CTC supports funding changes for pilot training

Media Release
30 May 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CTC supports Government’s proposed funding changes for pilot training

Hamilton, New Zealand - In a statement on the proposed changes to Government funding for pilot training, CEO of CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Limited, Ian Calvert, says they are an improvement on the Government’s current funding and tertiary qualification model.

“The development of a national diploma will bring consistency and transparency to the flight training delivered by a variety of New Zealand providers. It will also provide aviation students, who will now need to provide a personal financial investment into their training, the opportunity to assess their provider of choice and be better prepared for the airline career they seek,” states Mr Calvert.

Mr Calvert went onto say that, while there are savings for the Government in the new arrangements, it is hoped that the adjustments in aviation spend will provide a better return for training providers like CTC.

“If training providers can get a better return, it will allow further investment in the flight training industry resources necessary to train the modern pilot.”

“Overall, the Government’s proposed changes are welcomed and will provide those committed to an aviation career a better opportunity to achieve their ultimate goals,” says Mr Calvert.

CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Limited, based at Hamilton International Airport, has trained 53 New Zealand students through its training route which involves a partnership with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) Aviation Diploma Programme. The first New Zealand trainees graduated in 2008.

Four (4) New Zealand graduates of the CTC programme were accepted directly into Eagle Air as First Officers and have been flying successfully with the airline throughout New Zealand. Nine (9) graduates have been successful in gaining First Officer positions with JetStar, flying the Airbus A320 within three years of the start of their initial training. Fourteen (14) New Zealand graduates have been employed by CTC, either as flight instructing staff or in other operational positions.

CTC currently has 29 New Zealand students in training either through the NMIT Aviation Diploma Programme or through the Jetstar Cadet Programme.

CTC will provide 32 cadets and 16 advanced cadet pilots to Jetstar within the next 12 months. The airline pilot training company is currently recruiting New Zealanders for these two Jetstar training programmes.

For more information, visit www.ctcaviation.com or www.ctcwings.com.

-ENDS-

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