SANDF cuts flying hours while training pilots
Date: 23 March 2007
The SANDF's plan to build a new training facility for fighter pilots while at the same time rationing flying hours did not make sense, according to an opposition MP.
A new facility for the training of fighter pilots was to be constructed at the Makhado air force base, defence secretary January Masilela told the national assembly's defence committee.
MPs were told that in a bid to mitigate the deterioration of equipment and ground support infrastructure, the department planned to scale down flying hours.
Democratic Alliance MP Andries Botha pointed out that cutting back flying hours for pilots, while building a new training facility for fighter pilots, did not make sense.
Botha highlighted the fact that defence had recently acquired expensive fighter jets and asked what the point of the exercise was if flying hours were being rationed.
Pretoria News
