Pilot dearth 'grounds Air Force'

A drastic shortage of pilots has effectively wiped out the state of combat readiness of the SA Air Force, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Thursday.

David Maynier said 29 out of 60 of posts for combat pilots were currently vacant, while 58 out of 167 helicopter pilot posts were open.

"This is why the Air Force is effectively grounded, with planes spending more time in hangers than in the air," Maynier said.

"The drastic shortage of pilots in the defence force has effectively wiped out the state of combat readiness of the South African Air Force."

Training time

Maynier said it took 17 months to train a combat pilot, 16 months to train a helicopter pilot and 12 months to train transport pilots.

He said 48 of 156 transport pilot posts were vacant.

"The DA calls on the minister to urgently implement a plan to recruit and retain pilots that work."

A reply from the defence minister's office said all vacancies in SAAF were planned to be filled by means of "specific recruitment drives".

One of these included the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) which aimed to train young pilots, air traffic controllers and technicians.

Unique allowances

Personnel with specific skills could also be re-appointed and members of the reserve force effectively utilised.

The ministry said the introduction of "unique allowances" such as the Military Aviation Career Incentive Pay and the Technical Incentive Payment (TCIP) were being used to retain members with specific skills.

"It is planned to transfer the remuneration system of members to an occupational specific dispensation," the ministry said.

The SAAF plans to recruit 747 MSDS members and 40 skilled members this year.

Source: News24