Concern stops flying training at Langebaan
Date: 10 March 2006
The following is a (very) rough translation from an Afrikaans article that appeared in Die Burger:
Flying instructors at the airforces Central Flying School Langebaanweg have stopped all practical flying instruction this week due to an instruction from top airforce management over concerns for flight safety.
The unease arises from concerns about the standard of some of the students flying abilities. The instructors are also worried about their legal liability should a student be involved in an accident.
There is further concern by fellow students over their safety because they have to share the same airspace with students who have not reached the necessary standards.
Die Burger has learnt that this weeks meeting came about because the instructors and the airforces top structure have already spent time debating training standards, which, in some cases, were 'bent' to accommodate certain students.
The flying program was stopped this week so that certain paperwork and consultations could be attended to. The program is expected to continue next week.
According to insiders, instructors are forced to disregard the requirements contained in airforce directives, orders and flying hand books in order for certain students to receive further training. There is concern about the ability of at least two of the group of 35 students undergoing training.
This weeks meeting, attending by various generals, must decide on an acceptable training model for the future. An insider by the school said 'One way or another, everyone must get together so that a win-win solution can be found'.
