On Thursday 18 April 2013, Investors and Supporters of RACQ CareFlight’s rescue service were honoured with a cocktail function to recognise their contributions and support throughout the year. The evening included a host of special guests ranging from Corporate Sponsors to Individual Donors, without whose support the provision of 24/7 emergency response helicopter rescue service to communities of southern Queensland would not be possible.

Hosted at Aviation Australia’s Flight Safety Training Centre, the evening’s proceedings paid tribute to a number of contributors to CareFlight, including Aviation Australia’s ongoing support of the organisation through their Workplace Giving program, various fundraising events and the provision of its facilities for training and events. To acknowledge Aviation Australia reaching the milestone of a$30,000 contribution in 12 months, RACQ CareFlight announced they will proudly display the Aviation Australia logo on one of their Bell 412 rescue helicopter based at the Gold Coast Airport

Mr Bill Horrocks, Aviation Australia CEO had this to say about the company’s Corporate Sponsorship of CareFlight,” Aviation Australia is proud to support CareFlight and we became a corporate sponsor last year when one of our apprentices came up with the concept. We approached CareFlight with a proposal which CareFlight were very happy to proceed with. The Aviation Australia staff have worked very hard on fundraising and it is wonderful for the staff to be recognised by CareFlight for the achievement in this way”

The event also included the launch of the 2013 CareFlight Base to Base Cycle Challenge, a 250km charity ride from Toowoomba to the Gold Coast. With each rescue mission costing in excess of $12,500 the invited riders consisting of a group of 30 elite cyclists, athletes and CEOs will be raising much needed funds to ensure the continuation of this vital service.

Brad Solomon, a Flight Paramedic for RACQ CareFlight shared the inspirational story of special guest and former patient, Paul McRobert who just 9 months ago was involved in a horrific accident that almost claimed his life. While out training on his push bike in Banora Point, the Tugun triathlete was hit by a truck at 80km launching him 8 metres into the air and landing him on his head where he lost consciousness. Initially transported by ambulance to Tweed Heads Hospital, he was later airlifted by the CareFlight helicopter to the PA Hospital in Brisbane where doctors were better equipped to treat his injuries.

Less than a year later and after suffering severe internal bleeding, a broken back, a shattered pelvis and fractures in his foot, Paul will courageously attempt to complete a section of the cycle challenge. He will be participating alongside a number of other former RACQ CareFlight patients as well as renowned athletes Matt Rogers, a former professional rugby league footballer and Troy Bayliss, 3 x world super bike champion will also be participating in the challenge.

The function was a great success, with RACQ CareFlight representatives and their invited guests enjoying an inspiring evening in a unique venue, surrounded by Aviation Australia’s world-class training equipment and being treated to first class service provided by Aviation Australia’s very own Flight Attendant students.

”The Aviation Australia Flight Safety Training Facility provided a unique venue for CareFlight to host our supporters and guests. We’re very proud of the relationship we have with Aviation Australia who support CareFlight’s community helicopter rescue service through a strong partnership.” commented Wayne Evans, Senior Relationship Manager for CareFlight.

RACQ CareFlight and Aviation Australia look forward to continuing this valuable partnership to ensure the ongoing success of this important not-for-profit community rescue helicopter service.

AA and Careflight Logo.jpg

Careflight Cycle Team.jpg

CASC Receives 2013 Innovation and Excellence in Workforce Development Award - Aviation

Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC) Chairman, Mr Murray Ireland along with CASC Business Manager Mr Chris Pigott and Aviation Australia Chairman, Mr Jim Walker last week attended the inaugural Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) Awards for Excellence.

The awards, presented in Melbourne on 18 April 2013, recognised the remarkable accomplishments and exceptional contributions made by organisations in training and workforce development across Australia in the Transport and Logistics Industry.

Attended by Australian industry leaders, the awards night celebrated the achievements of winners across nine award categories for which CASC were recognised for their contribution to the Aviation industry and jointly awarded the 2013 Innovation and Excellence in Workforce Development Award - Aviation.

This prestigious award acknowledges the achievements in Aviation as a result of the combined efforts of the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, industry, Aviation Australia and the continued support of the Queensland Government.

“The CASC has worked closely alongside industry to ensure its aviation training is not only relevant but delivered to the high standard required and recognised by industry leaders, thereby ensuring sustainable and appropriate employment opportunities exist within Australia”, Chris Pigott - CASC Business Manager.

As part of the Workforce Development Initiative, CASC implemented a number of strategies to ensure the initiative’s successful outcome, one of which was the establishment of its aviation dedicated Training Centre. Situated within the Cairns Aviation Precinct, the Training Centre consists of four large classrooms and an operational hangar which houses a range of aircraft and state-of-the-art training equipment providing a practical work environment for students.

CASC’s outstanding facilities combined with its delivery of industry relevant training has resulted in the successful graduation of close to 300 students who are employed by airlines and aerospace companies in Cairns, the rest of Australia and around the world. It has also provided a facility from which to upskill and improve the capability of an existing workforce, while also attracting additional business to the Cairns Airport.

CASC continues to explore and implement innovative strategies in partnership with industry to ensure the ongoing development of the aviation workforce.

