Boeing to start flying lessons this year

TO help its clients meet rising demand for pilots, aircraft manufacturer Boeing is working on a Pilot Development Programme (PDP) that can train up to 500 pilots a year.

The programme will comprise two phases. The first is general aviation training. Candidates become certified pilots after this phase, which can take between 12 to 18 months.

The next stage, spanning approximately two months, will take the candidates through jet bridging - transiting from flying propeller planes to jet planes - and type rating, which qualifies the pilot to fly specific models of aircraft.