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South African Airway's controversial plan to get co-pilots flying
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SAA's controversial plan to get co-pilots flying
September 16, 2006 Edition 1, Saturday Star
Sheena Adams
South African Airways is on the brink of introducing a radical new pilot training programme, which will see trainees taking their place as co-pilots after 70 hours actual flying time.
The bulk of the training - 250 hours - will take place in flight simulators, which allows trainers to slash actual flying hours in a real aircraft by more than half. SAA spokesperson Jacqui O'Sullivan has confirmed the details of the new programme.
The cost-cutting initiative is part of efforts by the national carrier to introduce more black people into its pilot ranks.
Called a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is currently drawing up programme standards and regulations, which could be ready in mid-2007, according to Captain Colin Jordaan, general manager of SAA's flight operations.
It's amazing how few people have actually read the facts quoted at the beginning of this thread before going off on a rant!
The MCL is an ICAO initiative at the behest of airlines who wish to see airline pilot basic training made more relevant to the job. It has nothing to do with South Africa, South African Airways, or aviation in Africa as a whole.
Are we missing something here?