The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring pilots, emphasising the importance of thorough research into flying schools before enrolling. This comes as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and an increasing number of individuals seek to become pilots.
CAAM, which licenses flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications, has noted that many aspiring pilots often have unclear expectations or misconceptions regarding the roles of the schools and the regulatory authority. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder students’ progress toward their aviation careers.
Norazman Mahmud, head of CAAM, advised prospective pilots to visit flying schools to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and understand the training environment. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the schools’ accreditation status, reviewing the training programs offered, and considering the qualifications of instructors and the schools’ 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,” Norazman stated in an advisory obtained by FMT.
He also pointed out the importance of considering the financial aspects, including course and examination fees, as well as additional expenses like accommodation and transport. Developing a financial plan and exploring available financing options are crucial steps for making an informed decision about the suitability of flying schools.
All necessary information can be confirmed through CAAM’s website or by contacting the regulator directly. Currently, there are six CAAM-approved flying training schools nationwide.
A CAAM spokesperson, when contacted, clarified that the advisory was not targeted at any specific flying school but was aimed at guiding potential trainees to make informed decisions.
Earlier this year, CAAM temporarily suspended a Selangor-based flying school for three months following an audit that revealed safety issues. The school was later given a six-month period to resolve these issues. According to sources, a group of six first-year trainees quit the school due to delays in completing their training and have since filed a lawsuit against the management, which has responded with a defence and counter-suit.
This advisory underscores CAAM’s commitment to ensuring that aspiring pilots can achieve their career goals without unnecessary obstacles, emphasising the need for due diligence in selecting a flying school.
