licence under European Air Safety Agency (EASA). It also issues different categories of licences as EASA part 66 cat A, B1/B2, C etc licences. Their students may also take part in CAAB licence exams after fulfilling few conditions. Retired Air force and Army, Navy Aviation Aeronautical personnel may also compete for Licence without type rating (LWTR). Licensed Engineers enjoy the status of Graduate Engineers (Professional) in their respective fields. Their licences are honoured in all airlines. Those who feel like to take licences from International bodies,  they may also sit for EASA licence exams which is conducted by British Council in Bangladesh. Even Aeronautical students may appear at certain portion of above licence exam of specified modules. Rest of the portion of exam will be after fulfilling the  practical job which condition of the exam for specified time in the live aircraft. This exam will also be conducted by the same body.

Retired pilots and Instructors from Defence Forces may also apply to CAAB for their respective rated licences. In service personnel in airlines after serving certain period in an aircraft as specified in the CAAB rules may compete for type ratings. Those who are interested to do short courses before their licence exams which may help them to overcome hurdles of the exams, they may contact AIB, ACB and CATECH. All the above centres are in Uttara, Dhaka. For pilots’ licence exams pre course suggestion is to do such course in any renown Flying Academy of the country.

AIB is approved for the CAAB courses. This is the oldest organisation of this kind in Bangladesh.  It was established by Kazi Shamsur Rahman (a retired Deputy Chief Engineer of BIMAN), M. Moslem uddin ( an ex instructor of BAF & BATC) etc & other ex dignitaries of Biman & BAF in about 1999 at Uttara, Dhaka. It was named Aviacon Institute which was derived from the words Aviation Consultant. Later it was upgraded and renamed AIB when M. Moslem uddin was its principal. Now AIB is a famous Institute under the leadership of Engineer S.M.Akmol Hossain. He is CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Institute now. Its CI now is G.M. Anwar.

Its most of the instructors are retired airmen of PAF & BAF and newly passed students from MIST and other public universities. Its Instructors from Air Force are trained in home and abroad. Now (2014) courses of CAAB, BTEB and Assumption University, Thailand are available here. They are trying to make contact to few Bangladeshi Public Universities for Under Graduate level (BSC, BBA etc) courses. For all courses expenditure differs according course & Institute.

For Pilots training also course cost differ according to Institute. In Bangladesh low cost one is Flying Academy of Bangladesh as there is government subsidy on tuition fees. Others claim Tk 20 to 30 lacs course fee including 100 hours flying required for CPL. Licence exam fee to be submitted to the CAAB either individually or by the institute for all. The Bangladesh Air force Academy and Army Aviation give pilot training to BAF and the Army & Navy pilots respectively. Any ambitious young man with good science background may apply to get such opportunity. On commissioning they will be trained there free of cost. However, they will have to undergo hard courses for Military officers in BMA (Bangladesh Military Academy) and respective Academy of their own Arms as BNA (Bangladesh Naval Academy), various academies of the Bangladesh Air Force where Military leaders are created.

Pilots of the Defence Forces need no CAAB licenses to fly defence aircrafts. However, after retirement from the defence service they may get chance to join civil airliners. In that case they will have to earn a licence from CAAB or other appropriate international body. They will have to appear at the exam for the licence on paying appropriate fee to CAAB or to the other agency. In case of licence exam in Bangladesh CAAB approval is needed. In Bangladesh followings are the CAAB approved training organisations.

