Training Report-EN

ASIA-PACIFIC TRAINING SCHOOL OVERVIEW
WOMEN IN AVIATION
With the shortage of aviation professionals leaving the industry
to scramble for a solution, many are now looking at the untapped
female market.
The International Society of Women Airline Pilots estimates
there are 4,000 female airline pilots out of 130,000 airline pilots
worldwide — only about 3%.
Outside of cabin crew, aviation has been a male dominated
field, and the industry is now attempting to attract and cater
to more women. A misconception in aviation is that pilots are
frequently away from home and work long hours – a deterring
factor particularly for working mothers. Airlines and flight training
schools are now working toward dispelling these misconceptions
and making the industry more female-friendly. In the meantime,
males and females alike still see the high costs of training and low
salary in the first years of flying as a barrier of entry into aviation.
SAFETY ISSUES
One of the greatest concerns in addressing this unprecedented
growth is the possibility of aviation training schools easing up on
their safety regulations and required flying hours. Unlike North
America and Europe, aviation regulations in the Asia-Pacific region
are not standardized — potentially leading to safety oversights.
A number of high profile accidents, within the region, have created
a great concern for the industry, as well as with the public, and the
severity of these incidents serve as a reminder to the industry that
pilot training and safety go hand in hand. In recent years, a number
of reports have suggested that questionable training schools have
opened up offering certifications showing inflated flying hours and
ground training.
The issue gained notoriety in India, after the Directorate General
of Civil Aviation (DGCA) discovered a number of pilots flying using
fake documents, with forged qualifications. In one rare case, a
student received certification showing 360 flying hours, after
a mere 35 minutes of sitting in an aircraft. School fees, initially
paid through a grant provided by the Indian government, were
later repaid after the case was taken to court. The DGCA has
since taken precautions to ensure schools and pilots are meeting
standards.
TRAINING COURSES
Training schools throughout the region vary in certifications
offered, course fees, and aircraft utilized. While countries in North
America and Europe have the advantage of a more matured
business aviation market, many countries throughout the Asia-
Pacific region are struggling to reach that point.
A number of airlines and training schools in the region have
partnered, in an effort to attract candidates with the promise of a
job at the end. A pilot cadet program would typically use an ‘abinitio’
training, where the student has no experience and will require
training over the course of up to a few years. Upon successful
completion, the graduate would then be ready to embark on a
career with the airline. Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) and
Singapore Airlines are among the well-known airliners offering a
cadet program, both of which require applicants to be citizens or
permanent residents of their respective countries.
Typical training schools offer certifications for a Private Pilot’s
License (PPL), a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL), and an Air
Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL). Schools may also offer type
ratings – certifications required by regulating agencies when
flying a specific aircraft. This would include various Airbus models,
Boeing models, as well as Bombardier jets and a number of other
aircraft.
Although each country has its own standards for obtaining
certification, many schools may train students under Part 141
and Part 61 regulations, which refers to the specific section of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
Part 141 creates a more structured training environment, with
Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) approved curriculum. Part 61
teaches to the same FAA practical test standards, but has a more
flexible training curriculum. Students would also be made aware of
general operating and flight guidelines for civil aircraft, which are
under Part 91 and 135 of FARs.
Potential aircraft mechanics must also be certified before
performing maintenance work on an aircraft. An Aircraft Mechanic
Technician (AMT) in Asia Pacific will likely be certified under Part
147, which provides FAA approved curriculum.
More advanced schools will often offer flight simulators, which
is a beneficial training tool for students. There are two types
of flight simulators: full flight simulator (FFS), which provides
a real-life recreation of an in-flight experience, as well as flight
training devices (FTD), providing a life-like experience without the
movement of the FFS.
Candidates preparing for a license are also required to pass a
number of requirements before being granted a license. This may
include age and physical requirements, as well as passing an
English language examination.
FUTURE OF AVIATION TRAINING
To meet the tremendous growth -- projected in the next 20 years --
it is imperative that the aviation industry work quickly to build more
training capacity, modernize their operations, and recruit the next
generation of aviation personnel who have grown up in a more
technologically driven and faster paced educational system.
The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, will need to address issues
of standardization and safety within training facilities, barriers
related to cost and opportunity, the untapped female market, and
advancements within the industry.
These advancements, particularly in technology will require more
sophisticated training aircraft, with glass cockpits and students
who are trained to operate the latest avionics and safety features.
2016 ASIA PACIFIC TRAINING SCHOOL REPORT | 7