Cairns Team.jpg

Cairns Classroom.jpg

Saudia Arabia's Security Aviation Command (SAC) visit Aviation Australia

Thursday, 11 April 2013

Aviation Australia is honoured to have recently received a visit from Major General Mohammed Eid M. Al Harbi and Brigadier Abdul Aziz Alaseeri Riyadh from the Saudi Arabian Security Aviation Command (SAC). SAC currently have more than 70 students studying towards a Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Aviation Australia’s facilities in Brisbane, and a total of 44 SAC students have graduated from the program since the contract with SAC was established in 2010.

While here, the SAC representatives met with Aviation Australia management and staff to review the progress of their engineering students currently studying at Aviation Australia. Major General Al Harbi also took the opportunity to meet with the students, presenting students with awards acknowledging their academic achievements during their time at Aviation Australia.

“SAC continue to be a great supporter customer of Aviation Australia and we are very pleased to have Major General Al Harbi and Brigadier Riyadh here to see first-hand the progress of the students and the facilities of Aviation Australia” said Bill Horrocks the CEO of Aviation Australia. “Especially pleasing has been the excellent feedback General Al Harbi has provided on the quality of our graduates who have completed their training with Aviation Australia and who are now operating as maintenance engineers for SAC”.

The SAC students at Aviation Australia complete an aviation based technical English language program, followed by a Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course. Approved and recognised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Aviation Australia’s Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training is delivered over 18 months using a blend of online and traditional classroom learning with practical hands on training using innovative training aides and a wide range of static aircraft.

SAC VISIT.jpg

SAC VISIT STUDENTS.jpg

Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific Sign Significant Training Partnership

Monday, 11 March 2013

Today, Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific signed an agreement to formalise their previous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a specialised training program in Cairns. The program is intended to provide advanced practical expertise to Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) students graduating from the Aviation Australia’s International Training Diploma program.

“The MoU was agreed to in June 2012 and has been working well for both parties so we think this is a great time to formalise the processes we have put into place” said Hawker Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Doug Park.

The agreement allows students who have been undertaking an International Diploma at the Aviation Australia campus in Brisbane to relocate to Cairns following two years of theoretical instruction, to complete an intensive 10 week program of practical experience with Hawker Pacific. The program offers these students an opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to gain valuable real-world experience in a specialist aircraft maintenance facility.

Aviation Australia, as the training provider of the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, has agreed to manage up to 20 AME trainees at a time and facilitate their placement with Hawker Pacific.

Under the MoU, a number of students have participated in trial programs. The initial group through the program comprised 10 engineers from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) who arrived in Cairns in early August 2012.

“These AME trainees have been working for the ROP for some time and have come to Aviation Australia to gain internationally recognised qualifications” said Mr Bill Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia.

“Whilst in this program they are supervised and mentored by some of Australia’s most highly qualified and experienced licenced aircraft maintenance engineers (LAME’s).”

The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre located adjacent to the Hawker Pacific Facility is a local industry owned facility that provides all aspects of aviation training to North Queensland, Northern Territory and PNG based aviation communities.

“This is an exciting and ground breaking program for Cairns, the Aviation Australia organisation and Hawker Pacific. We are excited to be able to provide AME students with a tailored training solution through access to a world class working facility with an enhanced focus on practical training outcomes,” said Mr Horrocks.

“Aviation Australia’s International Diploma program is a great example of Australian expertise being exported globally and we see this program growing in the future as this enhancement to the training is marketed globally,” he said.

Hawker Pacific has worked closely with Aviation Australia a key training provider of avionics and mechanical technicians, which has provided over 50 apprentices to the Cairns facility over the past eight years.

“We expect this to be a long and mutually beneficial partnership which we see as a great strategic fit for Hawker Pacific, particularly as we look to continue to grow our organisation internationally, said Mr Park.

This training program between Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific will produce students to the internationally recognised European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, an accreditation the Hawker Pacific Cairns faciity has held for many years.

Hawker Pacific Agreement.jpg

Scholarship winners commence study

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Joel Catlin and Arnold Corpuz started at Aviation Australia this year as the scholarship winners from the Aerospace Gateway to Industry School’s Program 2012 annual Aerospace Education Awards. The scholarships, along with a host of other awards, were presented at a prestigious ceremony at Parliament House last November. They were attended by the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education, Employment and Training and a representation of the event sponsors including Boeing Defence Australia Limited, GE Aviation Systems Australia, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Qantas Airways, Skills Queensland, Royal Aeronautical Society and the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

There were two scholarships presented on the day, one by Aviation Australia and one by Boeing Defence Australia. These were awarded to year 12 students from the Aerospace Program Schools who fulfilled a number of selection criteria which included creating a video as to why they were interested in becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer.

The scholarships cover the cost of an institutional Certificate IV in Aeroskills to be undertaken at Aviation Australia including theory and off-the-job practical components.

Bill Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia welcomed the young men to Aviation Australia and wished them well with their studies.

“We are very excited that they have started with us this year. It is evidence that the Gateway to Industry School’s Program is serving its fundamental mission to train tomorrow’s workforce in line with industry requirements” he said.

He went on to discuss how important it is for us to work together closely with the industry.

“This program provides us with an opportunity to work closely with a broad range of stakeholders within the aviation industry here in Queensland and we really value that opportunity. The success of the program is a direct result of our successful collaboration with Boeing and all of the partners.”

The Aerospace Education Awards is the pinnacle event held each year to celebrate the achievements of students studying at Aerospace Gateway Schools. The Program facilitates engagement between Queensland secondary schools (government and non-government) engaging with aerospace industry partners, local aerospace entities, training institutions and universities to create pathways for students into Queensland's aerospace industry.

