Canada – flight training organisation Select Aviation College has welcomed a new cohort of aspiring pilots through a structured integration program, reinforcing its focus on student experience and aviation culture.
Originally founded in 2014, the college has grown significantly from its beginnings at Drummondville Airport, evolving into a premier aviation college that now operates from Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport and trains over 250 pilots annually.
Source: Select Aviation College
Australia – A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) is calling for stronger pilot training measures to address persistent safety challenges in general aviation (GA), which accounts for more than 90% of aviation-related fatalities. The findings, published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, highlight the urgent need for recurrent training, simulator use, and innovative learning tools to improve safety standards.
Review of 46 studies showed human factors and training deficiencies are the leading contributors to fatal GA accidents.
Human factors cited include pilot error, poor decision-making, reduced situational awareness, and spatial disorientation, particularly in poor weather and at night.
GA flights in poor visibility are seven times more likely to result in fatal crashes, while night operations have accident rates up to eight times higher than daytime.
Critical flight phases such as takeoff, landing, and low-altitude manoeuvring were identified as the most hazardous.
Researchers warn that many GA pilots maintain only minimum legal currency rather than true proficiency, with long gaps between flights causing sharp skill declines.
The study calls for:
More recurrent and emergency training
Greater use of simulators, VR, and AI-driven tools for cost-effective skill building
Proactive use of real-time flight data to identify risks before accidents occur
Expanded focus on mental health, following evidence that fatigue, financial stress, and workplace culture may contribute to safety risks.
Statements
Source: University of South Australia
United Kingdom – global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has announced new recruitment opportunities for flight instructors at its UK bases, offering sponsored ratings and career advancement pathways to meet growing demand across its training network.
Skyborne is hiring for positions at both Gloucestershire Airport (Cheltenham HQ) and its new Bournemouth Airport training centre, reflecting expanding capacity in the UK.
The roles offer fully bonded sponsorship for additional ratings, including potential hour building on multi-engine piston aircraft at Skyborne’s Florida base in Vero Beach.
Compensation & benefits:
Salaries around £55,000 per year (experience-dependent)
Performance-based incentives
30 days paid annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) on a 4.5-day work week
Private health care (for instructor and spouse)
Generous pension scheme and corporate partner discounts
Applicants must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate and an unrestricted Flight Instructor Certificate. Previous experience is preferred but not required.
Source: Skyborne
Florida, USA – Acron Aviation Academy, the United States based flight training base of Acron Aviation, hosted Endeavor Air for a full day of career-focused activities, underscoring the strong pathways available for cadets aspiring to regional and mainline airline careers. The visit included a breakfast presentation on Endeavor’s STEP Cadet Program and on-site interviews with cadets.
Endeavor Air currently partners with 18 universities and flight academies to help aspiring pilots succeed. More than 2,000 students are enrolled in STEP.
Source: Acron Aviation Academy
Latvia – airBaltic Pilot Academy has welcomed its 27th group of student pilots, marking the first intake of the new academic year as the airline celebrates its 30th anniversary. The academy has become an important feeder channel for the airline, supporting airBaltic’s growth strategy and fleet expansion plans.
In recent years, airBaltic Pilot Academy has upgraded its Diamond aircraft training fleet and simulator capabilities to enhance ab initio pilot training:
Source: airBaltic Pilot Academy
United Arab Emirates – Intercontinental Aviation Academy (FlyIAA), the flagship training division of Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), announced the appointment of renowned aviation expert Issam Sultan to its Global Executive Board as Non-Executive Chairman for the Middle Eastern operations. This strategic appointment aligns with IAE’s ambitious Vision 2030 for Training initiative, positioning FlyIAA as one of the world’s leading multi-country pilot training networks.
Sultan brings over 25 years of aviation expertise to the role, having established himself as a trusted authority in global aviation development since beginning his career in 1998. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as FlyIAA accelerates its international expansion across six countries with planned additions in Portugal and expanded operations throughout 2025-2026.
Expanding Global Training Footprint
FlyIAA currently operates an extensive network of EASA, ICAO, and GCAA-approved training facilities across strategic locations. FlyIAA, owned by Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), is a leading pilot training academy with a growing international footprint. Its flight training bases are currently located in the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, with Portugal set to join soon. Complementing its flight training capabilities, the academy also operates ground training bases in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, offering students a full spectrum of aviation education and training programs.
Industry Leadership and Educational Innovation
As author of Aviation Awareness 101, Sultan has directly influenced the educational journey of thousands of aspiring pilots. The book serves as a foundational resource for all FlyIAA students, who receive a complimentary copy before beginning their training programs. This educational commitment reflects FlyIAA’s comprehensive approach to developing airline-ready professionals from zero experience to commercial certification.
