With CASA recently relaxing the FIR/Examiner prerequisites for experienced pilots to do Part 61 training activities for aerial work (Part 138) under certain conditions as a result of industry consultation, maybe it’s time to proactively as an industry throw a few robust suggestions to CASA to relax the FIR requirements for the air transport side of the industry.
Certainly needs to be some bridging requirements, however the full Grade 3 FIR training under the current requirements are effectively prohibiting experienced pilots from entering the training arena.
The requirement for some green horn CPL holders to do a GA ready course says it all with regards to the quality of training that some schools are delivering, that ultimately reverts back to instructor experience.
Only need to look at a few recent fatal accident reports to prove the above statement!