Market Intelligence: -Flight School

Growing to Become One of the Largest Flight Schools in Greece – Egnatia Aviation

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with George Triantafyllidis – Chief Commercial Officer at Egnatia Aviation – one of the largest flight training organisations in Europe conducting high quality pilot training for airlines and individuals.

The conversation covers:

  • Company Growth and New Facilities: Egnatia Aviation, based in Kavala, Greece, has expanded significantly, including the development of a private general aviation airport, Lydia Airport, to enhance pilot training facilities. More than 240 full time students are undergoing commercial training in Egnatia’s own General Aviation airport “Lydia” in Kavala, Greece.
  • Enhanced Training and Fleet: With a Diamond fleet of 18 aircraft and advanced simulators, Egnatia’s facilities reflect their commitment to high training standards. A notable aspect of Egnatia’s training model is that all aircraft and simulators are fully owned by the company, underscoring their strong financial stability. Additionally, Egnatia has an in-house maintenance department staffed with experienced technicians, allowing them to ensure that all aircraft are kept in optimal condition.
  • High employment rate: Egnatia boasts a high employment rate for graduates, exceeding 95% within the first year, fueled by airline partnerships with companies like Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Wizz Air and Iraqi Airways.
  • Industry Demand and Challenges: George highlighted the global pilot demand, as well as the challenges of limited training capacity and flight instructor shortages, which Egnatia addresses through cadet scholarships and fleet expansion. As airlines ramp up hiring to fulfill pilot demand, instructors at flight schools are often recruited into commercial airline roles, making it challenging for training organizations to retain them. Egnatia Aviation addresses this by implementing cadet scholarships specifically aimed at training instructors, thus creating a pathway for student pilots to transition into instructional roles within the academy. Egnatia also collaborates with experienced airline captains and former Greek Air Force pilots, leveraging their expertise to maintain high training standards while ensuring a steady supply of instructors

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US Aviation Academy Expands Pilot Training Infrastructure – Acquires Flight School Assets in Atlanta

Texas, United States – based US Aviation Academy (USAA), one of the largest aviation and pilot training organizations in North America which recently announced it had already enrolled more than 500 aspiring pilots to its 2024 flight training courses, has announced in a in a strategic move to expand its footprint and meet the growing demand for professional pilot training,

US Aviation Academy has acquired the assets of a well-established flight school in Atlanta, Georgia. This new location brings a wealth of opportunities for aspiring pilots in the Southeast, enabling them to access top-tier flight training and resources. With a robust reputation for high-quality training programs across the United States, US Aviation Academy’s entrance into the Atlanta market is a welcome development for local students seeking accelerated pathways to becoming commercial pilots.

The Atlanta Flight School campus
It will initially operate under Part 61 regulations, allowing for a flexible, personalized approach to training. This setup is particularly beneficial for students who want to pursue an accelerated course of study, as Part 61 regulations typically allow for a more adaptable schedule, enabling trainees to progress at their own pace. This model has long been favored by those aiming for swift completion and professional entry into the aviation industry. For students balancing work or other commitments, Part 61 training offers an ideal blend of rigor and flexibility, keeping their career goals on track.

Working toward Part 141 certification for the Atlanta Flight School
with FAA approval pending. This certification will allow the academy to offer a structured and streamlined curriculum, designed to optimize the learning experience and meet the highest regulatory standards. Part 141 programs are particularly appealing to students aiming for financial aid, veterans’ benefits, or specific airline career tracks, as this certification often aligns with streamlined training paths and financial incentives. Once approved, the Atlanta campus will be able to attract a broader range of students seeking the benefits of a Part 141 training environment.

The acquisition of the Atlanta flight school assets
Represents US Aviation Academy’s commitment to expanding access to quality aviation training in key locations across the U.S. As one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country, Atlanta offers ideal conditions for flight training, with access to diverse airspace and a vibrant aviation community. Students at the new campus will benefit from experienced instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and a training environment that reflects US Aviation Academy’s high standards of safety and professionalism.

