CASA media release - Thursday, 25 August 2005
Special scholarship looks at flying training
Cutting the dropout rate of trainee professional pilots is one aim of a new study being funded by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
A Swinburne University student has been awarded a special $25,000 CASA scholarship for the study.
It will examine ways of improving trainee pilot retention rates and options for lowering the costs of pilot training.
The project is part of a new commitment by CASA to encourage postgraduate students to undertake practical research into aviation safety issues.
This project will examine how to improve the selection of industry-funded trainee pilots, with the aim of minimising dropouts.
It is estimated that trainee pilot dropout rates can reach as high as 18 per cent and this can cost training providers and airlines anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
The CASA sponsored project is being undertaken by Swinburne University Master of Technology Management – Aviation Human Factors – student Clinton Piadasa.
Mr Piadasa says reducing the dropout rate of trainees will help aviation training providers and airlines, who screen applicants for possible careers as air transport pilots.
“An airline’s bottom line would be positively affected because pilot training costs are a significant portion of the operational budget,” Mr Piadasa says.
CASA chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the project highlights CASA’s commitment to support the aviation industry.
“I have made pilot training one of CASA’s priorities because it is a fundamental step in delivering safety in the future,” Mr Byron says.
“There are a range of initiatives underway to improve pilot training and this scholarship will compliment that work.
“I am very pleased CASA is able to provide $25,000 to fund this study and I congratulate Swinburne University for backing the project.”
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0530