CASA Media Release - Wednesday, 15 December 2004
Work starts on better flying training
A new partnership has been forged between the aviation industry and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to develop practical ways of improving flying training.
Senior members of the aviation industry will work with CASA to take an in-depth look at the issues and problems facing the flying training sector.
The aim will be to deliver even better training to students by equipping instructors with the highest possible levels of skills and aviation knowledge.
A special group has been formed – the Flying Training Industry Development Panel – to drive this important initiative. The eight member panel, made up of senior people from industry and CASA, held its first meeting in Melbourne this week.
CASA’s chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, addressed the inaugural meeting, telling panel members their work was vital to improving aviation safety in the future.
“Everyone agrees that better flying training is an important step towards better safety right across the aviation industry,” Mr Byron says.
“Both student and experienced pilots rely on the quality of training they receive to develop the skills and knowledge that keeps them and their passengers safe.
“For some time many people have been concerned that not enough attention was being given to flying training and I accept that industry and CASA have to put more effort into this area.
“I’m very pleased that CASA has been able to start the ball rolling towards better flying training by helping to create this special panel and by supporting its ongoing work.”
Mr Byron told the meeting a first task for the panel could be an examination of the quality of current flying training to identify problems and to find improvements to successful training programs.
“One action that needs to be considered is the establishment of a national flight instructor professional development program to help instructors maintain and improve their qualifications.
“Another practical initiative to be looked at is the development of a modern version of the old flight instructors handbook.”
The Flying Training Industry Development Panel is being chaired by well known aviation identity John Willis. CASA is providing technical expertise as well as financial and logistical support for the operation of the panel.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0438