Panama, April 26, 2010 - Copa Airlines, whose rapid growth has resulted in a push to hire Panamanian personnel, has announced its new Bridge Program to bring commercial pilots up to Copa's standards for formal pilot training. The first class of Bridge Program pilots began April 26.
The program consists of a 90-hour, five-week intensive training with strengthening of basic and advanced knowledge for commercial pilots. During the first three weeks, instructors cover subjects such as meteorology, high-speed aerodynamics, transport aircraft systems, and navigation. The pilots then go through two weeks of general-aviation flight simulator training, including instrument flight techniques and teamwork. Pilots in training are tested throughout the course. When the theoretical and practice phase is complete, the student pilots will be prepared to take the Copa Airlines pilot entrance exam.
A Copa Airlines initiative to develop the country's commercial aviation sector, the Bridge Program came about in response to a perceived need to reinforce the basic knowledge of young Panamanians who otherwise would not be prepared to join the airline's formal training program or be hired to pilot the company's modern aircraft.
The Bridge Program is as a link between entry-level pilots who lack experience with the aircraft operated by Copa Airlines, and the level of diverse skills the airline requires in order for pilots to become First Officers on international flights.
"With this program underway, we hope to contribute to the development of more Panamanian pilots with the goal of bringing them up to Copa Airlines' standards," said Captain Guillermo Earle, Manager of Pilot Development for Copa Airlines. "That's our purpose - to train more professionals for the industry."
The program has the support of the Panamanian Union of Commercial Aviators (Unión Panameña de Aviadores Comerciales - UNPAC), who are providing hours of training in their flight simulator for light aircraft. "We are very pleased that together with the UNPAC, we are contributing to the development of Panamanian pilots. By the end of the year, we hope at least 60 Panamanian pilots will have passed through the program and will be able to join our airline," Captain Earle added.
In addition to the considerable set-up costs of the Bridge Program, which is taught by highly skilled Copa Airlines instructors, the airline is investing an equivalent of U.S. $2,500 for each pilot who participates.
Copa Airlines, an internationally recognized and respected Panamanian airline, will continue to focus on the development of human-resource opportunities, keeping in mind that the airline's first priority is the safety of its passengers, airline officials said.