< PreviousKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 50 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training Imagine that computer scientists managed to develop a network of computers for an aircraft, that could guarantee 99.999% reliability. A recent report showed that there are 37.4 million flights scheduled in 2014, growing at a rate of about 3-5% per year. That means that these days there are about 44 million flights per year or about 120,000 flights per day. At a reliability rate of 99.999%, that means that the world would suffer 440 accidents per year! A colleague of mine recently stated that “pilots are there, not for what they do, but what they can do.” While discussing this issue with a retired engineer, he asked who do they litigate when an aircraft does crash? Some software developer in Silicon Valley? In a presentation to the London based Honourable Company of Air Pilots Livery Dinner, Mr. Chrispin Orr, Chief Accident Investigator of the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch, described the investigation of drone/RPAS accidents. He pointed out the absence of pilot testimony, and that “it is extremely difficult to get the designers of these RPAS to disclose what the computers have been designed to do. And they don’t always know how their system will react in any given set of circumstances. So, it can require extensive analysis of the data to determine what went wrong and what needs to be fixed.” He cautioned that “we should not be seduced by the manufacturers claims of reliability, nor of those who argue that unmanned systems don’t pose any risk to life.” He concluded that “the demise of the human pilot is greatly exaggerated and somewhat premature.” Computers are dumb and dutiful, and will obligingly fly an aircraft into the ground, if that is its current algorithm. To err is human, but to really muck it up, you need a computer! “A computer has your safety at heart.” Yeah right! - Tui billboard… Perhaps an intermediate step is single-pilot operations, and I acknowledge that is a possibility. On the 9th of February 2018 The Guardian reported that Boeing has again raised the prospect of single-pilot operations for large high-performance aircraft, suggesting that such operations could start on cargo flights and could be a reality within several decades. (My emphasis). Nevertheless, some sound arguments exist for having that second pair of eyes and hands on the flight deck - to take over control if the flying pilot becomes incapacitated or distracted, to assist the flying pilot if he or she becomes afflicted with acute fatigue or disorientation. And perhaps most importantly, to assist or take over control if the flying pilot is overwhelmed by an emergency or an extreme workload during a busy phase of flight. Finally, a NASA study conducted in 2017 with US pilots on a Boeing 737 simulator concluded that the pilots found normal workload for a single-pilot to safely fly the aircraft unacceptable, let alone for an emergency situation. I will also conclude, as Chrispin Orr did, that “the demise of the human pilot is greatly exaggerated and somewhat premature.” Mark Woodhouse Our students are family A domestic student focus The latest technology - Aircraft and Simulators Air NZ Preferred Training Organisation delivering the Airline Integration Course F Kwithin the aviation training industry - currently 1/3 of NAC’s instructors are female. The College offers single-room accommodation onsite overlooking Motueka Aerodrome and, being located in one of the best climatic regions in New Zealand with spectacular and varied terrain on their doorstep, students learn to fly in excellent conditions all year round. As one of the Air New Zealand PFTOs, NAC’s training standards and student selection process are aligned with Air NZ’s standards of high quality. An external contracted auditor is employed, as well as the utilisation of modern software systems. This ensures that professional standards are maintained. In addition, NAC offers a mentoring programme to students by Air NZ senior pilots, and as part of students’ professional development it provides regular 360 degree feedback from peers and staff. There are also opportunities for students to complete a double diploma in Airline Preparation and Flight Instructing, thus making them more employable before acquiring the required flight hours to meet entry requirements for major airlines. A current student, Javan Rose, when asked how he found the course and his instructors, said, “All the students here were like- minded and passionate about flying and it was really awesome; the family atmosphere is really cool. On all theory courses, the instructors were more than happy to stay after class and help you with anything. They always go the extra mile to make sure you’ll pass well and make sure that you have adequate understanding of the content. Especially when you start flying, they’re really involved, and I think there’s a lot of work that goes on in the background that you don’t really see. They’re working really hard to make sure you’re prepared for your flights.” For more information We invite you to visit us at www.nelson-aviation.co.nz or on Facebook, or speak to one of the team today on (03) 528 8382. With the purchase of a new Boeing simulator and three new aircraft with state-of-the-art instrument systems, Nelson Aviation College has taken their pilot training to a new level. Nelson Aviation College is one of the Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation (PFTO) providers for students wanting a top quality education, and this