More than 130 pilots have been grounded and are currently unable to fly planes as their licenses have not been renewed by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), according to the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association Pakistan (AOOA). The AOOA stated that the PCAA is refusing to renew the licenses of these pilots and called for amendments to the Civil Aviation Act of 2023, which has negatively impacted the aviation industry.
The AOOA is in the process of preparing amendments to the new law and plans to submit them to the aviation committee of the parliament. They highlighted that 130 pilot licenses are awaiting renewal, but there is uncertainty as to who will approve these renewal documents. The association criticized the delegation of powers solely to the director general of the PCAA, leaving other relevant departments on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, the PCAA maintained that the procedure for obtaining or renewing a pilot’s license is still ongoing and that all regulations are being followed strictly. They refuted claims that pilots are unable to fly or that the license issuance/renewal process has been halted. The PCAA spokesperson also clarified that local airlines have the authority to hire foreign pilots in accordance with PCAA regulations.
Overall, there seems to be a discrepancy between the AOOA’s concerns and the PCAA’s reassurances regarding the renewal of pilot licenses and the impact of the Civil Aviation Act on the aviation industry.