1.      Civil Aviation training centre (CATC) for various Aeronautical courses.

2.      Bangladesh Airlines training centre (BATC) for various Aeronautical courses.

3.      Bangladesh Flying Academy & General Aviation ltd for Pilot’s training.

4.      Arirang Aviation ltd for Pilot’s training.

5.      Galaxy Flying Academy ltd for Pilot’s training.

6.      Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) for Graduation in Aero- Engineering under Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). Bangladesh University of Professionals is the 30^th Public University of Bangladesh which was established in Mirpur, Dhaka in 2008 to run all education of Defence Forces of Bangladesh. Now it is awarding doctoral degree also. It is worth mentioning here that MIST is an advanced Engineering institution in Bangladesh. It is one of the pioneer institutions of Bangladesh Armed Forces. It started its journey from April 19, 1998 but its first programme launched on January 31, 1999. Gradually it opened all the conventional faculties like DUET and other public universities of Bangladesh. Considering the need of the time and Defence Forces AE faculty       ( Aeronautical Engineering dept.) is introduced by MIST on February 01, 2009. It has two major disciplines Aerospace and Avionics. In MIST followings are the field of study in AE department including aircraft. Systems & airworthiness etc:

a)      Aerospace vehicle design engineering.

b)     Aerospace engineering.

c)      Avionics engineering.

d)     Space engineering.

e)      Aerospace propulsion engineering.

f)       High speed aerodynamics.

MIST’s present (2014) commandant is Maj. Gen. Siddiqur Rahman, hdmc, Psc.

Names of its previous commandants are as follows;

a)      Maj. Gen.Abul Hossain, ndc,Psc.

b)     Maj. Gen. Hamid Al-Hasan,ndc.

c)      Maj. Gen. Habibur Rahman Khan, ndc, Psc.

d)     Maj. Gen. Md. Abdul Wadud, ndu, Psc.

e)      Maj. Gen. Ismail Faroque chy. Psc.

f)       Maj. Gen. Abdul Hafiz Malik, Psc.

g)      Brig. Gen. Abdul wadud ndc, Psc.

h)     Bri. Gen. Md. Mofizur Rahman.

At present (2014) departmental head of the AE department of MIST is Gp. Capt. A. Salam. Its permanents faculties for aeronautical disciplines are mainly from most experienced Air Force instructors, for other subjects from AEC and also from other arms of the Defence Forces. Foreign Defence Forces (IAF & other Air Forces) instructors may also be here on mutual arrangement of Defence Forces. Civil instructors are also here on contractual basis.

Aeronautical Institute of Bangladesh (AIB) for Diploma of Aerospace and Avionics Engineering under Bangladesh Technical Education Board & various other short courses approved by the CAAB also BTEB . To foster both the theoretical and practical training on aircraft maintenance engineering AIB is working with the various organisations locally and internationally together. AIB has signed the Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between organisations for the better training facilities and practical on live aircrafts. (SMSU)

Ref: As above and banglapedia & wave sites of AIB, MIST etc.

AIB has Memorandum of understanding with the following organisations:

1.      Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation ltd.

2.      Regent Airways ltd.

3.      Galaxy Flying Academy ltd.

4.      Sky Capital Airlines.

5.      R&R Aviation ltd.

6.      GMG Airlines.

7.      Mission Aviation Felloship (MAF).

8.      Bangla International Airlines.

9.       Assumption University of Thailand.

10.     SAGE Aviation, Malaysia.                                                                                                                     11.     AMIKON Aviation Training.

12.    United Airways (BD) ltd.

13.      NOVOAIR.

14.      EASY FLY EXPRESS LTD.

15.       Pacific Aviation ltd.

16.      TAC Aviation ltd.

17.        Square Air Limited.

18.       Bismillah Airlines.

(Ref: wave site of AIB.)

Syllabi for Pilot training and Engineering courses in Bangladesh:

CAAB is only licence awarding authority for Aviation related professionals in Bangladesh. Jobs in the Aviation sectors became international in nature when licence is awarded. It means when one obtains licence opportunity of job also opens for him in the International Arena. CAAB is the member of ICAO. So, CAAB follows ICAO approved syllabi for its all licence exams. Pilots’ licence issued under ICAO is recognised all over the world. Approved institutions worldwide in this field are permitted to run PPL, CPL –A, CPL-H, IFR, MER, ATPL, SEA PLANE LICENCE, GLIDER LICENCE, FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR’S LICENCE, INSTRUCTOR RATING LICENCE etc courses.

