Sky-high fees dampen interest in pilot training

CEBU, Philippines - An aviation training center recognized the budding penchant of locals to be pilots but observed that funding for the highly-skilled profession remains a challenge for Filipinos.

According to Arvi Perez, general manager of the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training, Inc. (PAAT), the training center felt the growing interest of Filipinos to fly and operate an airplane but does not translate to the increase on the number of Filipino enrolees in aviation schools.

He said that this could be attributed to the expensive training fee that is required for the high-priced course.

He said that they actually see a bright future for aspiring professionals as they could possibly benefit the huge demand that was projected for the aviation industry by 2031.

He noted that there is a forecasted global demand of 460,000 pilots for 2031 with 185 600 of which will be coming from Asia Pacific.

He added that the aviation industry expects an estimate of 10,000 Airbus aircraft to be delivered in Asia Pacific by 2031.

The forecast outlook also cited that 4,505 passenger aircrafts will be expected to be delivered from 2012 to 2021 while 5,113 more are slated for delivery from 2022 to 2031.

To date, the region is 35 percent done with the 20-year total new deliveries.

Perez said that one has to pay around P2 million for a two-year basic flying course in an aviation school in the country.

If the graduate of a basic flying course plans to enter PAAT, he has to invest another substantial amount for the training fee but Perez clarified that it is actually lower than the initial P2 million required for the former. 

He then assured that highly-skilled pilots shall gain their investments for their training once they practice the profession that he could enjoy until he reaches 65 years old which is the retirement age for pilots.

He added that even active aviation practitioners are required to have airline recurrence and refresher training every six months.

In order to extend financial help to Filipinos, PAAT has inked partnership with Robinsons Bank and Mayfair Bank to provide loans for pilots who wish to develop their aviation skills further with the training center.

PAAT is a specialized training facility for airbus aircraft at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga that was formally inaugurated last December.

It is a joint venture of listed budget airline Cebu Pacific Air and global aviation training leader CAE. It intends to support the airline company’s growing fleet and future expansion strategies and further improve the aviation skills of would-be and existing pilots.

Currently, PAAT is training 11 pilots for the initial type rating course who all expressed intent to enter Cebu Pacific and who also passed the pre-screening test of the airline company. Seven of these trainees, however, are reported to come from foreign countries. /JOB (FREEMAN)