Creation of Philippine Air Force Academy pushed

From the Sun Star (Nov 18): Creation of Philippine Air Force Academy pushed

A VETERAN lawmaker has pushed for the establishment of an educational institution that will equip Filipino pilot officers with the proper training. Stressing the need for a Philippine Air Force Academy (PAFA), Senator Edgardo Angara said the country currently has a weak training education program for aviation whether for military or commercial. "If we will continue to adopt this retrogressive stance, we will lose more pilots,” he said. He said the PAF Flying School can no longer cope with the required number and proper training of officer pilots for the Air Force because of inadequate facilities and logistical support, thus the need to create a new academy. The PAFA curriculum consists of an intensive 15-month program based on the entry of students from colleges and universities throughout the country. Graduates from this academy would be commissioned as regular officers of the Air Force. "We also see the need to professionalize career trades such as aircraft maintenance, avionics and air logistics which would greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the local air force," said Angara, chair of the Senate committee on education, culture and arts. Barracks, dorms, office buildings, classrooms and other facilities with the necessary equipment in the Fernando Air Base may be transferred to the academy to defray costs.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/18/creation-philippine-air-force-academy-pushed-253857