In our country like other countries for pilots’ training Ground study subs. are included. For Private Pilot Licence (PPL) followings Ground Study subjects are taught for 150 hours or planned by the institute:

1.      Aircraft Structures,

2.      Aerodynamics,

3.     Aircraft systems,

4.      Flight manuals and aeronautical documentations,

5.      Performance,

6.      Reports of the weather charts,

7.      Airspace,

8.      Mapping and Navigation,

9.      CRM,

10.      Flight controls,

11.  Principles of flight,

12.   Flight instruments,

13.  Weight and balance,

14.  Weather,

15.  Airport operations,

16.   Aircraft Navigation,

17.  Flight Physiology,

18.  Aviation regulation etc.

For Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) ground study includes following subjects:

1.      Navigation,

2.      Weather,

3.      Mapping,

4.       Tele-communications,

5.       Weight and balance,

6.       Altimetry,

7.      Flight Physiology,

8.      Facilitation,

9.      Instrumental procedures,

10.  Aerodynamics,

11.  Interpretation of weather charts,

12.   Aviation regulations,

13.  Performance,

14.  Airfield,

15.  Airspace and flight operations,

16.  Interpretation of Aeronautical charts,

17.   CRM etc.

For Airlines Transport Pilot licence (ATPL) following subjects are taught as the integrated course:

1.      Airframe,

2.      Power plant,

3.      Radio Navigation,

4.      Principles of flight,

5.      General navigation,

6.      Operational procedures,

7.      Mass and balance,

8.      Aircraft systems,

9.      Air law,

10.      Instruments,

11.     Electronics,

12.    Meteorology,

13.    VFR/IFR communications,

14    Flt, planning etc.

For Instrument Rating course ground study includes following subjects:

1.        Instrumental procedures,
2.       Airspace and Flight operation,
3.       Instrumental phraseology,
4.       Weather,
5.      Altimetry,
6.       Interpretation of IFR aeronautical charts,
7.      IFR aviation regulation,
8.       Preparation of IFR flight,
9.       Instrument etc.

There are other courses also like MULTI ENGINE RATINGS (MER), Flight Instrument course etc. Foreign Flying Schools like Flying School in Philippines & USA invites  international students and gives package offer with Single Engine (Cessna- 152) 140 hours flying, Single Engine (Cessna-172) 20 hours, Multi Engine (BE-55/58-PA-34- 200T) 40 hours flying and training in the Flight Simulator 40 hours 6 to 7 months for PPL course. That includes ground training of 150 hours, food, lodging etc. Others from  USA and Europe also have package offer for various courses for pilots. In USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and in Europe EASA/JAA ( European Air Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities) are responsible to arrange licence exams. There examinees are to follow either FAA or JAR (Joint Aviation requirements) respectively. Pilots of Bangladesh may avail these offers. However, these are very costly. So, it is wise for Bangladeshi to complete their courses in CAAB approved national Flying Schools. The better Institution for low cost may be Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation ltd. In the country it is the oldest institute in this discipline which started its operation in 1948 after it was established in then East Pakistan as a Flying club.

