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Lufthansa Aviation Training Extends Training Partnership with Swiss Air Force until 2030

Switzerland – Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and the Swiss Air Force are continuing their successful collaboration: LAT has once again been commissioned with the civilian basic flight training of military pilots. The new contract extends the existing cooperation by five years until mid-2030 and includes a customized training package that is conducted entirely in Switzerland.

As part of the frozen ATPL program (Airline Transport Pilot License), participants receive a combined civilian and military education tailored to the specific requirements of the Swiss Air Force. The 43-week training program includes:

  • Theoretical instruction by LAT
  • Single-engine training on the PC-7, conducted by the Swiss Air Force
  • Multi-engine training on the DA42 by LAT
  • Multi-Crew Cooperation Course (MCC)

“By extending the contract, the Swiss Air Force acknowledges our longstanding expertise and consistent commitment to the highest training standards. It’s a motivating signal for the entire LAT Group,” said Manuel Meier, Managing Director of Lufthansa Aviation Training Switzerland.

“The crediting by the Swiss Air Force allows us to tailor the program precisely to the specific services that are LAT’s core competencies: theoretical instruction, MEP flight training on state-of-the-art DA42 aircraft, and the MCC course. This allows us to continue our successful partnership with LAT, with slightly adapted training content,” said Colonel Daniel Pfiffner, Commander of the Air Force Pilot School 85.

About Lufthansa Aviation Training
With its competencies in training flight and cabin crews at ten training locations worldwide, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (LAT) is among the world leaders in the field of aviation training. The company is headquartered at Munich Airport and employs around 800 people at all its locations. Its client portfolio encompasses more than 250 nationally and internationally renowned airlines, among them the Lufthansa Group airlines. LAT operates close to 200 training devices. These include training aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators for all common aircraft types for pilot training, as well as emergency and service mock-ups for cabin crews. The flight schools of the Lufthansa Group are joined under LAT’s brand European Flight Academy (EFA). 

Source: Lufthansa Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Aviation Training

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USA’s ATP Flight School, Alumni, and Sponsors Raise Over $85,000 for Angel Flight West

USA – ATP Flight School, the country’s largest flight training group, hosted its Alumni Charity Golf Tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, CA, in support of Angel Flight West. The non-profit organization provides free air transportation to patients in need of critical medical care who lack the means to travel. Over 120 industry partners and ATP alumni came together in support of this mission. This was ATP’s second charity golf tournament, and with the generosity of sponsors, it raised over $85,000 — all proceeds going directly to Angel Flight West.

Michael Arnold, ATP Vice President of Marketing: “Our sincerest thanks go out to our partners and alumni for their commitment to giving back to the industry while bringing awareness to this worthy and notable cause. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors, with special recognition to Cessna, Southern Cross Aviation, Aero Performance/Aircraft Spruce, United Aviate, Marsh & USAIG, Avenger Flight Group, AOPA, Comerica, Lycoming, Piper Aircraft, Hylant, and Pilot Mall.”

The success of the event reflects ATP’s broader initiative to invest in and give back to the industry:

  • Through the ATP Alumni Association, ATP is funding advanced training and scholarships for alumni to progress their careers.
  • To date, the Alumni Association has provided over $750,000 worth of Flight Instructor Renewal Courses to alumni at no cost.
  • Each quarter, alumni also have the opportunity to earn scholarships for over $15,000 in advanced training to complete an A320 type rating and ATP CTP course, along with the chance to be awarded a major airline interview prep and mentorship course through Spitfire Elite, valued at over $1,200 — all for free.
  • Year to date, the Alumni Association has also sponsored over 50 conference passes for alumni, facilitating their attendance and support of events and organizations such as Women in Aviation, NGPA, OBAP, and more.

Source: ATP Flight School
Photo Credit: ATP Flight School

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Thrust Flight Expands Aviation Training Offering With New Aircraft & Powerplant Mechanic School and FAA‑Approved Dispatcher Course

Texas, USA – Thrust Flight, the nationally recognized aviation training provider behind the Zero Time to Airline® pilot program, is expanding its footprint in aviation education with the launch of a new Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic School in Conroe, Texas and a new FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatcher program at its North Texas campuses in Addison and Denison. These additions solidify Thrust Flight’s position as a comprehensive training hub for today’s most in-demand aviation careers.

