Hobby Flying takes off in Bangalore. An article in Bangalore Times, Feb 26, 2005.

Besides that article, here's my detailed take on issues with hobby flying in Bangalore/India.

Why is the number of aviation enthusiasts on the rise?
1) Booming economy --> Higher disposable incomes.
2) Exposure to better lifestyles (< -- through regular foreign visits, and via 24x7 media bombardment of western lifestyle).
3) Loosening of aviation regulations.

Why is there a renewed interest in hobby flying?
The factors mentioned above plus the rise of industry role models such as Captain Gopinath. Also, Flying has been elite and remained beyond access to ordinary people. For the first time, Low Cost Carriers around the world are making travel affordable, and in the process demystifying aviation and inspiring people to dream beyond flying in an airlines.

What got me interested in hobby flying?
Using an aircraft as a customer and wanting to be in the pilot's seat are two ends of the spectrum. Making the twains meet is the inspiration. From making paper airplanes to reading Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and Richard Branson's adventure balloon trips, flight's always been a fantasy. No matter how so ever much one flies, the flying machine remains an enigma, a magic.

How popular is hobby flying as a social sport?
There are social flying activities usually in the form of gliding, paragliding, parasailing, and joy rides in microlights. But, as a hobby, it's not really big in India yet. And that is ironic, considering that India has one of the best flying weather conditions round the year . The flip side though is that it's picking up. I myself get so many queries from people wanting to know what it takes to fly, or how to go for a pilot license etc. The point is that there is enough demand, but the supply side is found wanting. Hence, there is a market imbalance as far as hobby flying/General Aviation is concerned. On supply side, however, things are taking a turn in the positive direction. Companies such as Indus Aviation are pushing GA (General Aviation) through initiatives like their low-cost plane (Thorp E-211) manufactured in India.

What factors will help hobby flying grow further?
Availability of good infrastructure: Good planes, Better instructors, and Top-Of-It flying schools. I have got queries from people who work in Avionics field, and who'd like to train themselves as pilot in order to do their job better. But, where are the flying schools? As a result, lot of people from Bangalore goto Hyderabad, Chennai, Pondicherry, and abroad for flying training. Its highly ironical that, even though Bangalore is considered to be a Mecca for hobby aviation in India, it does not have 'good' flying schools!

Do I think of the risks sometimes?
No. Not at all! The fascination is too big to even see risks. And now that you remind me of 'em, let me tell you there ain't any!

How often do I get to fly?
Availability of good instructors/schools is an issue.

Do I want to take it on as a career?
No. It is purely a hobby. In long term, however, I do want to acquire a microlight, and also get into aviation business myself. Hence, it's a good idea to get a head start!

What is the legal age to start hobby flying?
Sixteen. The candidate should have passed Standard X.

How long does it take to earn a student pilot licence? (how many hours of flying)
60 hours (including 10 hours solo).

What types of planes are typically used in hobby flying?
Cessna-152, Cessna-172, Piper Seneca, etc.

What is the cost of an average flying lesson (per hour)
Rs 3000-3500/hour depending on what kinda plane and flying school you are with.

Any celeb student pilots -- besides lucky ali?
Can't think of any. But hey, everybody is a student: student of life!