The Aerospace Gateway to Industry School Program was established in January 2004 as a partnership between the Queensland Government, Boeing Defence Australia Limited (formerly Boeing Australia Limited) and Aviation Australia to support the growth and development of an effective workforce for the aviation sector. The program is now managed by Aviation Australia on behalf of Skills QLD. It aims to provide opportunities for young people to be exposed to the industry through industry-school partnerships that incorporate mentoring, site tours, and academic recognition.

Aviation Australia teach all over the world

Monday, 4 February 2013

Not only has training started at the Brisbane Campus but instructors from Aviation Australia this month will travel to Malaysia to deliver training to a number of international airlines.

Aviation Australia works closely with Airlines around the world to provide high quality, relevant training with regulatory approved outcomes. This is the fifth year Aviation Australia instructors have made this trip to Kuala Lumpur to deliver this training to Air Asia engineering students.

In 2012, Aviation Australia was recognised for the work it is doing internationally as one of the finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, and has export customers across the Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Aviation Australia was founded by the Queensland State Government in 2001 and commenced exports in 2002 with training provided to Air Niugini, a relationship it maintains today. Aviation Australia trains aircraft maintenance engineers to the standards of both the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Flight Attendant Careers now Boarding

Thursday 17 January 2013

On Wednesday, 23 January, Aviation Australia opens its doors and welcomes you to our Cabin Crew Training Centre Open Night at 15 Boronia Rd, Eagle Farm.

We invite you to join us for the evening, and see for yourself why we are the industry leaders in Cabin Crew Training.

Many of our graduates are living their dreams working as flight attendants for airlines in Australia and overseas….why not you!

To attend this event, please email events@aviationaustralia.aero, or call (07) 3860 0900

aviation aus10005624.jpg

Funded positions still available for careers in aviation

Monday 14 January 2013

Aviation Australia has a number of government funded positions still available for its Aeroskills courses starting this year at both the Brisbane and Cairns campuses. Queensland students interested in studying the Certificate IV in Aeroskills in the Avionics, Mechanical (rotary or fixed wing) may be eligible to receive substantial subsidies from the Queensland government to help with fees.

The Certificate IV course covers all theoretical basic training for becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) and a subsequent career as a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME). A quick look on Seek will tell you that these skills are currently in high demand throughout the Australian aviation industry and the courses offered by Aviation Australia provides opportunity for credits with CASA against the basic license examinations.

At Aviation Australia students work in purpose built hangars on operational equipment so when students finish studying their certificate they are job ready and have already had ‘hands on’ experience. Also, they are trained by instructors who have many years’ experience in the industry and are passionate about aviation maintenance.

No aircraft leaves the ground without being checked by an engineer and the job allows you to work on the most exciting and advanced technology in the world. So if you are wondering what to do with yourself this year and are looking for something out of the usual 9-5 mundane career with the possibility of work all over the world then maybe this is for you.

Five new class groups started on Monday 14 January in Brisbane and Cairns starts on the Monday 21 January with one class. If you or someone you know would like more information please contact Aviation Australia at http://www.aviationaustralia.aero or call 07 3860 0900.

Aviation Australia all set for a big year

Friday 4 January 2013

Students will be flying high at Aviation Australia on Monday 14 January as the first Flight Attendant Training Course starts for the year. This will be the 62nd full time course to come through the Flight Safety Training School since 2006.

Aviation Australia is highly regarded as the premium independent flight attendant training facility in Australia. The facilities are of such a high standard that they are outsourced to major airlines, said Harsha Patel, Manager of the Flight Attendant Training School.

“Our facility is the only one of its kind in Australia that is independent of the airlines and is world class. In fact, the airlines actually use our specialist facility to do their own cabin crew training and refreshers – a big advantage for our students who may be applying for jobs with these airlines”.

The course itself is an intense eight week course designed to ensure when students leave here they are industry ready.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will receive a Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations), as well as certificates in Responsible Service of Alcohol, Applying First Aid, Aircrew Security Response Program and a CASA approved Dangerous Goods Certificate.

Aviation Australia recognise that training students is not enough and therefore they have developed a specialised employment services business unit designed to assist those who successfully complete the course.

Furthermore, in August 2012, Aviation Australia signed a memorandum of understanding with Altara to work together to address the increasing demand for flight attendants in the aviation industry. Altara is an aviation consulting, auditing, training and resources company and has helped employ over 700 flight attendants for Jetstar, Tiger Airways and China Southern Airlines.

Both Aviation Australia and Altara are committed to serving the aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the training of aviation professionals and the provision and employment solutions.

Aviation Australia is the ideal launching pad into the dynamic, global aviation industry. The training program has proved to be a huge success, with more than 410 graduates now employed by more than34 airlines around the world, and a number of airlines are recruiting flight attendants directly from this course.

aviation AUSTRALIA0000345.jpg

aviation AUSTRALIA0000293.jpg

The sky is the limit for Aviation Australia graduates

Thursday 13 December 2012

On Thursday 13 December, Minister John-Paul Langbroek was among the guests at Aviation Australia’s last graduation ceremony for 2012. The graduation celebrated the finishing of one flight safety class, two International Diploma classes and six Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Certificate IV classes.