“Aviation doesn’t just rely on pilots; it’s powered by a team of skilled professionals on the ground and behind the scenes,” said Patrick Arnzen, CEO and Founder of Thrust Flight. “Our mission is to open doors across the entire aviation workforce, from the cockpit to the control room to the hangar. We want students to know that if you’re serious about aviation, we’ll turn your goals into a flight plan for success.”

Conroe Campus Offers Accelerated Path to A&P Certification

Located at Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport–central to Houston’s growing aerospace industry–the new Thrust Institute of Maintenance welcomed its first class of A&P mechanic students on July 16, 2025.

The 12-month FAA Part 147 program prepares students to earn their Airframe and Powerplant certification, a credential in high demand across commercial airlines, independent maintenance organizations, and charter and cargo operators. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a median annual wage of $75,270, with top earners exceeding six figures.

Unlike traditional programs that take 20 to 28 months, Thrust Flight’s accelerated model trains students in just one year through hands-on experience with real aircraft components, one-on-one instruction, and small, 15-student cohorts. Day and night class options offer ultimate flexibility for working professionals in the process of changing careers.

FAA-Approved Dispatcher Training Adds Third Career Pat

On May 14, 2025, the FAA granted Thrust Flight approval to offer a Part 65 Aircraft Dispatcher certification program. The five-week course (three weeks with prior credit) trains students for one of the most critical and often overlooked roles in commercial aviation: coordinating flight plans, monitoring weather, and ensuring flight crews are equipped with everything needed for safe, compliant operations.

Led by veteran instructor Rick Sanchez, the course launched with an internal beta class in July. The first public cohort will begin January 2026 at Thrust Flight’s Addison and Denison campuses, with additional locations to follow.

A Unified Gateway to In-Demand Aviation Careers

With pilot, maintenance, and dispatcher training now integrated across its suite of programs, Thrust Flight offers multiple entry points throughout the year and flexible financing options for students seeking stable, high-paying aviation careers—no four-year degree required.

“Whether you’re starting from scratch, pivoting from another industry, or trying to complete training that got interrupted, we’ve built programs that help you move forward fast,” said Arnzen. “This is about meeting students where they are today, and equipping them with the skills, confidence and momentum to lead the aviation workforce of tomorrow.”

About Thrust Flight
Thrust Flight is a nationally recognized aviation training provider with locations across Texas. Over the past 15 years, the company has trained thousands of pilots through its flagship Zero Time to Airline® program, preparing them to fly for commercial airlines around the globe. Today, Thrust Flight offers a full suite of FAA-approved programs for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and flight dispatchers, supporting every stage of the aviation career journey.

Source: Thrust Flight
Photo Credit: Thrust Flight

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Pilot Expo Announces 2026 Edition, Broadening Scope to Include MRO and Engineering Training Pathways

Brussels, Belgium – Pilot Expo, Europe’s largest air crew recruitment and career development event, will return to Brussels in 2026 following a record-breaking 2025 edition. The event, which attracted over 4,000 attendees earlier this year, is expanding its scope to address industry-wide shortages not only for pilots and cabin crew but also for engineers and maintenance professionals.

  • Dates for 2026: February 20 & 21

  • Pilot Expo 2025 hosted 100+ exhibitors and 50+ expert speakers, providing a platform for networking with airlines, flight schools, and aviation employers from around the globe.

  • In 2026, the event will broaden its focus to include recruitment and training opportunities in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and engineering, reflecting the growing global demand for technical aviation roles.

  • The event will continue to offer free entry for experienced pilots, cabin crew, and engineers who present company ID upon arrival.

Source: Pilot Expo
Photo Credit: Pilot Expo

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US Flight Training Group Highlights Focus on Culture in New Overview Video

Oregon, United States – Hillsboro Aero Academy is has released a new Academy overview video – see below.

Last month Hillsboro Aero Academy launched a new 12-month Aviation Maintenance Professional Program—an accelerated, hands-on pathway for students seeking careers as FAA-certified aircraft mechanics.

