CTC sets new standard for airline pilot training instruction

CTC Aviation Group plc is renowned as one of the world’s leading airline pilot training organisations. It now has plans to cement its reputation in the industry by implementing cutting-edge instructional techniques and technologies, forging a new airline pilot educational standard.

CTC’s newly appointed Deputy Head of Training, Ashley Buckle, is leading the company’s instructor team to implement new developments which, he says, will be a revolutionary way of optimising the training experience for CTC cadets.

“We are constantly working to develop the culture of airline pilot training within CTC and forge a new standard of instruction for the industry – not just in New Zealand but around the world,” he explains.

The change to its instructional methods comes at a time when CTC is building its instructor team at its Crew Training Centre - Hamilton. The company is currently recruiting new instructors, with plans to grow its flight instructor team by 36%. It will increase the number of instructors based in Hamilton from 33 to 52 by August 2011.

“Our aim is to continually enhance our training philosophy which is centred on student learning styles, individual competencies and the non-technical skills expected of an airline pilot. I’m working with our team so that we teach not just the handling skills but also how a pilot actually learns to think. This requires great insight, imagination and discretion from the instructors and I’m privileged to be working with a skilled group that are able to embrace this culture change,” Mr Buckle says.

CTC Aviation Training (NZ) Limited appointed Mr Buckle to the position of Deputy Head of Training earlier this year. Mr Buckle brings a wealth of training experience to the role, including 10 years training with CTC at its Crew Training Centre - Bournemouth in the UK.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge we’ve set in front of ourselves – to continue to raise the industry standard for airline pilot training,” Mr Buckle said. “CTC instructors are already highly valued in the industry and I plan on working with our new Chief Flight Instructors and the entire instructor team to seal our reputation as the best in the world.”

Along with Mr Buckle, CTC has appointed two new Chief Flight Instructors: David Hill and Anita Hayward.
Mr Hill comes to CTC qualified as a Category ‘B’ Instructor, JAA FI, Single Pilot IR and multi-engine instructor.

Ms Hayward gained her PPL in 1999 and holds a CPL, multi-engine instrument rating and ‘B’ category instructor rating. She is currently in upgrade training for the multi-engine instructor rating which will be followed by training for a technically enhanced instrument rating.

CTC is currently recruiting for one further Chief Flight Instructor.

People wanting to learn more about CTC’s training culture and what it takes to become an airline pilot are encouraged to attend an open day at CTC’s state-of-the-art Crew Training Centre at the Hamilton International Airport on 18 June. People can obtain information and register to attend the day at www.ctcwings.co.nz

CTC is a premier training provider for airline pilots, training between 1200 - 1900 aircrew for more than 50 global airlines each year. In addition to its Crew Training Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand it has additional centres in Bournemouth, Nursling and Dibden in the UK.