Market Intelligence: North America

Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne and IndiGo Celebrate Largest Ever Intake

India & USA – Skyborne, a global pilot training group which operates flight training bases in the United Kingdom and the United States, has welcomed 40 new cadets to the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, after a Letter of Intent (LoI) ceremony in Gurgaon, India.

Following a competitive application process, the successful cadets will commence the first phase of their flight training at the academy’s base in Florida, United States, before returning to India for their flight license conversion and type rating. After successfully completing the program, the graduates will go on to fly with India’s leading airline as A320 First Officers.

Rina Basu, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), Skyborne, says: “Since Skyborne’s partnership with IndiGo began in 2019, we’ve supported India’s aviation industry in meeting workforce demand and tackling pilot shortages. Now, with our largest intake ever, we’re proud to continue supplying IndiGo with passionate and bright cadets who are committed to becoming highly skilled commercial pilots.”

Skyborne’s 2025 intake includes two former cabin crew for IndiGo and a strong female contingent, with 21% women cadets, well above the global average of 6%*.

Karri Dhanashree, former IndiGo cabin crew member and future cadet on the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, says: “Becoming a pilot has always been my childhood dream. I began my journey as a cabin attendant with IndiGo, and with hard work and invaluable guidance from colleagues, I’m now able to fly for the only company I ever imagined working for in aviation.”

Prince Verma, future cadet on the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, says: “Being accepted into this program is a significant step towards achieving my dream of becoming an airline pilot. I’m excited to learn from the experienced instructors and push myself to excel in every aspect. For me, joining Skyborne isn’t just about learning to fly, it’s about embracing a culture of discipline, professionalism, and continuous growth.”

Applications for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program with Skyborne are open, with the next ADAPT test scheduled in July.

About Skyborne 
Skyborne Airline Academy is a premier airline training academy based at Vero Beach, Florida, United States, and Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Airports in the United Kingdom. Established by industry experts, Skyborne brings a fresh approach to airline pilot training. 

Founders Tom Misner (chairman) and Lee Woodward (CEO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Their vision has created a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained, and interactive learning is encouraged. 

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne recruits the very best candidates to minimise additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.

Skyborne is proud to hold close relationships with the world’s leading airlines, offering opportunities for trainees as part of British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, the Propel Flight Academy by Delta and the SkyWest Professional Pilot Pathway. Skyborne is also the only academy to support DHL Air (UK) with a fully funded Integrated ATPL training initiative for its employees.

Source: Skyborne
Photo Credit: Skyborne

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FAA Holding Public Meetings in April 2025 to Modernize Part 141 Pilot School Regulations

USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States aviation regulator, has announced the launch of a public engagement initiative to modernize Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 141, which governs pilot schools. The modernization effort aims to align training requirements with current and future technological, safety, and instructional advancements.

  • The FAA is initiating a series of public meetings beginning April 1–3, 2025, at its Southern Regional Office in College Park, Georgia, with hybrid participation options.

  • These forums will allow aviation stakeholders to provide written and oral feedback on the modernization of Part 141 pilot school regulations.

  • The current Part 141 regulatory framework retains elements from the Civil Air Regulations era, prompting the FAA to seek updated standards that reflect modern training needs and methods.

  • Topics for discussion include the certification of Part 61 training providers aiming to become Part 141 schools, certificate management, and examining authority under Part 141.

Statements:

  • “The FAA finds the best foundation of quality ground and flight training is through certificated pilot schools.”

  • “Updating part 141 regulations would ensure the training conducted at pilot schools meets the 21st century challenges of technology, safety, and the advancements in teaching and learning techniques.”

  • “The Modernization of Part 141 public meetings will be a key resource in the FAA’s ability to identify and address the demands and needs of the flight training industry.”

Source: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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Canadian Aviation College Expands Fleet with 7 Cirrus SR Series Aircraft

Canada – Canadian aviation college Sault College has expanded its flight training capabilities with the acquisition of seven new Cirrus SR Series aircraft, enhancing its fleet’s capacity to deliver advanced pilot training.

  • The Cirrus aircraft are recognised for their modern avionics, advanced safety features, and higher cruising speeds.
  • The new additions support training in automation, energy management, and transition to regional airline-level aircraft.
  • The Cirrus fleet will be integrated alongside existing Zlin and Piper multi-engine aircraft, offering students exposure to a wide variety of flight profiles.

About Sault College
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Sault College is a Canadian post-secondary institution offering a well-regarded aviation program that prepares students for careers in commercial aviation. The college maintains a diverse training fleet to support a comprehensive pilot education experience.

Source: Sault College
Photo Credit: Cirrus

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Eastern Mennonite University Announces 2025 Appointment for Director of Aviation

Virginia, USA – Eastern Mennonite University is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek J. Kline as its new director of aviation. With over 13,800 total flight hours and extensive leadership experience in the aviation industry, Kline brings a wealth of expertise to EMU’s growing aviation program. Kline begins his role on April 1.

Kline’s distinguished career spans over two decades, including service as captain and first officer at both American Airlines and Piedmont Airlines where he operated domestic and international flights under Part 121 Air Carrier operations. His experience encompasses multi-engine, turbine, and jet aircraft, with DHC-8, B-757, B-767, ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 type ratings.

In addition to his extensive flight experience, Kline has served as a flight instructor, chief pilot and ground instructor, ensuring the highest standards in pilot training and safety through curriculum development and pilot performance evaluations. A Central Missouri State University graduate, Kline holds a bachelor of science degree in aviation management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to EMU,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at EMU. “His extensive experience in commercial aviation and his passion for mentoring future pilots aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for successful careers in aviation. Under his leadership, EMU’s aviation program will continue to grow and provide top-tier education for aspiring pilots.”

