Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) sidelines more than 130 Pakistani pilots
More than 130 Pakistani pilots find themselves sidelined as their
licenses remain held by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), according to a statement from the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA).
In a recent announcement, the AOOA revealed that the licenses of
130 flight crew members (pilots) are pending issuance, resulting in their
inability to fly as the PCAA has yet to authorize them.
Detailed
compliance report submitted on alleged PIA employee degree forgeries
The AOOA criticized local airlines for their hiring practices,
particularly their inclination towards hiring foreign pilots over numerous
qualified local aviators who are currently unemployed.
This preference for foreign pilots, the statement highlighted, not
only overlooks Pakistani talent but also imposes significant financial burdens,
as foreign pilots are reportedly earning salaries ranging between $9,500 and
$15,000, paid in foreign currency.
CAA
and Aircraft Owners and Operators Association clash over pilot exam fees
Furthermore, the AOOA raised concerns about alleged tax exemptions
benefiting these foreign pilots, urging scrutiny from the Federal Board of
Revenue and government intervention.
Additionally, the association expressed worry over reports of
foreign pilots operating without proper work visas, calling for an
investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into the authorization
of these pilots to fly without valid visas.
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pilots get 35% increase in flying allowance
The AOOA cautioned that such actions could lead to objections from
international regulatory bodies like the International Civil Aviation
Organization and the European Aviation Safety Agency due to potential
violations.
Source: ARY News