New pilot training programs

The recent announcements by Jetstar and Qantaslink launching their new pilot training programmes is very welcome and a potential boon for the regional aviation industry. For decades the larger companies have been raiding the regional operators to ameliorate pilot shortfalls.

Charter operators and regional airlines are the first employers for most commercial pilots. A number of these operators also run flying schools and take on a considerable number of their graduates. The new commercial pilot then continues to gather experience and new ratings with the regional aviation employer ie the training role is ongoing. Up comes the large turbo-prop or jet job, the pilot exits and the regional employer has to start the process all over again. This can be very expensive and highly disruptive for the regional operator. In short, for years regional aviation has been doing the heavy lifting on local pilot training. It is encouraging that some of the major carriers are now beginning to shoulder their training responsibilities. The industry overall will be strengthened by the new training initiatives and hopefully provide a lead to other larger carriers.