Air India has appointed Kirti Veluri as its new Chief Manager – Training Forecasting & Transformation. Ms Veluri was previously Training, Standards and Compliance Expert (Pilots) with AirAsia India and previously held positions with GoAir, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways.
Source: Kirti Veluri
Photo Credit: Air India (shown as meta image)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates-based aviation, pilot and full flight simulator training center Etihad Aviation Training has been awarded with the esteemed ‘Training Provider of the Year’ award at the prestigious Aviation Achievement Awards (AAA). This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication and excellence demonstrated by Etihad Aviation Training in the field of aviation education.
Before the award ceremony, its Head of Training, Stefan Dudda, took center stage as a panelist at the Gulf Aviation Networking Event. The insightful discussion focused on ‘The Future of Aviation Technology,’ providing a platform for industry experts to share perspectives and insights.
Source: Etihad Aviation Training
Photo Credit: Etihad Aviation Training
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates based aviation and pilot training group T3 Aviation Academy is pleased to share that it participated in this year’s Arab Aviation Summit 2024, held at Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah.
T3 proudly presented its 13 published ATPL books, developed in-house, and its leadership participated in the Summit’s panel on Navigating the Future: Accelerating Human Capital Development and Job Creation.
The Academy was also honoured by its cadet’s participation in the Summit’s Youth Forum on Future Leaders of Aviation and Tourism, that was represented by the youngest cadet to grace the Academy’s hall at the early age of 16. The cadet spoke on her experience as a trainee aspiring to become a future pilot and empowering the youth and females in the aviation industry.
The team has seen has amassed a high interest in its programmes from distinguished dignitaries, attendees, exhibitors, and media representatives during the Summit and looks forward to a much bigger success in the upcoming one.
Source: T3 Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: T3 Aviation Academy
Popular training aircraft manufacturer – Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a light-sport aircraft (LSA) airworthiness exemption for the Pipistrel Velis Electro, opening up flight training in an electric aircraft within the United States.
The FAA exemption allows US flight schools to use the electric aircraft within their flight training programs. The Velis Electro offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills and go from zero flight experience to eventually flying solo, while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron’s eAviation segment, says: “This is a great day for flight training organizations and aspiring pilots. With this exemption, the cost-barrier to pursuing primary flight training can be substantially reduced. We are thankful to the FAA for its support in bringing more opportunities for electric aviation to the United States.”
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director at Pipistrel, says: “The FAA exemption is an important milestone on the journey to sustainable flight. We are proud of our team and what we have achieved towards creating the future for electric and sustainable aviation, globally.
Taking off for the first time is exhilarating, and even more so in an electric aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing more pilots take to the skies and experience their first flight in the Velis Electro.”
The relief for a Petition for Exemption to 14 CFR Part 21.190 (Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft) reflects the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate new technologies into the National Airspace System.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is the first commercially available, type-certified electric aircraft in the world. The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost and user-friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions.
About Pipistrel
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.
Source: Pipistrel
Photo Credit: Pipistrel
Aviation training and simulator software developer ProSim Training Solutions B.V. has appointed Anita van Leeuwen as its new Business Development Manager. To learn more about ProSim Training Solutions or Ms. Leeuwen, connect with her through her LinkedIn Profile.
Source: Anita van Leeuwen
Photo Credit: ProSim Training Solutions (shown as meta image)
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates-based pilot training group and full flight simulator training center Pier Seven Aviation announced the successful completion of the B737CL type rating for two outstanding pilots from Ariana Afghan Airlines.
Pier Seven Aviation operates Airbus A320, Boeing B737NG, Boeing B737CL and B747 full flight simulators.
Source: Pier Seven Aviation
Photo Credit: Pier Seven Aviation
The Washington, D.C., United States based National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), an organization working to unify, promote and protect America’s flight training providers, is urging greater scrutiny of the use of subcontracted Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reauthorization bill. NFTA President Chris Schoensee, who also owns Paragon Flight Training, based in Fort Myers, Florida, is working to increase awareness of the second-class status by which subcontracted ATCTs are allowed to operate.
According to Schoensee, the problem is not that certain towers are subcontracted; rather, that they aren’t operated with the same standards under current funding and staffing restrictions as FAA-operated ATCTs, which are unionized and have strict rules about wages, staffing, time-off and access to modern technology. He notes that some of the nation’s busiest airfields where flight academies are co-located with commercial and other aviation activity have ATCTs operated by subcontracting companies, including Page Field, where Paragon Flight Training is based. As a Southwest Florida congressman recently noted, the Page Field ATCT is sometimes staffed by only one person.
“It is unthinkable that such a busy airstrip, with flight academies, private aircraft and commercial carriers all vying for attention, would be so woefully understaffed, but this unacceptable situation goes beyond staffing,” Schoensee said. “The FAA needs to address modernizing ATCTs to handle the growing number of takeoffs and landings – whether the ATCT is operated by the FAA or a subcontractor.”
When it comes to the physical safety of towers, many ATCTs were built in the 1970s and have not been modernized. Further, they were intended for approximately 50,000 takeoffs and landings per year. At Page Field, the subcontracted tower is now overseeing more than 200,000 operations annually.
“The FAA reauthorization bill must include funding for improvements to ATCTs that consistently promote safety and access for air traffic controllers, pilots, students, and passengers alike,” Schoensee said. “Our nation has the technology and knowledge needed to do this – now we need to act.”
About National Flight Training Alliance
Working to unify, promote and protect America’s flight training providers, the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) is comprised of American flight training providers and industry-wide aviation stakeholders committed to producing the finest professional pilots in the world. We represent the future of aviation, meeting the strong demand for pilots by embracing new technologies and methodologies and using our collective membership voice to form policy positions that directly and positively impact industry governance.