Representatives for the aviation industry, including Australian Aerospace, GE Aviation, Qantas, Boeing Defence Australia, Air Nuigini, , CAE Australia, Alliance Airlines, and the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators also attended the graduation. Minister Langbroek, in his address, commended Aviation Australia for the close working relationships they have built with the aviation industry which was evident by the turnout of industry at the graduation and their sponsorship of many of the prizes handed out on the day.

Mr Bill Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia, said “Graduates could look forward to being snapped up by major airlines and aerospace companies and have great career prospects within the industry. Aviation Australia has a specialised employment services team who assist the students to find placements with airlines or aerospace companies.

“Aviation Australia is the leading aviation training organisation in the Asia Pacific region, and the primary training school for aircraft maintenance apprentices. Our graduates are renowned both in Australia and internationally for having superior aviation skills making them highly attractive to future employers,” he said.

The aircraft maintenance graduates completed the theoretical and practical component of their Certificate IV in Aeroskills across three trades – Avionics, Mechanical and Structures. The graduating students will now seek employment within the industry to complete the practical elements of an apprenticeship to become an aircraft maintenance engineer.

The flight safety students have successfully completed their Certificate II in Aviation Operations, providing them with the skills and experience needed to work as Flight Attendants in the aviation industry.

As well as the Queensland based students, the graduates included students from Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Oman.

Aeroskills Graduation 13-12-12 (21).JPG

Aeroskills Graduation 13-12-12 (47).JPG

Aviation Australia trains Apprentice of the Year

Friday 23 November 2012

Rachel Dudok, who studied aeroskills at Aviation Australia, is this year’s Queensland Apprentice of the Year and was also a finalist in this year’s national awards held recently in Melbourne.

Rachel now works for Qantas as an aircraft maintenance engineer, and was one of four graduates to be offered an apprenticeship with Qantas upon completing a Certificate IV in Aeroskills at Aviation Australia.

Rachel says she has always loved aviation and joined the Airforce Cadets when she was fourteen years old. At school she had an academic aptitude for physics and maths. Upon completing year 12, Rachel studied mechatronic engineering for three years before she realised that it was not the career direction she wanted. She wanted a career that was more ‘hands on’.

At a careers expo Rachel met the Aviation Australia staff, took home a brochure, and has never looked back.

When asked how she felt about going into such a male dominated industry, Rachel said she had always been a little against the norm but admits to being a little apprehensive before she started. She says she knew that she was there to learn and just kept focussed on her goals

Although Rachel did not win the national section of the awards her facebook status on Saturday morning read – “I am still the best in Queensland. And that is still a great accomplishment”.

Aviation Australia offer courses in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering as well as Flight Safety Training. Anyone interested in pursuing a course in these areas can visit http://www.aviationaustralia.aero

Apprentice of the Year - Again!

Thursday 22 November 2012

Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific subsidiary Avionics Australia are again celebrating another of their protégés being announced as the Aircraft Electronics Association’s South Pacific Apprentice of the Year.

Mr Mick Elcoate, who is a second year avionics apprentice at Avionics Australia, has been honoured with the prestigious award making it the third year that an Avionics Australia apprentice has received the award. Furthermore, all three recipients of the award conducted their initial training with Aviation Australia at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre.

Mr Elkins, Avionics Australia Manager, said that “Mr Elcoate’s success was highlighted by the solid relationship that exists between Hawker Pacific and Aviation Australia”.

"It's reflective of the way we're working with the local community and aviation school, employing new apprentices and training them," Mr Elkins said. "I think that close partnership is paying dividends in the quality of apprentices that we are getting."

Mr Chris Pigott, Cairns Business Manager agrees, “Industry partnerships are a critical ingredient in our success. We work closely with our industry partners, like Hawker Pacific, and as a result over 85% of Aviation Australia’s graduates are employed in the aviation industry” he said.

Aviation Australia is the largest initial maintenance engineering and flight attendant training provider in the Southern Hemisphere. It was established by the Queensland government in 2001 to skill domestic and international students for employment in the aviation industry worldwide.

For more information see here

Premier recognises Aviation Australia

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Aviation Australia was chosen as a finalist by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman for this year’s Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards announced on Thursday 8 November at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Successfully exporting training in the current financial climate and achieving finalist status showcases Aviation Australia’s as a world class aviation training centre of excellence. Through professionalism and quality in training, Aviation Australia has been able to meet the needs of its international customers.

Aviation Australia trains aircraft maintenance engineers to the standards of both the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The company was founded by the Queensland State Government in 2001 and exported its first product, a Certificate IV in Aeroskills, in 2002 to Air Nugini; a relationship it maintains today.

In 2003, training was delivered to countries within the Asia-Pacific region and more recently to the Middle East. Key customers within the Middle East include the Royal Oman Police, Saudi Arabian National Guard and to the Security Aviation Command.

Mr Bill Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia said “this achievement was a result of the hard work and professionalism of the employees of Aviation Australia and especially the instructors.”

“In the last financial year, 41% of Aviation Australia’s revenue was made up from its export products.”

The Premier is quoted as congratulating the finalists for having achieved great success through innovation and determination to meet the changing needs of the global export market. The other finalists in the category were Sentis and Browns English Language School.

CC60 Graduate from Aviation Australia

Monday, 29 October 2012

Aviation Australia has started another group of young men and women on their way to having successful careers in the ever exciting, aviation industry. Seventeen young people from all over Australia are now qualified to pursue their dreams of becoming a flight attendant.

Founded by the Queensland State Government with the support of major aviation organisations and universities, Aviation Australia specialises in Flight Attendant, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and English Language training and is a training partner to over 60 airlines, aerospace companies, governments, defence forces and regulatory authorities around the world.