significant investment in new technology is designed to keep the Motueka and Nelson-based college at the forefront of the industry after 40 years in business. The acquisition of a Pacific Simulators Boeing 737-800 simulator means NAC can now deliver the Air New Zealand Airline Integration Course from its Nelson Airport training facility. The Nelson training facility has undergone a relocation and substantial upgrade. This facility contains new equipment, including procedural trainers and a G1000 simulator. As well as increasing its attractiveness to students, it provides greater exposure to airline operations at one of the country’s busiest regional airports. The recent acquisition of three new Cessna 172s with the latest Garmin G1000 NXi instrument systems underlines NAC’s determination to be the provider of choice for New Zealand students. As NAC Chief Executive Giles Witney says, “We are moving forward by bringing in the latest technology to enhance the training of our students”. Giles owns and manages NAC with his wife Katrina, who is the Safety and Finance Manager. They are passionate about the New Zealand aviation industry and are committed to running a highly professional and supportive service. He says the College will continue to offer students a family-type environment with a low instructor to student ratio, enabling delivery of a quality, safe and friendly training experience, aiming for consistently high pass rates. The low instructor to student ratio is part of a point of difference for Nelson Aviation College in that training can be focused on small numbers of students, with only 65 at any one time between its two bases. Another point of difference is the College’s awareness of the need for positive female role models 51 2018 #4 Nelson Aviation College ‘Training Beyond the Standard’ Nelson Aviation College’s new Pacific Simulators Boeing 737-800 Simulator.KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 Massey University Aviation Open Day showcases new Flight Operations Centre 52 Bachelor of Aviation Massey’s BAv graduates complete a unique integrated aviation university undergraduate qualification, intended for those planning a professional career as a pilot. Scenario-based flight training and Apple iPads as Electronic Flight Bags are key elements of the School’s approach to preparing students for eventual airline roles. BAv students graduate with all the examination credits for issue of an ATPL and are issued with a New Zealand PPL, CPL, and MEIR, meaning that they do not have to financially ‘front- load‘ their flight training by gaining a PPL first. All tuition fees in the first year are fully covered by the NZ Government student loan with any shortfall between the student loan and the programme fees currently occurring in the second year of the degree. All flight training is delivered in-house via the School’s fleet of technically advanced Diamond single engine and twin engine aircraft equipped with full digital avionics approved for PBN. Graduate pathways are a strength of the Massey BAv degree. Students have the option of applying for either the Qantas Future Pilot Programme (QFPP), or the Massey University Flight Instructor Course (FIC) both of which are completed in the last year of the degree. Qantas will also provide a comprehensive mentoring programme for all B.Av. students throughout their degree programme. Selected QFPP candidates will complete an intensive Airline Transition Course (ATC) in their final semester. Upon successful completion of the degree and the QFPP ATC, graduates will complete their training with Jetstar New Zealand or QantasLink and become qualified as First Officers flying for Jetstar, NZ. This pathway has been approved by CAA NZ, permitting less than 500 hour graduate pilots to move directly into an airline role in New Zealand. Students selected into the Massey Flight Instructor (FIC) option also have a direct graduate pathway available to them once they graduate. They may apply for a position as a Massey Graduate Flight Instructor (GFI) - a two-year fixed term position. Flight training under the mentorship framework of the GFI programme is highly valued by Massey graduates. Massey’s GFI graduates are recognised as being able to transition seamlessly into subsequent airline roles. Other Massey Flight Instructor graduates can be found working for large aviation training organisations in NZ and Australia where they quickly add value by bringing aspects of their Massey training to those organisations. Still other B.Av. Graduates can be found working as commercial pilots in the charter, tourism and medical evacuation sectors in NZ, Australia, USA, Africa and Asia. Bachelor of Aviation Management This is a specialised business degree that introduces students to the complexities of achieving profitability, safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation industry. It also offers students the chance to take up an internship project during their degree with an approved aviation related industry in NZ or offshore. These credit- bearing internship courses enable students to acquire real-world experience in an aviation context. Aviation students may also apply to be selected as a Massey University exchange student with one of Massey’s many international university partners including renowned aviation universities such as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University or Purdue (USA). Postgraduate qualifications Increasingly, aviation professionals choose to add value to their career portfolios by completing postgraduate degrees in aviation - namely the Master