DeltaT
17th Nov 2003, 10:58
Pilot shortage looms as fewer train
17.11.2003
The aviation industry is predicting a pilot shortage within four or five years following a Government cap on the number of students next year.
In response to the looming shortfall, the Aviation Industry Association (AIA) has suggested several strategies to reduce the impact of the move.
AIA chairwoman Irene King said that for the past decade about 300 new pilots a year had entered the market having received their commercial pilot's licence. With the cap - restricting total student numbers to 775 fulltime equivalents, including a new entrant limit of 350 - the number of people receiving their commercial licences in 2005 was predicted to drop to 130, she said.
On present predictions, by 2007 there could be problems finding enough experienced pilots for "lower end" services, such as scenic flights.
The AIA is predicting that pilot shortages will start to filter through to heavy commercial aviation by 2009/10.
It pointed out the problem had arisen at a time when demand for pilots was at an unprecedented high with major scheduled operators ramping up services, and a new entrant about to enter the market.
AIA president John Funnell said taxpayers had every right to ask why they should be lending more than $30 million to students and funding tertiary institutions only to see students disappearing overseas.
"It would be good in view of the upcoming demand to keep more of these people here in New Zealand."
- NZPA
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Want to get your point across about the bulls**t above?!!
Bend a reporters ear
Call NZPA 04 4726223 and ask for Ruth, make reference to the pilot shortage article and spill your guts about this rubbish as long as you are prepared to be quoted.
Lets try and get another side of the coin story published.
17.11.2003
The aviation industry is predicting a pilot shortage within four or five years following a Government cap on the number of students next year.
In response to the looming shortfall, the Aviation Industry Association (AIA) has suggested several strategies to reduce the impact of the move.
AIA chairwoman Irene King said that for the past decade about 300 new pilots a year had entered the market having received their commercial pilot's licence. With the cap - restricting total student numbers to 775 fulltime equivalents, including a new entrant limit of 350 - the number of people receiving their commercial licences in 2005 was predicted to drop to 130, she said.
On present predictions, by 2007 there could be problems finding enough experienced pilots for "lower end" services, such as scenic flights.
The AIA is predicting that pilot shortages will start to filter through to heavy commercial aviation by 2009/10.
It pointed out the problem had arisen at a time when demand for pilots was at an unprecedented high with major scheduled operators ramping up services, and a new entrant about to enter the market.
AIA president John Funnell said taxpayers had every right to ask why they should be lending more than $30 million to students and funding tertiary institutions only to see students disappearing overseas.
"It would be good in view of the upcoming demand to keep more of these people here in New Zealand."
- NZPA
-----------------------------------------
Want to get your point across about the bulls**t above?!!
Bend a reporters ear
Call NZPA 04 4726223 and ask for Ruth, make reference to the pilot shortage article and spill your guts about this rubbish as long as you are prepared to be quoted.
Lets try and get another side of the coin story published.