Pretoria - Chief of the South African Air Force Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano has expressed concern about the continuing poaching of pilots from the defence force by local and foreign aviation industries.
Over the years, the South African Air Force has been experiencing problems with the large number of pilots who left the service.
Addressing the media this morning before the start of Air Force Day Parade, Lieutenant-General Gagiano said some progress was being made in countering the problem and improving representativity.
"Unfortunately, this ongoing leakage of technical expertise is still sufficiently significant to adversely affect aircraft availability, but this is a world-wide phenomenon in the aviation field," he said.
He said the helicopter line remains overstocked with junior co-pilots and a shortage of experienced pilots is to be found in all rotary-wing squadrons.
Lieutenant-General Gagiano also said last year there were fewer incidences and deaths reported.
In a bid to preventing poaching of its pilots, the South African Air Force is working on a plan to entice its current aircrew members to remain in the force.
Last year the Department of Transport signed an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organisation to produce a new crop of aviation workers for South Africa and the continent.
The agreement is expected to produce much-needed new pilots, aircraft engineers, air navigation officers and all related aviation sector workers.
