Like the saying in aviation parlance, when you earn an aviation degree, you are getting an education that has an unmatched legacy. Whether you are interested in our aviation science major or a degree in aviation management or even an online aviation degree, students studying it here receive an education that is recognised among key aircraft companies and top employers in the airline industry, especially, when the college is of global standard.
With state-of-the-art facilities such as airplanes and helicopters, high-tech flight training devices, and educational laboratories, students who attend such colleges for their aviation degree get all the benefits of a traditional flight school in a well-rounded, close-knit university setting because they are equipped with skills and knowledge which are crucial to achieving a successful career.
When a college parades one of the most comprehensive aviation technology programs in the in the world where prospective students can acquire essential practical knowledge as professional pilots, the colleges tend to stand out.
The field of aviation has arisen, grown and developed, first and foremost, due to the development of aviation engineering – due to technical solutions that enable to move around without any contact with the ground. Creating such technical solutions – designing, engineering, manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft therefore provides a format and content to everything taking place in aviation.
And there is a wealth of job prospects for graduates of aviation technology programs. The demand for major airline pilots is steadily increasing and the demand for general aviation positions are at an all-time high. The use of interstate commerce has increased the demand for cargo pilots. And, a shift in business travel from the major airlines to executive-size aircraft has created a new increase in the number of pilot jobs available. These changes in airline passenger and cargo traffic, along with an expected wave of retirements, will provide many job opportunities for new pilots and for flight instructors at all levels of the aviation industry.
Also, most colleges are not just about learning to fly professionally, they are also about the engineering aspect of it.
In fact, in recent times, most aviation professionals hold two qualifications, one in aircraft engineering and the other in flying.
The work of an aviation engineer comprises creation of high-tech solutions or maintenance procedures in the field of mechanics, mechatronics as well as electronics. The skills and experience enable the respective specialist to work in other fields which require application of high-tech solutions to solve technical problems: automotive industry, rail transport etc.
After the completion of the studies in Aircraft Engineering it is possible to work as an aviation engineer or as a maintenance technician at an enterprise manufacturing or carrying out maintenance procedures on aircraft.
Etihad Airways announced during the week it is establishing the Etihad Flight College, a world-class flight training facility in the United Arab Emirates for Emirati and international cadet pilots.
As a first step in establishing this college, Etihad Airways is in the process of acquiring the fixed wing training division from Horizon International Flight Academy (Horizon), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company.
Based in Al Ain, Horizon has provided helicopter (rotary wing) training programs since 2003, and airplane (fixed wing) training since 2007. At Horizon, pilots can qualify for their Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Horizon currently has 210 trainees enrolled in its aviation training programs and has been the selected training provider for Etihad Airways’ cadet pilots for the last seven years.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The establishment of the Etihad Flight College is a natural part of our strategy to produce the best pilots to support our rapidly expanding fleet. It also helps underpin the growth and development of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways currently employs over 1,600 pilots and places great emphasis on recruiting the best pilots from around the world, including Emirati pilots.
“We are committed to developing a world-class facility which combines new and best practice training programs with high calibre instructors. The training facility will enhance the career opportunities in aviation, especially for UAE nationals.”
Subject to regulatory approval, Horizon’s fixed wing division will be acquired by Etihad Flight College, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Etihad Airways. The remaining rotary wing division will be Horizon’s key area of focus with plans to consolidate and continue to grow the business.
Also speaking on the development, Horizon Chief Executive Officer, Hareb Al Dhaheri said: “We are proud to have grown the UAE’s pilot training initiative into a successful company. This transaction benefits both Abu Dhabi companies, and allows Horizon to focus on developing its future core business of delivering world class helicopter pilots for all of our Rotary Wing customers.”
The assets to be acquired include 13 Cessna 172SP Skyhawk aircraft, three Diamond DA42NG aircraft, two flight training simulators and Horizon’s hangar facilities at Al Ain International Airport.
All fixed wing flight instructors and some support staff currently employed by Horizon will transfer to the Etihad Flight College ensuring there is no disruption to the ongoing cadet pilot training programs.
Etihad Flight College will also implement the innovative Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL), a competency-based training program that is focussed on developing cadet pilot candidates into high quality First Officers on completion of their training.
The MPL training program, the first airline-dedicated professional pilot licence adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA), and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will be developed and delivered by Etihad Airways’ Operations team. To-date around 250 graduates have already registered for the MPL course, with the first course scheduled to commence later this year.
Etihad Flight College will be the first organisation in the world to use multi-engine aircraft in the core phase of its MPL training program. Cadet pilots will benefit from the utilisation of advanced aircraft and simulation training throughout the program in a multi-crew setting – where two pilots conduct operations that are focused on the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft, as opposed to the traditional single-pilot model that is prevalent in the industry today.
Mr Hogan welcomed the new staff to the Etihad Airways family. “Our continued success is driven by our people who are committed to working together as a team. The new flight instructors and support staff have an important role to play in supporting the continued growth. of the airline, ensuring that there is a consistent stream of well trained pilots coming into the organisation.”
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base Etihad Airways flies to 103 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 96 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is seeking regulatory approval to invest in Swiss-based regional carrier Darwin Airline.
Sade Williams