of Aviation or an aviation doctoral programme (PhD). Research undertaken by Massey’s aviation faculty and postgraduate students contributes to global aviation research. Master of Aviation students may select one of two options; the Master of Aviation – Research Pathway, or the Master of Aviation, Professional Practice Pathway. Both pathways require students to complete certain compulsory papers during the first part. In the second part, the research pathway requires a research report, and the professional pathway requires completion of a project which may be related to an aspect of their current industry role. This latter option is gaining increased resonance within the aviation industry. Both pathways are available via distance learning. Massey currently has three aviation PhD candidates at various stages of their programme. Their research encompasses airport branding, aviation communication challenges between English and non-English native speakers, and aviation compliance issues facing Pacific Island countries. Expressions of interest from prospective doctoral candidates are always welcome. RPAS / UAV’s The School of Aviation continues to actively engage with the fast evolving NZ RPAS / UAV sector. A three-day professional course designed and delivered by Massey flight instructors is aimed at educating RPAS users and non-aviators for safe operations in the aviation environment. With the opening of stage one of Massey’s new Aviation Centre, students and families attending the School’s annual Aviation Open Day on 15 September 2018 saw first-hand what Massey offers in the way of facilities and aviation programmes. The expansion to hangar, classroom and operations centre facilities has also seen the installation of a new Diamond DA-42 L360 Simulator which will significantly enhance the training capacity for Bachelor of Aviation students. Construction of Stage Two is expected to be completed by August 2019. Open Day attendees also had the opportunity to pre- book trial flights and attend presentations by representatives from Jetstar, Airways NZ, Palmerston North Airport Ltd. and more. Qualifications offered at Massey’s School of Aviation include: The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation TrainingKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 54 Hastings Aerodrome 1591 Maraekakaho Road Hastings 0800 359 242 Flight Academy Producing Industry-Ready Professional Pilots www.airhb.co.nz The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training55 2018 #4 Worldwide, airlines are expanding their fleets and schedules to meet the demand of global economic expansion. The world is facing a pilot shortage; now is the time to train to be a pilot. Southern Wings is an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation (FTO). There are only four FTOs in New Zealand and Southern Wings is the only FTO with two bases. By choosing to train with Southern Wings as an Air New Zealand Preferred Flight Training Organisation, prospective pilots will be assured they are: • Joining a flight training programme designed to produce commercial airline pilots; • Likely to succeed as they have met airline styled entry criteria for programme selection; • Interacting with airline personnel. Southern Wings is interested in quality; we do not aspire to be the biggest, just the best. With bases in Auckland and in Invercargill, we have the whole country covered. Southern Wings students experience the opportunity to fly and Southern Wings - Flight Training Professionals enjoy the variation of terrain, weather, controlled and uncontrolled airspace across New Zealand. Southern Wings boast highly experienced instructors who are passionate about flying and who want to share that passion and their experience with the next generation of professional pilots. The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation at Southern Wings provides the training relevant to commercial considerations. From crew and passenger demands, or weather and air traffic disruptions, today’s modern airline pilot needs the ability to manage all of these issues in addition to demonstrating well-honed flying skills and possessing an in-depth knowledge of modern aircraft systems. This course prepares you for the pilot’s demanding and multi-faceted role. The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation course that Southern Wings provides has three streams; General Aviation, Instructor and Airline Preparation. All students of these streams will complete a Private Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). After that the completion requirements depend on the stream chosen. For the Airline Preparation stream, students will complete a PPL, CPL, and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and, all of their ATPL theory. Then they will undergo a secondary selection process for entry into the Airline Integration Course (AIC). The New Zealand Diploma in Aviation is student loan funded. A group of recent Diploma in Aviation GraduatesIn my last article we touched on the expectations helicopter operators have when looking for new pilots and the qualities that put them above the rest. We received some great feedback and are pleased to follow that up with another discussion aimed at helping new pilots understand what they should be striving for. Something students and newly qualified pilots need to consider is that the helicopter industry is constantly changing. From year to year or season to season, different divisions of the industry boom and others go into decline. One area new pilots should be focusing energy on for initial