India, Nov. 7 -- The proposed establishment of a pilot training institute at Darbhanga airport for aspiring pilots to receive aviation training locally has moved a step closer to reality, with the Union defence ministry granting a no-objection certificate (NOC) for setting up a Flying Training Organisation (FTO).

The Bihar government's civil aviation department, in a letter dated November 5 to Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur, confirmed that the defence ministry had granted the requisite NOC on September 1, following a request from the state government. The department said that further action was being taken to establish the FTO at Darbhanga airport in accordance with the chief minister's directions.

The letter, issued by joint secretary-c...