Air New Zealand's attempt to change the law so it can hire foreign pilots is being called 'shameful” by Tauranga fight school operator Phil Hooker.

Air NZ says there are only eight pilots in New Zealand with the experience to fly for the airline, which is still half Government owned.

Tauranga flight school operator Phil Hooker says many Kiwi pilots dream of flying for Air NZ.

Price Waterhouse Coopers is submitting on behalf of Air New Zealand to add 'aeroplane pilot” to the Government's skill shortage list, making it easier for Air NZ to hire foreign pilots if it is accepted.

Phil says there are about 200 suitably qualified and trained pilots in New Zealand. The problem he says lies within Air NZ.

'Air New Zealand is playing a game,” says Phil.

Phil flew with Air NZ subsidiaries Eagle Air and Air Nelson for 20 years. He started Bay Flight in Mount Maunganui in 1996 and has since trained more than 500 pilots, most of whom now fly for airlines.

Word among New Zealand pilots is that it is easier to get into NASA than Air New Zealand, which Phil says turns down good pilots for ridiculous reasons.

All young Kiwi pilots want to do is fly the Koru, but instead they fly for Jetconnect, Kiwijet, or go overseas, says Phil.

Commercial pilots and commercial pilots in training are being urged to protect their future employment opportunities by making a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday August 9.

The general aviation forum at http://www.caa.gen.nz/ is offering help with individual submissions and also offering to attach names to a co-submission.

The email contact is [email protected] where pilots can request their name be added as a co-submitter. Pilots are asked to include their personal views and experiences in trying to get a flying job within NZ, and if they have been forced to leave NZ for work.

The comments and whether pilots currently meet ANZ criteria will be attached as an appendix to the submission.