employment is the ever growing worldwide tourism industry. If your real desire however, is to get into agriculture or utility operations then it is important that your training provider helps you with a plan to work your way into these sectors. The best way to do this is to get out and meet people in the industry - and an introduction is always helpful before you start door knocking. Maybe ask your instructor if you could do a cross-country and call in to meet an employer on route to introduce yourself in case a ground crew / entry level position comes up? If you are planning to get into agriculture you need to be aware that the time frame to get flying may take longer. You’ll In the 2017 KiwiFlyer Aviation Training Guide, owner of Reid Helicopters Nelson, Toby Reid wrote about the expectations he and other employers have of freshly licensed pilots joining their companies. In this article, Toby follows up with advice for those either contemplating, or part way through their training. Toby writes: KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 56 need to be patient and really prove yourself to an operator before they train you as an Ag Pilot. Bear in mind that you should then be willing to deliver some loyalty back for their not inconsiderable investment in you. In the past 12 months within our own training division we have seen a move back to initial employment in Australia with the Australian industry showing strength in tourism, utility and agriculture. The main employer is still most likely the tourism sector flying piston engine helicopters. Interestingly our last CPL student to graduate gained employment within one week in Australia and was straight into a turbine helicopter in the agricultural and utility sector. So yes, this is still possible, but more than ever I knew this particular student would do well from day one as he was hard working, determined and had a great attitude. After a great discussion with veteran pilot Mark Law at the recent Aviation New Zealand conference here in Nelson we got talking about the next generation of pilots coming through and some of the pros and cons we have both seen with these young guys and girls. Mark kindly offered to send some notes towards this article. Here’s his great advice for new trainees and pilots: “If you are reading this article you are halfway interested in becoming a helicopter pilot, training to become one, or a new license holder looking for direction. If you pause right now and look within yourself and ask these questions you could get to second base: • Am I punctual; can I get going without a prompt? • Do I like constant, repetitive physical and mental work? Two of Reid Helicopters Nelson’s AS350s If you want to be a Helicopter Pilot The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training57 2018 #4 F K • Can I dissociate myself from my phone, tablet and social media without withdrawals across a normal 8 hour working day, and still function? • Can I take a kick up the bum and or constructive criticism without featuring a ‘poor me, hard done by’ attitude? • Can I communicate personally which mean;, stand and look people in the eye and converse clearly and confidently? • Am I friendly, happy, humorous, and helpful? • Am I determined and without expectations of flying immediately; i.e. expecting hard yakka on the ground within the industry before even looking to start flying? • Can I turn my hand to other jobs, not just the flight controls? • Am I able to innovate myself, the company, others and our industry? • Do I expect to work within my home town community, or am I more realistically prepared to spread my wings and get worldly? • Do I understand common sense and how it fits with life and work? • Will I listen to experienced folk? • Will I enjoy working in all weather conditions? If you are armed with these expectations and attributes, not only will you enjoy a great aviation career, you will tackle most other work challenges and be a great asset to everyone.” Thanks Mark for those wise words. We have recently noticed an increase in enquiries for flight training coming from young people still in high school. I think it’s great that these guys and girls are so keen at such a young age but IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO TRAIN WITH US YOU’LL GET MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PILOT LICENCE We are commercial helicopter operators who offer one full-time commercial student at a time the opportunity of training alongside us as we work. Our three Instructors are highly experienced commercial pilots who teach the attitude and skills you’ll need to secure your first job in the industry. That’s why all our past students have gained employment and are now working throughout the world. Contact us to start your career. Based in Wakefield, Nelson P: 03 541 9530 E: admin@helicoptersnelson.co.nz www.helicoptersnelson.co.nz PRECISION LIFTING FIRE FIGHTING SURVEY REMOTE OPS CHARTER CONSERVATION FORESTRY SEARCH & RESCUE there are going to be barriers for them for being so young. Some may be a lot more mature than others and some may be ready to leave home and get into the big wide world of employment, but others might be far from it. I think it’s important that when leaving high school, you are not in a rush to get your commercial licence and a great idea would be to spend a year or so working in the aviation industry to make sure you understand the pressures that can be involved and make sure it is right for you. If you come out of this with drive and passion for the industry you will know that making the huge investment