As a lecturer on a Bachelor of Aviation program, I read the Flight International
article, and follow up letters to the editor with great interest. I thought
there were two sides to the story; one covering the intentions of some that
degrees should be very specific, aimed at improving the depth of knowledge of
pilots in key areas, and the other about much more general courses, aimed at
giving an aspiring pilot a diverse understanding of the world they are entering.
Most of the discussion has focussed on the former approach, but in my part of the
world (Australia), the degree courses fall more in to the latter approach.
I think that a degree course in aviation serves to prepare a person for their
occupation. Whilst some practical skills are learnt, universities are not really
about imparting experience. As with other fields, such as law and medicine,
experience is gained in future employment. I see the university's role as one of
providing an environment for a person to soak up as much knowledge and
understanding about their chosen field as they can. Accordingly, I like the
generalist approach to the provision of aviation degrees.
Cheers,
Guy Standen