Set to begin September 8, 2025, at the academy’s Hillsboro campus in Oregon, the program is designed to be completed in half the time of most comparable offerings. Graduates will be prepared for the FAA’s General, Airframe, and Powerplant certification exams and enter the workforce as qualified aviation maintenance technicians.

Source: Hillsboro Aero Academy
Photo Credit: Hillsboro Aero Academy

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Malaysian FTO HM Aerospace Expands Fleet in 2025

Langkawi, Malaysia – HM Aerospace has taken delivery of a new Diamond single engine aircraft.

Earlier this month Meritus College hosted a commencement ceremony for approximately 20 new cadets enrolled in the HM Aerospace Diploma in Aviation & CPL/IR, marking the formal start of their pilot training journey. Both organizations are subsidiaries of Halim Mazmin Group. YBhg. Tan Sri Halim Mohammad, Executive Chairman of Halim Mazmin Group, attended to officially receive and inspire the cadets.

HM Aerospace was established 20 years ago, and the academy has graduated some 2,400 pilots who are flying with many of the world’s airlines today.

About HM Aerospace
HM Aerospace Sdn Bhd (HMA) is Malaysia’s Premier Flight Training Academy providing world-class training and facilities for cadet pilots. As a member of the Halim Mazmin Group, HMA has the capacity to train a minimum of 200 cadet pilots per year at its Langkawi facilities.

Source: HM Aerospace
Photo Credit: HM Aerospace

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UK-based Bristol Groundschool’s Managing Director Alex Whittingham Honoured for Lifetime Contributions to Aviation Education

United Kingdom – The Air League has honoured one of British aviation’s most influential figures, Alex Whittingham the owner of Bristol Groundschool, with its highest accolade – the Founder’s Medal – in a ceremony held last week at The House of Commons, Westminster.

This prestigious award, regarded as one of British aviation’s most distinguished honour, recognises individuals whose lifetime achievements have left a transformative and lasting legacy in aerospace. Alex Whittingham, who retired from Bristol Groundschool (BGS) earlier this year, was selected for his pioneering contributions to professional pilot training worldwide.

Over the past three decades, Alex has revolutionised the way aspiring pilots prepare for their careers, dramatically improving the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of theoretical training. Since founding BGS in 1992, he has been a driving force behind the development of modular pilot training and distance learning, empowering over 22,000 pilots – many of whom now fly for major airlines including British Airways, Emirates, Virgin, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

Under Alex’s leadership, BGS was the first ground school to integrate computer-based learning into its ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) training. His development of the widely-used BGSonline Question Bank and an extensive ATPL video library has set the gold standard for aviation education, helping thousands of students worldwide prepare for critical licensing exams.

Alex’s influence also extended beyond the classroom. When several UK flight schools closed unexpectedly, he offered free ATPL theory courses to affected students, ensuring their training could continue uninterrupted. He also played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing BGS’s seamless transition to fully online instruction – a move that preserved continuity for thousands of students during global travel restrictions.

In addition to his educational achievements, Alex has helped shape regulatory policy across Europe. At the request of EASA, he authored an Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) to make KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) training viable for smaller training organisations – a solution that has since been widely adopted across the continent.

His work has earned the admiration of industry leaders and peers alike.

“Alex is one of the founding fathers of distance learning in aviation,” said Niko Gerrits of Orbit Groundschool. “He transformed theoretical knowledge training by making it seamless, engaging, and highly effective.”

Colin Dobney, Head of Training at Stapleford Flight Centre, added: “Today’s students display a far deeper understanding thanks to Alex’s vision and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Alex said after receiving the Award: “It’s an incredible honour to receive the Founder’s Medal from the Air League. I’ve been fortunate to spend my career doing something I love – helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. This award is a tribute not only to my journey, but to the many talented and dedicated people I’ve worked with over the years. The future of aviation depends on accessible, high-quality training, and I’m proud to have played a part in that evolution.”

As a mentor, educator, advocate, and innovator, Alex Whittingham’s lifelong commitment has reshaped the global landscape of pilot training. The Founder’s Medal serves not only as recognition of a remarkable career, but as a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of aviators.

Source: Bristol Groundschool
Photo Credit: Bristol Groundschool

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