Hamilton Man Appointed to Int'l Aviation Position

3 July 2007

Hamilton Man Appointed to International Aviation Position

Hamilton based airline pilot training organisation, CTC Aviation (CTC), has announced the appointment of William Nicol to the position of Head of Training for all of CTC’s training operations conducted at their Flight Training Centres in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Mr Nicol has been at CTC’s Crew Training Centre in Hamilton for the past year in the position of Deputy Chief Instructor. His new appointment has him overseeing the training of 175 airline pilots each year, representing approximately 41,000 hours of instruction.

CTC Aviation Chief Executive, John Jones, says Mr Nicol’s appointment is significant for the company as well as the New Zealand aviation industry.

“William’s appointment comes as a result of the requirement to have the key post holders present where the majority of CTC’s training now occurs – here in New Zealand. William brings with him a management and training experience that will greatly enhance the day to day contact between CTC’s New Zealand and United Kingdom training teams.

“In terms of the New Zealand aviation industry, no other Head of Training for any pilot training organisation in the country would have responsibility for the breadth of international training as Mr Nicol now charges. His appointment demonstrates CTC’s leadership in the local and international airline pilot training industry,” explains Mr Jones.

William Nicol said he was looking forward to tackling the challenges that will come with co-ordinating international training operations.

“It is a privilege to be appointed to the role of Head of Training for CTC. One of my primary challenges will be to maintain - and improve - on the delivery of highly trained pilots, specifically orientated to the airline markets in New Zealand and Europe. This requires a training programme with a focus on comprehensive integration of ground, simulator and flight training, which is well supported by high levels of technology.

“CTC’s training model places pilots into the right hand seat of an Airbus A319/20/21, Boeing 737 or 757/767 after 250 hours of intense training. CTC is successful because it is a company led by airline pilots who understand international aviation issues and training requirements. It’s exciting to be a key part of this remarkable leadership team,”outlines Mr Nicol.

CTC instructs both New Zealanders and overseas trainees at its Crew Training Centre-Hamilton, adjacent to the Hamilton International Airport. This year it will train approximately 175 commercial airline pilots.

About CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Ltd.

CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Ltd. (CTC) opened its Hamilton Crew Training Centre in April 2005. Since then, the Company has trained over 130 pilots and flying instructors. It is growing its capability to train up to 175 future airline pilots at one time. The Company projects that through employment and use of New Zealand services, it will inject approximately $95 million into the Waikato economy over the next 10 years.

A fleet of 22 aircraft are based at the Hamilton Crew Training Centre with more aircraft on order. The fleet includes nine twin engine aircraft (six new Diamond DA42 TwinStars and three Piper PA44 Seminoles), and 13 single engine aircraft. To support the Company’s growth, three additional Diamond DA42 TwinStars are on order. CTC is also gradually replacing their single engine aircraft fleet with 26 Alpha 160A trainers.

Pilot Selection

At the Hamilton Crew Training Centre, CTC has a Pilot Selection Centre used for its own pilot training programmes and also for client airlines.

Pilot Training

CTC is now a major force in the New Zealand pilot training market and is widening its portfolio to include airline pilot training programmes for New Zealanders, leading to Civil Aviation Authority New Zealand licenses and ratings. In November 2006, CTC announced the launch of its CTC Wings Commercial Pilot Training Programme, conducting flight training for students enrolled in the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology's aviation programme diploma.

In Hamilton, CTC also conducts training for overseas trainees in support of its UK sister company’s pilot training programmes. The trainees, destined for major European airlines including easyJet, spend a total of nine months training in New Zealand before returning to the UK to complete training.

CTC’s programmes are differentiated from other pilot training schemes, being airline focused in content and syllabus.

Flight Instructor Training

At the Instructor Training Centre located at CTC’s Hamilton Crew Training Centre, the Company runs the 18-week, CTC Wings Sponsored Instructor Programme (SIP). New Zealand pilots with a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Instrument Rating are trained to become “C-category” flying instructors. Successful trainee instructors are engaged by CTC as salaried employees and enrolled on a professional development programme leading towards the top “A-category” instructor rating.

About CTC Aviation Group plc

CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Ltd. is a division of CTC Aviation Group plc, one of the world’s leading providers of training, consultancy and support services to the global airline industry. Through its Crew Training Centres in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, CTC Aviation trains over 1,200 commercial pilots each year. The Group’s multiple international locations mean it is ideally placed to service the international demand for airline pilot training. For more information visit www.ctcwings.co.nz

ENDS

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