Media Release
4 October 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Young Napier pilot gets the chance at the big time with Jetstar’s advanced cadet programme

Hamilton, New Zealand - Twenty-two-year old pilot Hamish Taana of Napier is about to have his dream come true after being accepted as a cadet pilot for Jetstar through its specialised training programme.

The graduate from the CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Limited airline pilot training school in Hamilton will now start his training with Jetstar within the next month.

Hamish has been accepted as part of Jetstar’s Advanced Cadet Programme that, all going well, will see him graduate to a First Officer in 12 months. The training will take place at CTC’s training centres in the UK and at Jetstar in Australia.

“The amazing thing about the programme is that I have the certainty of knowing I can become part of a flying crew for an Airbus A320 if my training goes well. Even though I currently only have 225 hours flying time, the opportunity for me is very significant.

“Part of Jetstar’s philosophy in taking people like me, is that they get the chance to bring me into their systems and processes without the need to have me make a change from any other airline procedures I may have learned. Obviously they are investing in my potential rather than my experience, which is a fantastic opportunity for me.

“I feel very well prepared going into the Jetstar programme because my training at CTC Aviation has been completely airline-focused from the first day I started. That’s what makes CTC unique in the way they train pilots. I feel confident I have the very best grounding possible for what is ahead of me.”

Jetstar is a leading low fares international airline that is expanding its flying operations world-wide, particularly across Asia. Their latest training programme has been developed in association with CTC and has been operating for just over a year.

Hamish says the news that he had been accepted into the programme was quite overwhelming, especially for his parents who have been such strong supporters of their son’s desire to make a career as an international airline pilot.

“Mum and dad were pretty emotional when I told them. It is completely understandable given the fact that thousands and thousands of people want to make it as an airline pilot. I’m fortunate to be making my dreams come true.”

Hamish grew up and went to school in Napier and left there as an 18 year old to complete his training as a commercial pilot with CTC in Hamilton. He’s been working at CTC in Hamilton prior to being selected for the Jetstar Advanced Cadet Programme. Hamish will be bonded to Jetstar for a period of time once he has his A320 type rating as a First Officer.

ENDS

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