Paul Phelan/CAIRNS
Australian carriers want more airline pilot recruits to hold or obtain university degrees involving management skills. They are planning a tailored course to achieve this.
Ansett and Qantas, with input from major regional carriers, are close to agreement on a scheme whereby 10-20% of pilot recruits would enter the airlines initially as self-funded cadets, trained at schools accredited by the carriers. When the scheme matures, the airlines expect over 50% of entrants to come from accredited schools, with the rest from general aviation and the military.
Flight training schools seeking accreditation will be expected to demonstrate prescribed standards, including minimum staff/student ratios, minimum instructor qualifications and a degree course in association with a university. Pilots from accredited schools would become preferred recruits.
Although some universities offer degree courses with an air transport pilot's licence (ATPL) qualification, the airlines want significant changes in course structure and content.
The carriers expect the ATPL studies to constitute 50% of the degree, but want studies to shift from the strong science and mathematics orientation associated with degrees for pilots. They want the ATPL training early in the course, so that pilots can begin airline flying while completing their degrees. It is expected that career progress will be linked with success in the degree studies.
Source: Flight International