to gain a licence will not go to waste. I must contradict myself here in saying that some of the best students and pilots we have ever had, have in fact come direct from high school - however these guys trained with us slowly over 2 to 3 years while working on the ground learning the ropes as they trained, while also gaining maturity. I hope in the future we still find the same type of people to be a part of our organisation, as the next generation of people change in their way of thinking and dealing with the pressures of the industry (and life in general). Lastly my advice to newly qualified helicopter pilots is to look for a company that is known for career progression. This might mean starting off in an R44 with a company that also operates AS350s. If you are loyal, hard working and have a good attitude there is a good chance you will end up flying the Squirrel within a couple of years. You would expect to be bonded to this company for a good couple of years after getting a type rating, but it would be well worth it in the long run. Good Luck. Toby ReidKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 59 58 The KiwiFlyer Guide to Aviation Training When training to enter the aviation industry as a pilot or technician, getting your first start is very important. Ardmore Flying School is focused on employment outcomes and delivering a level of training that the airline industry’s employers are wanting. Whilst maintaining their position as one of New Zealand’s largest trainers of domestic students, Ardmore Flying School has also been very focused on international markets, particularly in the Asia/Pacific region. A significant upside of these new international relationships is an increase in airline pilot opportunities for recently trained graduates. A significant acquisition has been a Pacific Simulators PS4.5 Euro Jet A320 fixed-base simulator. This state-of-the-art simulator provides the perfect platform for the School’s Multi Crew Integration Course (MCIC). This simulator is in fact built from a real aircraft cockpit shell so most of the controls are, and some of the equipment is, actual aircraft units. The reality of the cockpit and visuals is such that looking over the pilot’s shoulder at the screen while they are flying can result in a case of the leans! The MCIC course, which forms the final phase of training in the Airline Preparation Diploma, is designed to include Multi Crew Cooperation training, Jet Orientation training and to prepare the student for operating in a multi-crew environment in airline type conditions. This 4-week course is conducted by current or retired airline training Captains. The experience gained by the student is very ‘real world’ and the philosophies applied along with the standard operating procedures to fly a jet are the most current used by airlines now. The simulator allows students to experience and learn from dealing with in-flight emergencies, most of which cannot be practised in an aircraft for real! Their communication and team work are put to the test as the course progresses from a basic commercial jet flight to the flight from hell with emergency after emergency to cope with. However, our extremely experienced and skilled Training Captains prepare them well and a successful flight outcome is achieved – the advantage of being able to do this while on the safety of the ground is invaluable. Airline operating procedures and philosophy are fed downwards from the MCIC and applied to Ardmore Flying School’s initial VFR and IFR training giving the student exposure to airline Airline Employment is our Focus at Ardmore Flying School and Ardmore Aviation Technical disciplines and procedures from their very first flight. As a result of this strategy, and the growing need for airline pilots and engineers world-wide, Ardmore Flying School CEO Ian Calvert believes that in the foreseeable future, the school will be able to employ directly or facilitate the employment of many of its graduates either here in New Zealand, or at an overseas base. In fact, the school now encourages ALL its pilot trainees to complete the double NZ Diploma in Aviation programme in both Airline Preparation and Flight Instruction, while Aeronautical Technical students can take a two-year Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering. With these qualifications, graduates will be ideally positioned to take up one of the different opportunities available. More about Us The senior management teams at Ardmore Flying School and Ardmore Aviation Technical have more than 100 combined years of pilot training and Aeronautical technical experience behind them. We pride ourselves on innovative thinking and an excellent reputation for providing well-trained graduates to airlines and the aviation industry. Our fully-integrated tailored flight training programmes transform students into strong, decisive and skilled pilots, capable of operating at the highest levels in the ever- changing commercial and corporate sectors. We operate 19 aircraft including Garmin 1000 equipped Cessna 172s, two Diamond DA42 Twin Star and a Beechcraft Duchess Be76. On the simulator front, as well as the Pacific Simulator A320 simulator we have Frasca twin and single engine simulators, as well as a King Air Turboprop simulator. Our briefing rooms and air-conditioned classrooms are equipped with the latest electronic teaching aids. We are located at Ardmore Airport in South Auckland. You’ll be training at the busiest airport in NZ which isn’t at all as daunting as it might sound. In no time you’ll become familiar with protocols and competent