About CAAB licences for Engineering personnel short discussion was made above. CAAB follows ICAO approved curriculum for licence exams. But syllabi for different levels of courses are prepared by the respective Universities and Boards. In some cases approved institutions developed syllabi for their short courses which are shaped for specific aeronautical jobs. MIST follows the curriculum of Bangladesh University of Professionals for all of its courses. The College of Aviation Technology (CATECH) also has under graduate course in Aerospace Engineering of BTEC, EDEXCEL, and England. It is known as Level-6. CATECH also have BTEC nationals (ND), known as Level-3 and BTEC Higher nationals (HND), known as level-5. Its curriculum is internationally accepted. Few other institutes in Bangladesh are also running BTEC courses in different disciplines. In fact CATECH MUST BE GIVEN CREDIT for the EDEXCEL Aeronautical courses in BANGLADESH. It’s MD Mr. Sumon Sarker who was educated in Russia and Germany was the main planner of BTEC engineering (AE) courses in Bangladesh. He along with few other civilians and retired BAF officers originated it during 2008.Its initial Chairman was Group Captain (retd) Idris. Group Captain (retd) Shafi. Wing Commander (retd) Abdur Rahman, few air force retired WO/JCO and, Captain (hon./AEC/Army) Aminur Rahman Bhuiyan were instructors there till 2011, few of them also unto later time. Like mentioned officers its instructors MWO Ashaq and WO Atiur were also trained in Russia and China. Many Part time instructors from Airlines also took there classes who were educated abroad. Later CATECH had its instructors from India and also Europe. Dignitaries from Russia time to time spared their times for it & worked to develop it. Engineer Mrs. Moli Sarker now (2014) is its Principal. Many students from Nepal and Europe were also educated in CATECH.  Many students of its first batch are both studying in European or American Universities or both studying and working there. It is due to their memorandum of understanding with the related Universities and organisations. However, after AIB it is the Pioneer institute in AE. Unluckily it is divided and United College of Aviation emerged.  It also took EDEXCEL courses .Their course wise syllabi of the individual courses will be found  in their wave sites and also in the wave site of BTEC, EDEXCEL. Now (2014) United college is under Omer Sultan Foundation and its present Executive Director is Mr. Mohammad Ali. It has under graduate course of the National University and New Port University, Latvia. CICA’s (Cambrian International College of Aviation) under graduate course is under the Nanchang University, China. Now (2014) the principal of CICA is Engr. Md. Abdur Rouf. He is leading the college dynamically.

Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) also has 4 years Diploma course in Aerospace and Avionics Engineering. AIB and few other Poly Technique Institutes as NIET which have these courses follow BTEB syllabi. By 8 (eight) semester of 6 months each this course is divided. Among those one semester is for on job training on the live aircrafts in an Airliners (only 8^th semester) and one of the semester for legislative course (only 7^th semester in own institutes) according to BTEB policy. Initial 1^st to 6^th semester (3 years) is abinitio i.e. theoretical and practical classes. Its (BTEB) curriculum is available in the BTEB wave site. Both AIB and CATECH are approved to run few short courses of BTEB. These are:

1. Air Hostess & Cabin Crew.

2. Travel, Tourism & E-Ticketing.

3. Aviation Management.

All the above courses are of 3 to 6 months according to students choice. Their approved syllabi will be available in both the organisations. Besides, AIB has following CAAB approved basic/refresher training courses for experienced aircrafts personnel’s:

Basic courses:

1.      Airworthiness Legislation.
2.       Human Performance and Limitations.
3.       Helicopters.
4.      Aircraft Piston Engine.
5.       Aircraft AC Power.
6.      Aircraft DC Power.
7. …………………………………….

Refresher courses:

1.      Airworthiness Legislation.
2.       Airframe.
3. .     Aircraft Turbine Engine.
4.       Aircraft DC Power & AC Power.
5.       Aircraft Instruments & Integrated Flight Systems.
6.       Human Performance and Limitations.
7.       Aircraft Radio-Radar.

Syllabi of the above courses will be available in AIB office. Retired defence service aeronautical personnel may do any or more of the above courses to accommodate themselves in airlines job and that may also help them in the LWTR exams. Those who are working in the airlines already such courses may also be helpful for them. AIB has EASA Licence courses with the cooperation of AMIKON Aviation Training. (SMSU).

Ref: CAAB, AIB, CATECH etc wave sites and AIB Prospectus.

Pl visit blog: aviationbangladesh.wordpress.com & Banglapedia also navigationtalk.wordpress. com (for further information).