It appears now that the CAA are asking for people to apply for PFCO renewal three months (90 days) before the due date to ensure continuity. Many people are waiting 10 weeks in some cases, with the CAA computer system unable to cope with file sizes being sent. So now I need to cram in 2hrs of flight time by the end of this month.
I'm beginning to wonder if it is really worth the hassle. Most potential clients have their pick of the market, with so many people giving out aerial video services like a Pound shop. There just isn't the demand out there. But thats another discussion.
Why do the CAA make life so hard from themselves? Do pilots of real aircraft have to renew their license every year? No, they don't! So why the hell do we have to jump through hoops each year, with ever increasing waiting times for the privilege? It seems that no sooner have we renewed that we need to send in another application in the hope we get our renewal permissions in time. What precisely is stopping them simply moving to a bi-yearly, or even tri-yearly renewal? It would cut their workload quite drastically, and mean that us pilots can retain some sanity!
I'm beginning to wonder if it is really worth the hassle. Most potential clients have their pick of the market, with so many people giving out aerial video services like a Pound shop. There just isn't the demand out there. But thats another discussion.
Why do the CAA make life so hard from themselves? Do pilots of real aircraft have to renew their license every year? No, they don't! So why the hell do we have to jump through hoops each year, with ever increasing waiting times for the privilege? It seems that no sooner have we renewed that we need to send in another application in the hope we get our renewal permissions in time. What precisely is stopping them simply moving to a bi-yearly, or even tri-yearly renewal? It would cut their workload quite drastically, and mean that us pilots can retain some sanity!