amongst traffic. Weather conditions here rank among the best in NZ with only the very odd day where operations have to be cancelled. The local training area and surrounding districts offer diverse topographic and climatic conditions. Pilots trained by Ardmore Flying School can be found in all parts of the industry in New Zealand and around the AVIATION CAREERS TAKE OFF HERE59 2018 #4 world including airlines, charter, rescue, tourism, agriculture, commercial, corporate and utility operations. We are NZQA approved and hold CAA Rule Part 141 approval for flight training. Student Loan funded training opportunities are available but are limited so early application is recommended for these sought-after training positions. Visit and Fly If you have ever wondered about becoming a fixed wing pilot, then call in and enjoy an Introductory Flight Lesson. You’ll spend time on the ground learning about the aircraft, then take to the sky with an instructor for a local flight. Once airborne, the controls will be yours for some basic manoeuvres. When we’re back on the ground we’ll debrief and answer any questions you have. Courses & Qualifications Ardmore Flying School delivers the New Zealand Diploma in Aviation programme for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including the following components: • Private & Commercial Pilot Licences – Fixed & Rotary Wing • Single & Multi-Engine Instrument Ratings • New Zealand Certificate in Aviation Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating (Level 5) • C-Category Flight Instructor – New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Flight Instruction (Level 6) • Air Transport Pilots Licence Examination Credits – New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Airline Preparation (Level 6) • Multi-Crew Integration Course – MCIC - New Zealand Diploma in Aviation – Airline Preparation (Level 6) For more information For more information on our fixed wing or helicopter training and employment pathways: • Visit www.ardmore.co.nz or look us up on social media • Call 0800 Ardmore or email: info@ardmore.co.nz • Or come in and chat with one of our friendly team members who will guide you on the way to aviation success. In response to industry concerns of a forecast worldwide shortage of aircraft engineers, Ardmore Aviation Technical (AAT) now offers a two-year aeronautical engineering training course. This course is designed to give graduates a distinct advantage over their peers by being able to present themselves to employers as genuinely ‘work- ready’. Programme Manager for Ardmore Aviation Technical is experienced engineer Peter McCarty. “Young people today are very good at Googling information,” says Peter. “We hope to give them the ability to reason solutions to problems they will encounter. We aim to give students a broad foundation in hand skills as well as the theoretical knowledge that will equip them to think for themselves. Our course takes young people who have an aviation interest, but not necessarily any practical knowledge or skills, and make them Safe, Knowledgeable and Useful on their first day of employment. The demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience they have when leaving here will make them shine at job interview time.” The AAT training course is focused on equipping students with fundamental skills and knowledge on which they can build their careers. A strong emphasis is placed on practical paperwork from the first day; the use of worksheets, time recording, parts tracking through release notes and requisition documentation. The same integrated approach is taken in Year One where students develop skills with basic metalwork exercises. The series of projects follows the same format: Students first create a drawing that develops their technical drawing skills and interpretation ability, and then create the item - in most cases tooling or equipment which they keep and will use throughout their career. Successful students graduate with the NZQA approved NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Pre-Employment Skills) (Level 3) and NZ Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Workplace Introductory Skills) (Level 4). Wherever there is overlap between NZQA credit requirements and AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) licence exams, students will also sit appropriate LAME papers, thus taking steps towards becoming a licensed engineer. The course premises are located in the large NZ Warbirds’ hangar at Ardmore. “It’s quite symbiotic,” says Peter. “In the Warbirds hangar we have aircraft types from WWI through to the A-4K Skyhawk. There is fabric covered and open cockpit aircraft, radial engines, liquid cooled engines, gas turbines from the early centrifugal compressors through to a high by-pass fan engine, and more. These ‘training aids’, along with the varied fleet of aircraft domiciled elsewhere at Ardmore make it easy to view in real life what is being discussed in the formal classroom. Walking from one aircraft to the next and physically seeing the developments, designs and various systems and features that have evolved through history certainly brings to life the learning experience”. AAT graduates will have the skills and knowledge to be employed as basic unlicensed aeronautical engineers in both the general aviation and airline industries. For more information Enquiries are welcome for the next Ardmore Aviation Technical course intake. Visit www.ardmore.co.nz for more information. Aviation Technician Training now available at Ardmore Ardmore Flying School’s new Airbus A320 Simulator.Next >