Skyborne Airline Academy is celebrating the graduation of the first UKCAA Integrated ATPL trainees in the academy’s history.

The four course intakes, known as Cadet Pilot (CP) 01-03A, have spent the last two years overcoming the challenges posed by COVID-19 to successfully earn their qualification. The graduates were able to progress their ATPL training even during lockdown periods thanks to Skyborne’s educational division SKYWORX, which allowed students to complete their ground school training remotely.

Lee Woodward, Chief Executive Officer, Skyborne, says: “I am tremendously proud of this graduating class – not only for their technical ability, but for the way their passion for aviation never wavered in the face of the pandemic’s obstacles.

Skyborne was founded to supply the aviation industry with highly-skilled, professional and resilient pilots. From the outset, I have been amazed by the talent and determination these young people have demonstrated to meet the demands of the Skyborne ATPL programme and I’m confident they will go on to have exciting careers.”

Alisha Jassar, graduate pilot, Skyborne, says “I chose to study with Skyborne because I found the academy’s values refreshing compared to other UK schools. This remained an integral part of my experience throughout my ATPL course, with my instructors and the Skyborne leadership team all personally involved in the success of my training. I feel very prepared to take the next step and start my airline career.”

The graduation ceremony was supported by some of the UK’s leading airlines including British Airways, DHL Air, flybe, Titan, TUI and Wizz Air. The event was also an opportunity to recognise Skyborne trainees and staff who have excelled, with Bernie Brennan, chief theoretical knowledge instructor, receiving the Mark Kleynhans award in celebration of his lifetime achievements in aviation.

The Skyborne Excellence award was presented to David Fisher and Christopher Coles for outstanding performance in ground school and flight training. Finally, James Mosscrop received the Tom Misner Spirit award, named after Skyborne’s chairman, for his positivity and leadership throughout his training.

Mosscrop, says: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award from my instructors and peers who have made this foundational stage of my pilot career so meaningful and memorable. Everyone at Skyborne is really invested in our development and I realise how fortunate I am to have begun my life in aviation here.”

To support its Integrated ATPL trainees, Skyborne launched a Skills Continuation programme in March 2020, enabling graduates to maintain their proficiency and benefit from instructor mentorship, while applying for airline jobs. Former Skyborne students who have already found employment include James Kirk and Adam Prince, who have used their qualifications to become commercial drone pilots with FlyBy Technology.

Source: Skyborne Press Release

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