Aviation Australia is the ideal launching pad into the dynamic, global aviation industry and our training program has proved to be a huge success, with more than 410 of our graduates employed by 34 airlines around the world, and a number of airlines are recruiting flight attendants directly from this course.

In August of this year, Aviation Australia and Altara signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they agreed to work together to address the increasing demand for flight attendants in the aviation industry. Altara is an aviation consulting, auditing, training and resources company with headquarters based in Melbourne. It has helped employ over 700 flight attendants for Jetstar, Tiger Airways and China Southern Airlines.

Both Aviation Australia and Altara are committed to serving the aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the training of aviation professionals and the provision and employment solutions. So we have no doubt that this latest group of students will be up in the air in no time at all.

CC60

Qantas to spend $30m on Brisbane engineering base

Friday, 19 October 2012

Qantas will spend $30 million on expanding its heavy maintenance base in Brisbane as it prepares for an eventual consolidation of its aircraft engineering facilities in Australia from two to one.

The airline has previously flagged that it plans to eventually close a heavy maintenance base at Avalon Airport near Geelong in Victoria, and shift the work to its eight-year-old Brisbane facility.

Qantas's chief executive, Alan Joyce, said today that the airline's $30 million investment in the engineering base at Brisbane would involve expanding a hangar from one to three lines of maintenance. The work includes new aircraft docking systems, safety equipment and new hangar doors.

"Brisbane is the obvious candidate to become our one heavy maintenance site, given the purpose-built hangars and modern equipment," he told a business luncheon in Brisbane today.

To read more click here

UAV Challenge 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Aviation Australia was again a proud sponsor of the Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) challenge. Held in Kingaroy during the first week of October this year’s event was again a great success.

There were two challenges involved in this year’s UAV challenge; the Search and Rescue Challenge and the Airborne Delivery Challenge. The first of these involves developing a UAV that is capable of locating ‘Outback Joe’ (who is a strategically placed dummy) in the Australian outback and delivering unto him some much needed supplies.

The second challenge, the Airborne Delivery is open to students in Australian High schools. The goal is to deliver an emergency package again to ‘Outback Joe’. The students are required to develop an airborne delivery system to deliver such a package to a lost bushwalker – or in this case – Outback Joe.

Aviation Australia’s own Marc Parsons took part in the judging of the Airborne Delivery Challenge and Marc said he was amazed with the ingenuity of the participating students. One group succeeded in dropping a package within 12 cm of Outback Joe.

UAV’s are already used extensively within the defence forces but also can have many practical civilian uses and this year’s UAV Challenge saw government, industry and research organisation working together to highlight that potential.

RAAA chairman fires his final salvo at bureaucracy

Monday, 15 October 2012

The who’s who of Australian aviation came together last week for the annual Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) Convention.

Australian Aviation has this morning released an article outlining the speech given by outgoing Chairman of the RAAA, Michael Bridges at the convention. Mr Bridges has been chairman of the RAAA for the past seven years and in his speech he discusses what he refers to as the over regulation of commercial aviation.

To read more, click here

Queensland Aerospace: where to from here?

Friday, 28 September 2012

The latest version of Aviation Business showcases a comprehensive feature (pages 14-21) about the record of government and industry working together in Queensland to develop a successful aerospace sector.

(Nancarrow, D, 2012. Queensland Aerospace: where to from here? Aviation Business Magazine, 28 September.)

To read more click here.

Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific Celebrate Indutry Milestone

Wedneday, 19 September 2012

An important milestone has been reached this week with the Hawker Pacific aviation support facility in Cairns having offered employment to more than 50 graduates of aircraft trade apprentice training with Aviation Australia at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre Campus (CASC).

Jason Burzacott, Vice President of Aircraft Product Support Services Australia for Hawker Pacific said, “Having the ready availability of locally trained aviation staff is a significant enabler for Hawker Pacific to be a world class provider of aircraft maintenance in an industry with such an acute skills shortage. Our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled staff is essential to meeting our current and future expansion plans for Hawker Pacific in Cairns.”

Mr Burzacott further commented that, “Hawker Pacific is a global company with facilities throughout the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, and interestingly, the company’s highest number of aviation apprentices are located at the Hawker Pacific facility at Cairns, Australia.

“Hawker Pacific is extremely proud of the 70 additional head count numbers, including apprentices, that have been added into our Cairns Facility since the facility was built in 2006 and the contribution this makes to the local Cairns economy and to the aviation industry in general.

“We now have around 120 permanent staff, up from 52 when we moved in. This could not have been possible without the significant contribution of trained apprentices from CASC (Cairns Aviation Skills Centre).”

The Honourable, Michael Trout MP, Member for Barron River, congratulated Hawker Pacific and Aviation Australia on this achievement and applauded both organisations on their significant contribution to creating job opportunities in Cairns.

“Aviation plays a huge part in the LNP’s forward vision for Queensland, and Cairns is at the forefront of bringing one of its election promises to fruition.

“We are very fortunate to have such a state of the art specialist training facility in the heart of Cairns producing aviation professionals of the highest calibre.

Member for Cairns, Gavin King said his eyes were opened to the remarkable work and economic contribution of both the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and Hawker Pacific during a tour of both facilities earlier this year.

