A number of Saudi females have applied to become pilots at a local private aviation academy, but cannot be accepted for study until the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) gives its approval. Kameel Abu Jouda, Director of Rabigh Wings Academy for Aviation, said the applications at his academy show Saudi females want to be employed in the aviation industry and learn to fly planes, according to a report carried by Al-Hayat Arabic daily. He said the academy has been designed to train females at par with their male counterparts. As and when GACA gives its go-ahead, the academy will recruit highly-qualified female trainers from Lebanon and the United States, Abu Jouda said. Abu Jouda praised GACA for issuing licenses to Saudi youths in the industry. To qualify for a license, a trainee will have to fly between 40 hours and 190 hours, as defined in GACA regulations.