With the addition of the Atlanta campus, US Aviation Academy continues to make strides in providing premier aviation education options for those seeking careers in aviation. The Atlanta acquisition not only strengthens the academy’s reach but also affirms its commitment to adapting to industry needs and offering flexible training solutions. As Part 141 approval nears, the future looks bright for aspiring pilots in the Southeast.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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UK Headquartered Flight Training Group, Leading Edge Aviation, Invests GBP 2 Million in 16 Aspiring Pilots

United Kingdom headquartered pilot training group Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases both in the UK and in Spain, proudly announces the outcome of its Funded* fATPL and Flight Instructor Training Programme, surpassing its initial goal by selecting double the number of candidates. With a £2M commitment, this initiative makes pilot training accessible to a more diverse range of aspiring pilots, covering up to 85%* of training costs.

Leading Edge Aviation’s groundbreaking training programme offers two distinct pathways to cater to different levels of experience. For those who already hold a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and have some flying experience, the Modular Route provides an unprecedented opportunity. This first-of-its-kind pathway for modular students offers significant financial support, making it more accessible for aspiring pilots to achieve their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and Flight Instructor qualification.

For individuals with no prior flying experience, the Integrated Route offers a comprehensive training journey from novice to expert. This pathway covers all the necessary training to obtain both the fATPL and Flight Instructor qualifications, ensuring a thorough and structured approach to becoming a professional pilot.

After graduation, both routes guarantee a two-year employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation, providing a secure and promising start to their aviation career.

Programme Highlights:

  • Significant Savings: Successful candidates will only need to fund £20,000 (for modular applicants with PPL) or £30,000 (for integrated applicants with no experience) for all training and accommodation costs.
  • First-of-its-Kind Opportunity for Modular Students: This programme offers modular students with a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) an exclusive chance to advance towards their fATPL (frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence) and become a Flight Instructor.
  • Comprehensive Training: Participants will achieve their fATPL and Flight Instructor qualification.
  • Guaranteed Employment: Graduates receive a two-year bonded employment contract with Leading Edge Aviation based in Alhama de Murcia base in Southern Spain.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Training will be conducted at Leading Edge Aviation’s premier facilities in Oxford and Alhama campus in Southern Spain.

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, commented, “We recognise that the cost of pilot training is a significant barrier for some talented individuals. Our new programme is designed to break down these financial barriers and provide a clear, affordable path to a rewarding career in aviation. We are committed to training the next generation of pilots and flight instructors, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the aviation industry while turning students’ dreams into reality.”

Applications were open to those aged 18 and over with a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (including Maths, English, and Science).

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. In addition to enjoying the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills (in industry circles now referred to as “The Whole Pilot”).

Based both at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.

Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation

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Global Pilot Training Group BAA Training Launches MPL Pilot Training Program with Spanish Airline – First Batch in 2025

BAA Training, which operates full flight simulator training centers and flight schools around the world, has signed a contract with Spain’s Volotea, one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, to provide cadet pilot training, with the first cadet batch starting in February 2025. BAA Training aims to train around 30 students per year with the soon-to-launch cadet program.

The cadet program, in partnership with Volotea, will provide airline-specific, full-scope, competency-focused Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL) training to the cadets. The program covers theory, flight training on single- and multi-engine aircraft, and aircraft type-specific full flight simulator training. This will fully prepare them to operate within Volotea-specific procedures.

“We have a successful track record of running the MPL training programs, thus, we’re very happy to have signed the new partnership with Volotea, which will further solidify our experience in this particular field,” says Marijus Ravoitis, CEO at BAA Training. “We look forward to working with the airline to prepare qualified pilots for them, meet their needs, and, most importantly, ensure quality training.”