Source: National Flight Training Alliance
Photo Credit: National Flight Training Alliance
Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India, shared that during Pilot Expo in Berlin, Airways Aviation Group formally signed the launch of Airways Aviation China, to be based in Hainan, and in partnership with Elmos Consulting.
The partnership will start with the launch of a Foundation School where aspiring pilots can get their first experience into aviation, getting a tailored and strict assessment. It will also support trained pilots under EASA (Europe) or CASA (Australia) to renew or keep their ratings valid.
Following step will see the partnership evolve to an EASA ATPL ground school and examination centre and offer an array of other services.
“We have started talking with Elmos Consulting last year and the long discussions we had during the period made us believe we share a lot of the same goals and vision. Elmos Consulting is a company focused in offering pilots and aspiring pilots the best possible solutions and they do it with the highest quality and international standards. A young team lead by a great airline pilot, Junfei Lu, that we are happy to integrate into our network. We expect to launch the first Foundation Course during March 2024 and additional pilot training services throughout the year.” – Alexandre Alves, Global COO & CCO Airways Aviation Group.
“As China’s premier pilot service provider, Elmos Consulting is dedicated to fostering success for pilots worldwide. Leveraging our extensive experience in servicing professional airline pilots, we are honoured to introduce the Airways Aviation Foundation Course to China as well as all Airways Aviation services to the industry. Airways Aviation Foundation Course offers flight enthusiasts and aviation students the opportunity for rapid learning in professional aviation, assisting them to master aviation knowledge while providing an affordable professional learning channel. This innovative program not only accelerates aviation theory learning but also provides a cost-effective pathway for enthusiasts to embark on their aviation journey. In parallel, we will be able to assist all B2C and B2B customers who wish to have pilot training. We are sure this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.” – Junfei Lu, CEO Elmos Consulting (airline pilot).
About Airways Aviation Group
Airways Aviation Group, is currently the largest privately owned aviation training organization outside the US with direct presence in 10 countries of 4 continents and 45+ years of experience, offering aviation training from pilot to cabin crew passing from maintenance technicians, ground handlers, military programs up to higher education programs in cooperation with respected universities. It owns and operates a fleet of over 70 aircraft and 12 simulators. It trained to date over 9.000 pilots and 26.000 cabin crew, maintenance technician and other aviation professionals.
About Elmos Consulting
Elmos Consulting stands at the forefront of aviation consulting services in China. Through meticulous research and a profound understanding of international aviation laws and regulations, along with strategic partnerships and integration of key resources within the aviation industry, Elmos is committed to delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of our members! Our own brand, FLY VHF, has redefined the standard of service for individual pilots, representing a significant breakthrough in personalized aviation services. Elmos Consulting range of services include international pilot license conversion, pilot training programs, international pilot career guidance and recruitment, aviation medical examinations, pilot legal advisory services, and aviation language training. As China’s premier provider of pilot services, Elmos Consulting is dedicated to empowering pilots worldwide to achieve success in their careers.
Source: Airways Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation Group
Global pilot training group Ansett Aviation Training (AAT), which operates full flight simulator training centers across Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, will expand its Dubai, United Arab Emirates training center with the addition of an Airbus A320 CEO/NEO Std. 2.1. Level D Full Flight Simulator from AMST. The signing ceremony was held at Ansett Aviation Training’s Dubai Training Centre on 29 January 2024, marking a significant expansion of their training capabilities in the Middle East.
Mark Delany, CEO of Ansett Aviation Training, and Rainer Schluesselberger, Managing Director of AMST formalised the contract in attendance of Khaled Hares, Manager of Ansett’s Dubai Training Centre, and Marijn Laagewaard, AMST Sales Director EMEA.
Mark Delany commented on the partnership, saying: “We are looking forward to deploying the AMST A320 into our Dubai centre to support our growing regional customer base. The AMST device incorporates the latest technology to ensure the best possible customer training outcomes. The timely availability to deploy the simulator was essential to support our growth plans for Dubai and we are looking forward to working with the experienced team at AMST”.
Rainer Schluesselberger added: “At AMST, we are dedicated to advancing aviation training technology, always focusing on addressing our customers’ needs. We take great satisfaction in being able to quickly provide the A320 FFS to Ansett Aviation Training’s Dubai facility. This project not only showcases our ability to efficiently execute and deliver on complex training solutions but also reflects our dedication to supporting the dynamic and growing needs of the global aviation industry, particularly in strategic regions like the Middle East”.
The introduction of the AMST A320 FFS at Ansett’s Dubai facility, which currently houses an ATR72-600 simulator, marks an important significant expansion of their operations. This move is particularly strategic given the Middle East’s status as one of the fastest-growing airline markets and Dubai’s prominence as a global aviation hub.
About Ansett Aviation Training
Ansett Aviation Training is one of the world’s leading independent providers of aviation training services that has continued to build on its world leading reputation with the recent expansion into Dubai to join our global network of Training Centres in Australia, Italy and Taiwan currently supporting 27 Full Flight Simulators.
About AMST
For four decades, AMST has been offering its customers outstanding solutions in the fields of simulation and aerospace medicine. It is a technological leader in relevant key areas. The product portfolio ranges from human centrifuges, pressure chambers and spatial disorientation trainers to highly immersive full flight simulators with a best-in-class image generator as well as complex training environments for realistic night vision and search and rescue training. Many of the solutions developed by AMST are unique. All products come with a comprehensive service package. In addition to reliable technical support over the entire product lifecycle, this also includes services such as the design of and construction support for turnkey training centers.
Source: Ansett Aviation Training and AMST
