Do your homework before choosing flying school, says CAAM

 

CAAM head Norazman Mahmud said to avoid disappointment, aspiring pilots should visit schools to tour the facilities, meet with instructors, and get a sense of the training environment. (CAAM pic)

PETALING JAYA: With a surge in the number of people aspiring to become pilots, and the gradual recovery of the aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has advised potential trainees to do their homework on flying schools before making a choice.

The aviation regulator – which licences flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications – said it is not uncommon for aspiring pilots to have unclear expectations or develop misconceptions about the respective roles of the school and the CAAM.

It added that this lack of understanding may lead to confusion and frustration during the enrolment process, hindering students’ progress towards achieving their aviation goals, which will leave them frustrated.

CAAM head Norazman Mahmud said to avoid disappointment, aspiring pilots should visit the schools to tour the facilities, meet with instructors, and get a sense of the training environment.

Norazman Mahmud.

He said they should verify their accreditation status, the training programmes offered, qualifications of instructors and their safety records.

“Carefully review the training programmes offered by the flying schools to ensure they align with career goals and objectives.

“Pay attention to the curriculum, training duration, equipment, and resources such as the number of students enrolled, and the availability of instructors and aircraft,” he said in an advisory sighted by FMT.

He said potential trainees should also consider the costs, which include course and examination fees, and other additional expenses such as accommodation and transport.

Norazman advised them to develop a financial plan to cover these costs and explore available financing options if necessary, adding that this will help them make an informed decision about the suitability of the flying schools.

He said all information can be confirmed through CAAM’s website or by contacting the regulator directly.

There are six CAAM-approved flying training schools nationwide.

When contacted, a CAAM spokesman said the advisory was not targeted at any particular flying school. It was more aimed at guiding potential trainees to make informed decisions.

Early this year, CAAM temporarily suspended a Selangor-based flying school for three months after an audit revealed safety issues. However, the school was later given a six-month reprieve to resolve the issues.

According to sources, a group of six first-year trainees quit the flying school after facing delays in completing their training. They are said to have filed a suit against the management, which has filed its defence and a counter suit. - FMT