Cairns Aviation Skill Centre

CareFlight welcomes Aviation Australia partnership

Wedneday, 14 September 2012

RACQ CareFlight Rescue has welcomed a partnership with Aviation Australia what will see the Queensland non-profit reimbursed for $15,000 per year worth of underwater escape training at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane Airport facility.

In addition, CareFlight said 50 Aviation Australia employees had donated another $15,000, bringing the total value of the partnership to $30,000.

“We rely largely on agreements of this nature to continue providing our world-class medical service to the communities of southern Queensland,” CareFlight’s Leanne Angel said. “CareFlight is thrilled to welcome Aviation Australia on board as a partner and we thank them for their pledge of ongoing support.”

CareFlight said its underwater escape courses train thousands of aviation, marine, defence and emergency services professionals each year, with revenues supporting the organisation’s aeromedical services.

Aviation Australia and Altara Form Partnership to Address Increasing Demand for Flight Attendants

Monday, 10 September 2012

Aviation Australia and Altara recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they agreed to work together to address the increasing demand for flight attendants in the aviation industry. The MoU signing took place on Friday 24^th August 2012 after the Flight Attendant Graduation Ceremony for Cabin Crew class CC59. Altara is an aviation consulting, auditing, training and resources company with headquarters based in Melbourne. It has helped employ over 700 flight attendants for Jetstar, Tiger Airways and China Southern Airlines.

Both Aviation Australia and Altara are committed to serving the aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the training of aviation professionals and the provision and employment solutions. Altara has also committed to offering a perpetual award to outstanding students, the “Altara Cabin Crew Dedication Award”, as a result of this partnership. This award will be presented to the outstanding graduate of each Flight Attendant Training course. CC59 was the first graduating class where this award was presented and the recipient was Sun Mi Kwak, due to her outstanding overall performance and the portrayal of qualities which will allow her to excel as a flight attendant.

Mr Bill Horrocks, Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Australia said, “This is an exciting and motivating initiative between Aviation Australia and Altara. We understand the skills shortage issue the industry is facing and we are pleased to launch this partnership with Altara to meet the industry’s needs in providing human resource solutions.” He continued, “We see this as a boost to our current Flight Attendant Training course. The partnership with Altara enhances the promise of us delivering excellent aviation training and now, with this award, it also motivates and encourages students to go that extra mile.”

Aviation Australia at AYAA Brisbane Aerospace Seminar

Thursday, 27 August 2012

Australian Youth Aerospace Association (AYAA) hosted the Brisbane Aerospace Seminar in the evening of 22 August at the University of Queensland. It was a seminar targeted towards university students from Queensland’s leading aerospace universities who would like to gain insights and out-of-text-book knowledge from key industry leaders in Australia. The seminar was held in an environment that encouraged networking opportunities and discussions between industry experts and students.

Featured speakers of the evening were Boeing, Brisbane Airport Corporation, The Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA), Raytheon, Aerospace Concepts and Aviation Australia. A broad spectrum of topics was discussed at the seminar, ranging from aerospace history to research, from technologies to career pathways.

Colin Jameson, Aviation Australia Manager of Strategy and Business Development, who attended the seminar as a speaker said, “Aviation Australia is pleased to support initiatives such as this by young talent in the aviation and aerospace industries. These are a group of energetic young adults who share the same passion and are keen to learn. Aviation Australia is pleased to have been provided this opportunity to speak at the seminar as we are always keen to promote Aviation Education and the industry in general.

AYAA is a non-profit organisation aimed at providing high school and university students with exposure in the aerospace industry. It is an Australian wide organisation with involvement in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland and managed by mostly undergraduate students undertaking a degree relating to space or aeronautics.

AYAA Seminar

Aviation Careers Expo 2012 records highest visitors and exhibitors ever

Thursday, 26 August 2012

The 2012 Aviation Careers Expo, Australia’s largest and only aviation-dedicated careers expo was held last Saturday (25 August) and attracted a record number of visitors and exhibitors in its 12^th year. The six-hour event had in excess of 3,000 visitors and more than 25 exhibitors from broad areas of expertise, such as Chopperline Flight Training, Defence Force Recruiting, CAE Oxford Training Academy, Swinburne University of Technology and Qantas Engineering.

The event was free and open to the public, with a focus for individuals who are interested in an aviation career. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with potential employers and aviation training organisations to seek advice on potential career paths. There were also many fun activities available to visitors regardless of age throughout the day.

Apart from competitions and draws for visitors to win great prizes, for the first time ever, one of the Sponsors, Chopperline was offering Scenic and Trial Introductory Flights at discounted rates. Back by popular demand from previous years, the Seminar Program was highly popular with attendees and exhibitors, with speakers providing insights on topics such as Aviation Careers Pathways, Women in Aviation, Unmanned Aerial Systems and Project ResQu. Speakers who participated in the Seminar Program, to name a few, were, Griffith University, Airservices Australia, ARCAA/QUT and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy.

Visitors were also treated to an array of aircraft from different eras in the static aircraft display area. One of the highlights which proved to be most popular throughout the day was the opportunity to get up close and personal in the cockpit of the Fokker F28 on display in the exhibition hall. Visitors were also given the opportunity to have their photos taken for free in the pilot seat by the official event photographers. In addition, the free flight simulator provided by GeoSim Technologies attracted a high number of visitors, with many budding aviatiors keen to try their hand at flying.

