LAUNCH OF NEW AVIATION TRAINING STANDARDS
Source: Australia. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government . Media Release
"Today (17/6/08) I launched the new Aviation Training Package which delivers for the first time Australia-wide standards and qualifications for pilots and other aviation workers. The development of this Package is particularly timely given that commercial plane and helicopter pilots were recently added to the Government's official national skills shortage list. Industry predicts a pilot shortage of up to 1,800 over the next two to three years. Already regional services are being reduced or cancelled due to a lack of pilots.
There are three special features to the Package:
It cuts through a myriad of state qualifications and provides nationally consistent qualifications, making it easier for people considering a career in the aviation industry;
For the first time the two regulators of Australia's aviation industry - the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Defence Department - have agreed on standards and requirements for pilot qualifications. This means aviation workers will be able to move more freely between civilian and defence workforces;
It will make it easier for overseas students to train in Australia, enhancing our reputation as a world leader when it comes to aviation training.
The Aviation Training Package is now the official guide for training pilots and other aviation workers."