Why we can't compete with the USA

Expensive AOCs not necessary for flight training

Most readers would realise that for flight training in Australia an instructor must operate with a flight training school with a full AOC (Air Operators Certificate.) These AOCs are extremely time consuming, bureaucratic and very expensive to obtain and keep.

In the USA it is totally different. A pilot can simply do 10 – 15 hours of additional flight instruction after obtaining a licence and then pass a check ride with an FAA designated examiner. They then obtain a flight instructors certificate and they can train anyone they wish. This is similar to motor vehicle training in Australia – ie Dad can train his daughter, an Uncle can train his nephew, or friends can train friends.

In the USA they do have the equivalent to an AOC, which is called a Part 141 school. However, the majority of pilots obtain their licences with an independent pilot who has a flight instructors certificate.

Imagine the huge savings if this happened in Australia and the number of extra pilots we would end up with. It would also assist Australia to compete globally as all extra costs take away from our competitiveness.

The requirement for an AOC was to be removed under the present Government’s policy of harmonising with the regulations of leading aviation countries. Many existing AOC holders will do everything they can to make sure that the system is not simplified (like the USA) as they believe they could lose business. This is a prime example of the business community short-sightedly looking for Government regulation to try to prevent competition. Believe it or not, if the rules were simplified there would be an increase in pilot numbers and the existing AOC holders would do even better.