RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) inaugurated an examination centre at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday for candidates appearing for pilot exams from across northern regions, as it will facilitate them with advanced technological support and the supervision of experts of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Adviser to Caretaker Prime Minister on aviation retired Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan inaugurated the newly established aircrew examination licencing centre (North) at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the CAA said that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art examination centre for pilots at Islamabad International Airport (IIAP).

The new exam centre will provide greater accessibility and convenience for aspiring pilots in the northern regions of Pakistan.

The inauguration ceremony was held at IIAP and was presided over by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Aviation, retired Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan.

Secretary Aviation, Director General PCAA, Additional Director General PCAA, Deputy Director General (Regulatory), Director Personnel and Licencing, and Manager Islamabad International Airport, Syed Aftab Gilani. Mr. Matt Margesson and Mr. Ian Saunders, representatives from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority International (UKCAA), were also present on the occasion.

With the establishment of this exam centre at IIAP, candidates appearing for pilot exams from across northern regions can now benefit from PCAA’s modern facilities, advanced technological support, and expert supervision offered through UKCAA and in collaboration with the British Council in Pakistan, said the spokesman.

He added that the PCAA is committed to providing unparalleled services for future pilots in Pakistan, ensuring their growth and success in meeting global aviation standards.

It may be recalled that the PCAA had decided to outsource the process of holding pilot licencing exams to the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority to address the concerns of the global aviation industry.

According to the agreement between the CAA of the two countries the British aviation authority will conduct exams for the licences of Flight Operations Officer (FOO), private pilot licence (PPL), and commercial pilot licence (CPL).

The Prime Minister’s advisor on aviation, Retd. Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, inaugurated the newly established aircrew examination licencing centre (North) at Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) along with the secretary, DG CAA, and other senior officers of PCAA in the presence of MD UK CAA Mr. Matt Margesson and Mr. Ian Saunders.

Previously, there was only one exam centre in Karachi for conducting pilot examinations through the UK CAA in collaboration with the British Council.

In a press release, the Ministry of Aviation said that, speaking at the ceremony, the PM’s advisor lauded the huge public service provision by PCAA with the support of the UK CAA, which was immensely demanded by the candidates for pilot exams from the Northern region who were otherwise required to go to Karachi.

He further added that, keeping in view the soaring demand for candidates and the strengthening of the aviation sector of the country, the third aircrew licencing facility would be established in Lahore.

He highlighted that these newly established set-ups would help to resolve many administrative issues, adding that this would enhance the potential of the country’s aviation sector.

Prior to this, he inspected the facility and ongoing examination, wherein 155 candidates appeared in the test. He also visited the airport management complex and was briefed by the higher authorities of PCCA.

He expressed his deep gratitude to the UK CAA, the British Council, and the PCAA team for this remarkable development.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2024