“Issam’s appointment represents more than adding expertise to our board – it signifies our commitment to excellence in aviation education worldwide,” said Captain Wissam Mehyou, Founder and CEO of IAE and Chairman of FlyIAA Global. “His extensive global experience and respected voice in the aviation industry have been instrumental in guiding our strategic growth. As a trusted partner and visionary leader, Issam brings clarity, strength, and strategic foresight that are invaluable as we pursue our Vision 2030 goals.”
Championing Diversity in Aviation
Beyond his operational expertise, Sultan serves as a prominent advocate for gender equality in aviation. His active support of Women in Aviation Middle East – an organization backed by both IAE and FlyIAA – demonstrates the academy’s commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities across all sectors of the aviation industry.
Meeting Global Aviation Demand
The appointment comes amid unprecedented growth in the aviation sector. According to industry projections, the Middle East region alone will require over 28,000 aviation professionals in the next decade. FlyIAA’s expansion strategy directly addresses this demand through fleet modernization with 21 new aircraft on order for delivery between 2025-2026, including Diamond DA40/DA42 and Elixir Aircraft.
Advisory Excellence
Throughout his distinguished career, Sultan has served as a consultant to numerous international commercial airlines, guiding operational expansions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise in flight operations and training development has established him as a trusted advisor in global aviation circles.
“The aviation industry stands at a transformative moment,” noted Sultan. “FlyIAA’s integrated approach to training, combining traditional excellence with innovative methodologies, positions us to meet the evolving demands of global aviation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”
Looking Ahead
With Sultan’s strategic guidance, FlyIAA is positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives, including:
Source: Intercontinental Aviation Academy
South Carolina, USA – High Tide Aviation, a regional flight training group with more than 25,000 flight hours of instructional experience, has achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 certification, strengthening its position as a professional pilot training pathway in the U.S. Southeast.
FAA Part 141 certification validates High Tide Aviation’s structured programs, standardized syllabi, instructor qualifications, and oversight, offering students a more efficient training progression than Part 61.
Certification unlocks new opportunities including:
Accelerated training programs with reduced minimum flight hours
International student enrollment support and licensing recognition
Expanded eligibility for VA education benefits
Stronger foundation for future airline pathway partnerships
High Tide Aviation operates training bases at:
Cape Fear Regional Jetport (Southport, NC)
Wilmington International Airport (Wilmington, NC)
McKinnon–St. Simons Island Airport (St. Simons Island, GA)
Fleet: 17 aircraft including Cessna 172s, Beechcraft Barons, a Bonanza V35B with advanced Garmin avionics, Robinson R44 helicopters, and a Redbird FMX simulator.
Founded in 2013, the company has expanded from helicopter-only operations to a comprehensive flight school with thousands of graduates.
Training programs start at around USD 10,500 for Private Pilot certification, with discovery flights, ground school, and financing options available.
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Source: High Tide Aviation
France – Cannes Aviation Academy has received certification for an ALSIM AL42 simulator at its newly established base in Agen, marking an expansion of its training capacity with an advanced multi-engine training platform.
The ALSIM AL42, a replica of the Diamond DA42, has been certified to EASA FNPT II standards, supporting CPL, IR/ME, and PPL training.
The device is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, advanced visual systems, and a force feedback yoke, providing students with a high-fidelity training environment.
The installation at Agen strengthens Cannes Aviation Academy’s ability to serve growing pilot demand while maintaining its operations at Cannes.
For ALSIM, the certification reflects continued global uptake of its FNPT II-certified training devices, which are now in operation at more than 400 flight schools and training centres worldwide.
About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators since 1994. ALSIM is widely acknowledged for its know-how, built on over 30 years of experience in flight simulation. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. Innovation is at the heart of ALSIM’s mission. By continuously anticipating the evolving needs of flight schools and training centers, the company remains at the forefront of pilot training technology. To date, over 450 ALSIM simulators are installed and certified in more than 60 countries, serving a network of more than 400 clients worldwide.
Source: ALSIM
Ireland – National Flight Centre (NFC), a leading flight training provider, has welcomed its newest cohort—Class 21—comprising 20 integrated ATPL(A) students. The intake reflects continued strong demand for commercial pilot training in Ireland amid the industry’s rapid post-pandemic recovery and growth.
About National Flight Centre
Based in Dublin, Ireland, National Flight Centre (NFC) is a leading flight training organization offering a wide range of programs, from private pilot training to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) courses. NFC is committed to producing skilled and industry-ready pilots for global aviation needs.
Source: Darragh Owens (National Flight Centre)
Photo Credit: Darragh Owens (National Flight Centre)
