Miami, Florida based flight training organisation Wayman Aviation shared its 2023 milestones as follows:
Source: Wayman Aviation
Florida, United States based Aviator College, specializing in aviation degree programs is pleased to announce that Aviator College is now expanding its existing partnership with JetBlue, joining the airline’s Gateway University pilot development program, and opening future career opportunities to Aviator College graduates.
Aviator College joins a prestigious list of four-year colleges and universities JetBlue has partnered with to offer aviation students a clear path to first officer positions through Gateway University. Aviator College already has the proud distinction of being JetBlue’s school of choice for its Gateway Direct programs, established to encourage and develop non-pilot JetBlue crewmembers into JetBlue pilots or aviation maintenance technicians. As a JetBlue University partner, all eligible Aviator College pilot students will now have an opportunity to apply for a conditional job offer as a first officer at JetBlue. Accepted students receive additional mentorship and support as they complete their education and training at Aviator College. JetBlue mentors continue to guide participants following graduation as they build time and experience before joining JetBlue as a first officer.
“We are very excited to able to make these two significant announcements at a time when our industry needs pilots so badly,” said Director of Education of Aviator College.
“We are very proud and flattered to be included in JetBlue’s Gateway University program and look forward to providing a path to JetBlue for our graduates,” said Paul Woessner Director of Business Development Aviator College.
“The most fundamental part of any flight plan is knowing your destination and charting a clear path to that goal,” said Nancy Hocking, director of Gateway programs, JetBlue. “With Gateway University, we’re honored to offer our expertise and support to developing aviation professionals at Aviator College helping them stay on course to a rewarding career in commercial aviation.”
New At Aviator
Aviator College has always been committed to providing quality education and pathways to becoming a commercial airline pilot. These new opportunities for Aviator College students at JetBlue come as the college continues to strengthen its flight programs with more opportunities and accreditations. Following recent FAA approval, Aviator college is now also authorized to certify graduates of their new Bachelor of Science degree to later earn an ATP with restricted privileges. This means Aviator College graduates of the BS degree will now only need 1,000 hrs. of flight time to apply for airline pilot jobs. This approval continues to drive Aviator College forward and benefit their graduates.
As Aviator College looks to the future of its aviation degree and flight programs, the college plans to continue growing its non-degree aviation maintenance technician program and look for additional opportunities to offer value and opportunity to their students.
About Aviator College
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology is an accredited, co-educational, degree-granting, institution of higher learning. It provides individuals with quality flight training that will prepare students with entry-level skills necessary for employment in the field of aviation.
Source: Aviator College
Photo Credit: Aviator College
Alaska Airlines’ Ascend Pilot Academy, in partnership with Hillsboro Aero Academy, is accepting applications until January 7, 2024. The program aims to provide aspiring pilots a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a student pilot. Enrolled cadets will be eligible for access to financial aid, and a stipend up to $27,000 upon signing on to work for Horizon Air.
Flight training will be with Hillsboro Aero Academy.
The aspiring pilot must possess the following minimum requirements to qualify:
Source: Alaska Airlines
Photo Credit: Hillsboro Aero Academy (shown as meta image)
Florida, United States headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group Epic Flight Academy shared it welcomed fourteen (14) student pilots in early December 2023 – this follows strong intakes throughout the year including:
Epic Flight Academy is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Established in 1999 by CEO Danny Perna, Epic offers Part 141 pilot training and Part 147 aircraft mechanic training. Their main campus is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with satellite locations in Ocala and Tallahassee.
Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy
The Air Force recently announced the opening of two Regular Air Force FY24 Aviation Bonus programs – the FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, formerly known as the Aviation Bonus, and the FY24 Demonstration Bonus.
Eligible active-duty aviators have until Aug. 1, 2024, to apply for EARI and the FY24 Demonstration Bonus; however, the program eligibility window will close early if the budgetary maximum number of contracts are met before Aug. 1.
Additionally, eligible Guard and Reserve aviators continue to have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve’s current 2023 Aviation Bonus programs.
EARI builds upon the previous years’ offers to deliberately shape and retain experienced rated officers to meet Air Force retention, training, and mission readiness requirements to maintain the lethality of the force. Information will be announced separately in the future regarding the Reserve Component offering the FY24 EARI.
“In today’s strategic environment, the requirement to preserve critical skills in our Air Force has never been more important,” said Maj. Gen. Adrian Spain, Director of Training and Readiness, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters, Air Force. “Specifically, aviation-related skillsets, formed through the crucible of combat and daily execution of high-intensity operations, is the foundation necessary to continue to effectively deliver warfighting capability to the Joint Force and the American people. Retaining these professional aviators’ experience and expertise within the Total Force is imperative in order to outpace future challenges that may emerge throughout the spectrum of conflict.”
EARI, combined with the Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Bonus, offers specific rated officers with experience in flying critical weapon systems, both monetary and non-monetary incentives to extend their service commitment. The monetary options range from $15,000 per year to $50,000 per year for contracts ranging from three to 12 years of additional service. Non-monetary options continue to include an assignment of choice, assignment declination, or remain in place.
EARI will be available for RegAF, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve rated officers. However, the Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program will be only available to select RegAF rated officers.
Source: US Air Force
Photo Credit: US Air Force (shown as meta image)
International Aero Academy, an aviation training group and charter operator based in Lakeland, Florida, experienced a YOY 81% increase in flight training revenue, an 88% increase in flight hours, and an 88% increase in instruction hours. The academy also successfully graduated its first flight instructors into the Spirit Airlines program; its former instructors are now flying A320s for Spirit Airlines, a low-cost US airline.
Moreover, International AeroTech Academy launched its bespoke night program for Amazon Career Choice, affording Amazon employees the opportunity to become professional, licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.
On the other hand, International Aero Charters Air Carrier Certificate was upgraded last April by the FAA to allow unlimited aircraft onto its certificate for charter operations and were approved for in-house Check Airman.
International Aero Charters is a sister company of International Aero Academy.
Source: International Aero Academy
Photo Credit: International Aero Academy (shown as meta image)
Takeoff Trim and Train-By-Wire have shared that they have introduce the highest VR resolution in the industry, with settings up to 4000 or more. Takeoff Trim and Train-By-Wire offer custom solutions for any airline or ATO that runs from your LMS* or theirs.
*most eLearning LMS systems.
Source: Takeoff Trim
Photo Credit: Takeoff Trim