EMU’s aviation program has seen significant growth since it launched in 2018 with five students. The program added 24 new students in fall 2024, bringing total enrollment to 46. A total of twenty students have graduated from the program, and six more are set to graduate in May. Demand for the program remains high, with a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.

“I am truly honored to be the new director of aviation at Eastern Mennonite University,” Kline said. “I was drawn to the incredible growth of the program and the unwavering commitment to providing students with the knowledge to excel in aviation.”

About Eastern Mennonite University’s Aviation Program
Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) established its aviation program in 2018, offering a bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with a concentration in aviation focusing on professional flight training. In partnership with Aero-Tech Services, Inc., EMU provides a comprehensive pathway for pilot education that equips students with exceptional training and career opportunities in commercial aviation and private charter operations.

As a Part 141 collegiate aviation program, EMU has a reduced requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, allowing graduates to qualify for the ATP with just 1,000 flight hours. Students earn their Private, Instrument, and Commercial Certificates, including a multi-engine rating and their Flight Instructor Certificates.

Source: Eastern Mennonite University
Photo Credit: Eastern Mennonite University

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Canadian Base Operators Signs to Join SkyAlyne to Deliver RCAF Future Aircrew Training Program

Ottawa, Canada — SkyAlyne and Canadian Base Operators (CBO) are announcing the signing of an agreement to support the full duration of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. SkyAlyne, a partnership between Canadian defence and aviation leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, was contracted by the Government of Canada in 2024 to partner with the RCAF and deliver the 25-year FAcT program. SkyAlyne is ramping up to execute the program.

“SkyAlyne is building an entirely new, advanced Pilot and Aircrew training solution for the RCAF from the ground up. As the existing training programs near end of life, this is a generational opportunity to shape the future of military aircrew training in Canada,” commented SkyAlyne’s General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “To successfully accomplish our mission, it takes the best pan-Canadian team possible. CBO will be a significant asset to SkyAlyne and the FAcT program.”

Having worked on the current RCAF Pilot and Aircrew training programs, CBO brings significant experience to the FAcT program. CBO’s expertise includes airfield surface maintenance, airfield lighting and navaids, Air Traffic Control, meteorological services, snow removal, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and facility management and support services (including accommodations, food services, infrastructure maintenance and repair). In support of FAcT, CBO will be delivering a range of site services and facility management to support operations at Southport, MB and Winnipeg, MB.

“This new contract ensures continuous employment for CBO in Southport, MB, for the next 25 years, which is fantastic news and enhances our joint venture affiliation with two Indigenous Nations,” explains Mike Peckham, General Manager of CBO. “With our extensive experience in airfield maintenance, Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and facility management — gained through years of supporting the RCAF’s existing training programs — we’re proud to deliver critical site services and operational support to the Future Aircrew Training program at Southport and Winnipeg.”

The FAcT program is currently in a multi-year transition period to become the sole ab initio Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the current three separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

“SkyAlyne is truly Canadian – headquartered in Canada with Canadian ownership. Our team is working hard every day to ensure the RCAF has the best trained military Pilots and Aircrew in the world, and the spinoff economic benefits stay in the hands of Canadians,” concluded Lemke.

About SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In spring 2024, SkyAlyne was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Canadian Base Operators
CBO is a Canadian company, headquartered in Collingwood, Ontario operating across Canada providing Airside & Groundside & Operation services to Oil & Gas, Transportation & the Canadian Forces since 1995. CBO is an affiliate of Black & McDonald Ltd., who provide Construction, Utility, Service, Maintenance & Operations for the Canadian Armed Forces since 1972.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

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CAE Extends Critical Support of Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support to the U.S. Army

USA – CAE announced that CAE Defense & Security has been awarded the competitive re-compete to support the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) and the 110th Aviation Brigade under the Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support (AHFTS) program. The award offers comprehensive training support for the U.S. Army’s advanced airframes, valued at approximately $180 million through 2030, including an initial base period and four one-year options.

The AHFTS program utilizes CAE Instructor Pilots, Maintenance Evaluators, and Non-Rated crewmembers to enhance flight training in support of approximately 900 Army aviators and foreign national students transitioning to the CH-47F, UH-60M, or AH-64E rotary wing aircraft annually. The contract award increases the number of Instructor Pilots (IPs) in the program, effectively doubling the number of UH-60 IPs, and includes options for further expanding support to accommodate an increase in training.

“CAE is committed to training excellence, ensuring that Army aviators are prepared for the arduous mission ahead,” said Merrill Stoddard, Division President, CAE Defense & Security, USA. “From high-fidelity simulation and advanced technologies to critical aircraft flight training, CAE is a trusted partner in the modern aviation journey, developing the skills and confidence pivotal to force readiness.”

Since 2021, CAE has provided classroom, simulator, and aircraft flight training support services for the AHFTS program, advancing Initial Entry Rotary-Wing aviators to the Army’s “go to war” aircraft. From Night Systems Gunnery in the AH-64E to Air Assault and Sling Load operations in the UH-60M and CH-47F, CAE remains dedicated to delivering the highest training standards.

CAE proudly supports the evolving needs of the U.S. Army Aviation Branch, from initial qualification to advanced simulator and aircraft flight training. Initial training at the CAE Dothan Training Center in Dothan, Alabama, prepares more than 600 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force pilots annually through the U.S. Army Fixed-Wing Flight Training Service program. In addition to AHFTS at Fort Novosel, CAE supports Flight School Training Support Services (FSTSS), delivering full-flight simulators for the CH-47F and the UH-60M and software supporting reconfigurable collective training.

Source: CAE

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