Concern at Attempt to "Import" Foreign Flight Instructors

18 April 2012

NZALPA Concerned by Attempt to “Import” International Flight Instructors

The New Zealand Airline Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) is surprised with the move by Waikato based CTC Aviation's attempts to lure international flight instructors with cash incentives and first-home deposits. “In a recession and in a contracting industry there are flight training providers who are unable to keep employing instructors. We are very surprised that CTC is unable to find any NZ flight instructors” states NZALPA President Glen Kenny.

“NZALPA has been contacted by NZ graduates who are eager to be employed, and would therefore indicate the school had not exhausted the pool of kiwi instructors available” says Mr Kenny.

NZALPA had not yet received notification from the Labour Department of CTC Aviation's overseas recruitment plans, but we will ask CTC to demonstrate the shortage of recruitment options in New Zealand. “We do not accept there was a shortage, and hiring of local instructors should be encouraged” states Mr Kenny.

Any issue lies with the terms and conditions of CTC Flight Instructors and proposed government changes to funding. The fact is CTC employees are moving to employment in airlines, because this is an industry norm.

Mr Kenny says “The flight training industry is contracting due to reduction in student loan funding. We are looking at possible further reductions in that funding next year.” Most pilots borrow over $100,000NZD to gain the qualifications to be a flight instructor.

“In CTC's case they can train up the juniors to a more senior level - that is what we would encourage them to do and sweeten the remuneration package so they can have a long career as instructors” says Mr Kenny.

CTC has not increased their remuneration package in at least 4 years despite increasing costs to living. Other training providers have increased their remuneration packages and this has meant that flight instructors and these institutions do not have the same retention problems.

ENDS

© Scoop Media