Guided tours were available on the day to provide visitors an opportunity to have a look behind the scenes of Queensland’s aviation training facilities. The Australian Air League cadets also added some more fun to the event by presenting hourly ceremonial drill and flag presentation.

“Aviation Careers Expo 2012 was a tremendous success and was definitely a fun day out for everyone. We received many positive comments about this year’s event from both visitors and exhibitors. We certainly look forward to the next Expo and hope to deliver an even better experience for all our visitors next year,” said Mr Bill Horrocks, Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Australia.

Preparations for the 2013 Aviation Careers Expo are now underway and the organisers will be contacting potential exhibitors soon to lock in their plans for what has become a key event on the aviation calendar.

Aviation Careers Expo 2012

Don't Miss out - Aviation Careers Expo! Saturday, August 25

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Aviation Careers Expo 2012, the nation’s largest and only dedicated aviation careers expo returns this year on 25 August (Saturday) from 10am to 4pm. Aviation Australia is proud to host this major event on the aviation industry calendar at its state-of-the-art facilities within Brisbane International Airport precinct. With exciting and innovative event highlights, this year’s Expo looks set to provide visitors a ‘real aviation experience’.

Now in its 12^th year, the Aviation Careers Expo continues to fly to greater heights with more than 20 confirmed exhibitors to date. On top of that, there are several key industry players that are supporting the event as Platinum sponsors such as Oxford Academy of Aviation, Swinburne University of Technology and Chopperline Flight Training. Event exhibitors also include Daedalus Aviation, Airservices Australia, Sky Education Australia and Griffith University. With some of the industry’s biggest names coming together under one roof, visitors are guaranteed a unique and engaging opportunity to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.

Highlights of the Aviation Careers Expo include a chance to get up close and personal with aircraft at the Static Aircraft Display. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience being an aviator by riding on a free flight simulator sponsored by Geosim Technologies.

On this informative and fun-filled day, the Seminar Program offers visitors free interactive sessions with industry experts who are ready to shed light on possible careers paths. Organised Aviation Australia tours are also available for those who are interested to have a look behind the scenes of Queensland’s state-of-the-art aviation training facilities.

For more information, visit www.aviationcareersexpo.aero.

Aviation Careers Expo 2012

Minister Saxon Rice and Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor Celebrated SANG Students' Graduation

Friday, 27 July 2012

Queensland Government Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education, Saxon Rice recently visited Aviation Australia for the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) students' graduation. It was the first visit since her newly appointed role and portfolio.

At the ceremony, Minister Rice presented certification of graduation to a group of 15 students who had completed a 12-month Avionics Aeroskills training program in Aviation Australia's Brisbane campus since July 2011.

Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor, Deputy to the Lord Mayor on International Relations and Multicultural Affairs also participated in the graduation ceremony awarding prizes to students.

Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor said, “Brisbane City Council is proud to support the international connections between Aviation Australia and the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG), and the other international relationships Aviation Australia has built.”

“Brisbane’s Sister City of Abu Dhabi also has links with Australian Aviation through other programs with Etihad Airways,” she continued.

“The SANG training program is an ongoing initiative and a joint effort between Aviation Australia and Specialised Training Australia (STA) to provide high quality and internationally recognised aviation training to the foreign market, as well as to foster diplomatic relationships amongst the two nations,” said Mr Bill Horrocks, CEO of Aviation Australia.

This program is in partnership with STA to train and skill 204 SANG students continuously until 2014. Mr Horrocks said, “It has been a very successful training program so far and this is the second group of students that graduated here since 2011.”

Apart from Minister Rice and Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor, the SANG students’ milestone was celebrated in the presence of His Excellency Hassan Talat Nazer (Ambassador for the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Australia), Lieutenant Colonel Omar Fahd Al-Husan (SANG Aviation Program Officer), and representatives of both STA and Aviation Australia staff.

Brisbane Airport hosts Contemporary Art Festival

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

From 24 August to 2 September, Airport Village will be home to an inaugural event on the Brisbane events calendar - Art with Altitude festival. Vibrant public art installations, QTC theatre performance, children's art workshops and live music will be available here for ten consecutive days. Visitors will be able to enjoy these exciting events free of charge.

Art with Altitude is an initiative by Brisbane Airport Corporate (BAC) to complement its current extensive public art collection at Brisbane Airport and it is also as an extension of BAC's commitment to public art. It is a platform for the community to experience the best of contemporary art, support emerging artists and foster creativity in Brisbane.

The festival will showcase art pieces themed 'Land to Sky and Beyond' from a range of talented local, regional and Indigenous artists. This event will be produced by the renowned Urban Art Projects (UAP), curated by Megan Cope and co-curated by Natasha Smith, an Indigenous artist.

"Prepare to embark on a journey of the sense with playful and interactive sculptural, lighting and kinetic installtions," said Ms Cope.

Airport Village is situated at Brisbane's north side, just off Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport. The village also has an existing public art and green spaces, retail and dining option for visitors to explore.

Should you require further information, please visit artwithaltitude.com.au or contact Leonie Vandeven, Media Manager, BAC at 0401 696 638.

As part of the airport community, Aviation Australia supports and promotes BAC's dedicated efforts and commitment in advocating public art.

Australian Youth Aerospace Forum in Brisbane

Thursday, 5 July 2012

Aviation Australia was proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum which was held from the 25th to 29th June this year. THis forum was a platform that provided senior high school students the opportunity to investigate careers and pathways in the aerospace industry.

