Flight Levels

Training up

Great changes means great caution

Headlines speak of unprecedented growth and pilot shortages, and yet it was only a short time ago the industry was stagnant and in a downcast mood. But that stagnation was aided by a lack of strategic planning on some fronts, as the signs were there that growth was coming. As a consequence, there is a global state of catch-up in recruitment, training and fleet expansion.

Aviation has always been a paradox. It is a dynamic undertaking that is at the mercy of so many outside elements beyond its control – financial market collapses, SARS, bird flu, terrorism. Is that why airlines are prone to hanging off until the last moment in executing plans to cope with growth and expansion? Perhaps they want to be absolutely certain that the bottom isn’t about to fall out of the bag?