Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten addressed the media on Monday, urging water bomber and air ambulance pilots in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide input on improving their workplace conditions. Petten expressed concern over the high turnover rate among chief water bomber pilots, emphasizing the need to address the underlying issues causing this trend. Recent reports highlighted the resignation of the province’s chief pilot within the Air Services branch, with a collective letter from Newfoundland and Labrador Water Bomber and Air Ambulance Pilots outlining sector issues.
The pilots warned that if a new chief pilot is not appointed by June 29, Transport Canada could potentially suspend the Air Operator Certificate, leading to the grounding of water bombers. Efforts to fill the role with an interim pilot are ongoing, with Petten stating that a temporary appointment could be finalized by the following day. Despite qualified crew members being available, Petten acknowledged challenges in finding suitable candidates due to undisclosed reasons.
Meanwhile, Jerry Earle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), highlighted barriers such as low pay and poor morale affecting water bomber pilots across the region. While NAPE represents these pilots, the chief pilot position is not part of bargaining discussions as it is a management role. Earle noted longstanding issues within the sector, including the frequent turnover in the chief pilot position.
According to Earle, the sector’s challenges are hampering recruitment efforts and dissuading local pilots from pursuing the chief pilot role due to existing problems. Addressing these issues directly with the pilots and providing assurances of resolving morale concerns could potentially attract candidates to fill the crucial position.
Overall, the sector’s struggles have raised concerns about operational continuity and safety, underscoring the importance of addressing pilot concerns promptly to ensure the effective functioning of water bomber and air ambulance services in Newfoundland and Labrador.