In the '70's to 90's the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs was a significant voice in the flying training business. Along with the then AOPA they had a good handle on most of the issues and made significant representation to Government and the regulator of the day. Today, both organisations have it seems faded away, due perhaps lack of support of poor management. There is strength in numbers as is said, but you have to have the 'numbers' and neither organisation now has the numbers..... When I was learning to fly, AOPA wrote to all students and invited them to join. I did and was a member for over 30 yrs. Post the Dick Smith era, AOPA lost members as the then following President chose to push his own agenda and lost a lot of members as a result. I recall back in the days of Peter Patroni (President until about 1993) that they sent out aprox 10,000 magazines each month and it was certainly a well-run and good representative organisation. Their letters section attracted much comment from various sectors of the industry. In later days my membership lapsed, and I did not even receive a reminder. I rejoined, but it lapsed again due no reminder. Sadly, I don't see it as a valid representative organisation any more - last I heard with only about 2000 members (if that). As for the RFACA back in the '60's they had 39 member clubs* and during the following period including the '80's they were strong and respected with their annual conference usually attracting the responsible Minister. The capital city clubs were strong and vibrant, producing a good product. Many of the country clubs and schools were similar. Now you may ask what this has to do with training standards? In days past those aero clubs and some commercial flying schools were small in terms of aircraft and instructors, but in many cases, they were excellent schools. There were two commercial schools* that I am familiar with that basically had only one instructor/manager, sometimes with a part time number 2 and maybe two or three aircraft. Some of the small aero clubs were similar. Most of these schools now gone as the key person has retired. The likes of those schools I doubt we will see again.
I made mention of the number of CFI's about that have been in the business for a decade or more. Certainly, the pay and conditions are a factor, however I am of the belief that the other major factor is the burden of regulation now imposed on such organisations. We have seen even now, schools (and larger one's at that) closed due to compliance issues. Back around 2003 there was a CASA sponsored conference on flight operations and training (FLOT) and one of the recommendations that came out of one of the working groups was that:
that the greatest hazard to air safety was in fact the Attorney's General Department in demanding the rules fit a use all template in style and format and that Strict Liability offences be attached to many (read most) of the rules
Of course, nothing has happened in that regard despite the then outgoing and incoming CASA CEO's sitting in the front row and applauding that comment. I believe that CASA now have failed in not standing up to the AG's dept and insisting that the rules be simple and easier to understand. The old ANO's and ANR's would fit in your briefcase, now you need a trolly! Have a look at how the US FARs are promulgated? An easy fit in the nav bag! We have a lot to learn and we certainly don't want to follow EASA example as it would kill GA as we know it - as it has in much of Europe.
There does not seem to be any magic wand to wave to fix/improve training standards and it seems that even now most of the operational CASA folk are a victim of the existing system and don't see the problem (?). I look back at my career and around 22,000 hours and believe that I was privileged to be in an industry that was at its peak. It is certainly sad to see it sinking and it is my guess that the accident rate will not improve.
I see 'airmanship' as a corner stone of our industry and it needs to be including in the training, despite the present 'culture' not understanding what it is all about. It's not ony about inserting the chocks and control lock, crossing the seat belts etc, but the use of screens, keeping a good look out and an understanding of airspace.
rant 'off'...
* I could name names, but in this discussion it is not really relevant.