“We are pleased to partner with BAA Training in preparing a new generation of pilots trained directly within our airline’s standard operating procedures from day one. This approach ensures our MPL cadets develop both the technical skills, and the disciplined mindset required to uphold our high standards in safety and service, leading to a smooth transition into our operations,” says Merlan van der Panne, Head of Pilot Recruitment & Duty Pilot at Volotea.

The training will be held across a couple of BAA Training locations where the training academy has an established presence – ground school at either Vilnius, Lithuania or Lleida-Alguaire, Spain; flight school at the Lleida-Alguaire International Airport; and the simulator training center in Barcelona, Spain.

The program has a price of Euro 105,000

Source: BAA Training

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Indian Flight Training Group Chimes Aviation Academy Appoints Vice President Operations in 2024

Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), which operates two flight training bases in India and recently announced an order to expand its fleet with additional training aircraft, has appointed Aniruddha Bose as Vice President Operations in October 2024. Mr Bose was previously Vice President Strategy and Systems.

“Looking forward to playing my part in ensuring operating excellence and creating long term value for all stakeholders as we enter an exciting growth phase in Indian Aviation.” shared Mr Bose.

To learn more about Mr Bose or Chimes Aviation Academy you can connect with him through his LinkedIn Profile.

Source: Aniruddha Bose (Chimes Aviation Academy)

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia based Flight School Tayaran is Seeking a Chief Flight Instructor in 2024

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia based aviation and flight training organisation the National Aviation Academy (Tayaran) is seeking a Chief Flight Instructor. Please see an extract of the job post below.

“The Chief Flight Instructor oversees all fixed-wing (airplane) training at The National Aviation Academy.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Hold a GACA commercial pilot certificate (with multi-engine and instrument ratings) or an ATP certificate, and, a current flight instructor certificate.

B. Flight experience:

1. At least 2 000 hours as PIC; and

2. Flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of—

i. At least 3 years and a total of 1 000 flight hours; or

ii. At least 1 500 flight hours.

3. (At least 100 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions;

4. Instrument flight instructor experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of—

iii. At least 2 years and a total of 250 flight hours; or

iv. At least 400 flight hours.

RESPONSIBILITES

A. Responsible for instructor training and standardization

  • Ensure each CFI and ground instructor passes an initial proficiency check for each authorized aircraft.
  • Ensure each CFI and ground instructor passes an initial proficiency check for each authorized course.
  • For all aircraft and courses, complete a proficiency check every 12 months after the initial test was accomplished.
  • Document all training completed for these items.

B. Responsible for student training records

  • Ensure enrollment and graduation certificates are completed and stored.
  • Complete required 60-day audit of electronic records database.

C. Responsible for training procedures

  • Cooperates with the Training Manager in administering Student Counseling Reports when necessary.

D. Document owner for:

1. Training Manual

2. All fixed-wing TCOs

3. All fixed-wing Standardization Manuals

4. All fixed-wing aircraft checklists

E. Certify each student’s training record, graduation certificate, stage check and recommendation for course completion. The Chief Flight Instructor may assign these duties to the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor.

F. for the training course that instructor is to be assigned and recurrent . The Chief Flight Instructor may delegate authority for conducting flight proficiency checks to the Assistant Chief Instructor.

G. Ensure each student accomplishes the required stage checks and maintains standardized school procedures acceptable to GACA. The Chief Flight Instructor may delegate authority for conducting stage checks and end-of-course tests to the Assistant Chief Instructor or check instructor.

H. The Chief Flight Instructor or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor will be available at the school or available by telephone, radio or by email any time training is being given.

I. Conduct instructor performance evaluations, which include:

  • Monthly observation of each instructor to include one ground briefing and one flight lesson, at minimum.
  • Formal written review every six months.

J. Instructor Staff Management

  • Coordinates all instructor leave requests with the Training Manager to ensure proper coverage.”

For more information or to apply kindly contact Tayaran directly.

Source: Tayaran

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