Currently, a world-wide shortage of commercial pilots is being experienced due to a burgeoning commercial aviation industry. This in turn results in tremendous career opportunities for trained pilots in South Africa. In response to the need to produce more trained and qualified pilots for the industry, in March this year, the Blue Crane Development Agency in partnership with APTRAC, a Port Elizabeth-based flying academy and Gill College, facilitated the establishment of the Gill College Flying Club. This project was included in the original Integrated Master Development Plan developed by the Blue Crane Development Agency.
Gill College, in association with APTRAC, now offers pilot training as an extra curriculum subject. APTRAC offer both fixed wing and helicopter pilot training. A fully comprehensive training programme, inclusive of private, commercial and airline pilot training, is presented by APTRAC. In terms of the new legislation, a candidate pilot can now be accredited as a student pilot at age sixteen, obtaining their private pilots licences at seventeen. By starting their flying careers at the new Gill College Flying Club, aspirant pilots can fast-track their careers by at least one year.
A spokesperson for the Blue Crane Deveopment Agency comments:
"Without the financial and logistic support from the IDC this Agency would never have come into being. We are thus very grateful for the support and faith we have received from the IDC to make our endeavours a reality. This project was specifically designed to create jobs and career opportunities.
Launch of APTRAC Flying Academy
Mr. Grant Soule (Director: APTRAC), Ms. Marjorie (Blue Crane Route Municipality), Scott Mayor (Blue Crane Route Municipality), Mr. Zola Tesana (CEO: Blue Crane Development Agency), Ms. Delphine Sauls (Chief Financial Officer: Blue Crane Route Municipality), Mr. Rob Beach (Business Manager: Blue Crane Route Development Agency).
