Originally Posted by
Flying Bear
Despite the opinions for and against GA courses, however so called, the real issue is that the standard of pilot training across the board in Australia is poor - and does not prepare pilots for industry / work. Not the pilot’s fault, but certainly not the fault of the GA operator that seems to be expected to make up the shortfall - totally at their expense.
Maybe some of the criticism / judgement here could be directed at the sausage factories?
Precisely. The poor airmanship displayed on a daily basis at Australia's GA airports demonstrates the above points graphically. Rectifying an inability to refuel from a bowser, directing propwash at other aircraft, power against brakes, high rpm on gravel, jet size circuits etc is not the role of charter operators. This is flying school domain.
The capital city schools on occasion produce airline ready candidates but GA is a specialty & training is required. I suspect most GA ready course providers would prefer the need was not there.
If we drill down to attribute blame- the sausage factory marketing, large student volumes & employment practices (dilution of experience every 2 years) & the younger generations apparent disinterest in the menial tasks of aircraft operation are significant contributors.