The forum was designed to showcase the various university and industry opportunities available to students upon completion of secondary school. Participating students listened and learned from some of the most respected and renowned aerospace professionals in Australia, such as speakers and representatives from Boeing, Raytheon, Defence Force, Griffith University and Aerospace Concepts.

The main forum activities were held at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology and the students also toured some local aerospace facilities as part of their learning journey, including a visit to Aviation Australia's state-of-the-art facilities on the 28th of June.

P1260219 (edited).jpg

Mentoring the future of Australian Aviation

Monday, 2 July 2012

On 18 to 22 June, two of the Aviation Australia subject matter experts joined Aviation High Business Week as mentors, offering business knowledge, encouragement and moral support to five teams of Year 11 students. Aviation High Business Week is an intensive five-day learning program that allows students to learn about the business of aviation by running their own airline through a computer business simulation program called Simulate.

Students worked within a team environment, which allowed them to experience both individual and team dynamics. And the mentors were present to help students to breakdown the program into manageable tasks and guide them through the assigned tasks where necessary.

Marc Parsons, one of the mentors from Aviation Australia of this learning experience commented, “I was working with a team of 15 students at Aviation High. They have demonstrated exceptional organisational skills and high-level of cooperation within the team.” Marc was the mentor for the team named Alpha Infinite Airlines.

“I think this is an excellent program that allows students to learn more about the aviation business in a practical way. Students responded positively with attitude to excel and through this practice, we could definitely spot some promising future leaders in this business”, Dylin Dreyer said, another mentor from Aviation Australia who guided the team True Blue at Aviation High.

Team True Blue also scored highest marks and became the winner of the final oral presentation and TV commercial aspects at the end of this program.

Aviation Australia is proud to join other key industry partners such as Virgin Australia and Raytheon at the Aviation High Business Week to mentor the future of Australian aviation.

Aviation Australia Cycles for a Good Cause

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Well done and congratulations to the Aviation Australia team who successfully participated in this year’s MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride on Sunday, 24^th June.

The team was made up of 27 enthusiastic riders from Aviation Australia and QMI Solutions. In the lead up to the big day, the staff, students and community rallied together to raise an astounding $11,500 to help the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). The team proudly placed 11^th overall, with the event raising close to $812,000 in total.

A round of applause must also go to those that helped us across the finish line, the Aviation Australia team Sponsors, QMI Solutions and Glyder Dynamic Wear.

Another achievement highlight of this event is Samantha Monroe, one of Aviation Australia’s representing riders who raised an incredible $3,200 with a touching personal inspiration. Click here to read more about her drive behind this success.

The MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride has been part of the Brisbane cycling scene for over 20 years and is loved for its fun and friendly atmosphere. It was certainly a fun day for everyone, with the team of riders ranging from 17 to 60 years. There were four great courses to choose from: the family friendly 10km around the Brisbane Riverside, the scenic 25km ride to Balmoral, the classic 50km to Wynnum and the challenging 100km course out to Wellington Point!

Thank you to all of those who supported the team, your generous donations have gone a long way to make a difference for a worthy cause!

Brissie to the Bay.jpg

Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific Enter Significant Training Partnership

Source: Aerospace & Defense News, 12 June

Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific have today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a specialised training program at Cairns Queensland Australia intended to provide advanced practical expertise to Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) students graduating from Aviation Australia’s International Training Diploma program. The signing took place at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre with the Member for Barron River the Honourable Michael Trout MP in attendance. The students, who have been undertaking training at the Aviation Australia Brisbane campus, will relocate to Cairns following 2 years of theoretical instruction, for an intensive 10 week program of practical experience with Hawker Pacific, facilitating the application of their newly acquired skills and knowledge at the world class Hawker Pacific maintenance facility at Cairns.

Aviation Australia as the training provider at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre has agreed to manage up to 20 AMEs in training at a time and facilitate their placement with Hawker Pacific for 10 week blocks for the purpose of gaining valuable experience within a real life specialist aircraft maintenance facility with a staff of over 110 people. The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre located adjacent to the Hawker Pacific Facility at Cairns is a local industry owned facility that provides all aspects of aviation training to North Queensland, Northern Territory and PNG based aviation communities.

“This is an exciting and ground breaking program for Cairns, Aviation Australia and Hawker Pacific, in being able to provide AME students with a tailored training solution through access to a world class working facility with a focus on practical training outcomes,” said Chris Pigott, the Business Manager of the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, who will be overseeing the program on behalf of Aviation Australia. “We expect this to be a very popular program for Aviation Australia which, on top of the world class training, will provide a significant boost to the Cairns economy with up to 20 international students undertaking the program at any time. Aviation Australia’s International Diploma program is a great example of Australian expertise being exported globally and I see this program growing in the future as this enhancement to the training is marketed globally”, he said.

Read more.

Hawker AA agreement.jpg

We open our doors!

Friday, 8 June

On Wednesday, 20th June, Aviation Australia opens its doors and welcomes you behind the scenes for our Friends and Family Open Night.

The event is dedicated to those associated with our current engineering students studying within the Technical Training Centre.

We invite you to join us for an evening, and see for yourself why we are the industry leaders in Aviation Training.

The occasion will include a guided tour of our world-class training facilities, the chance to meet our dedicated team of instructors and staff, as well as a presentation to answer all of your questions.

To attend this event, please email events@aviationaustralia.aero, or call (07) 3860 1064. Please RSVP by Monday 18th June, to confirm your attendance.

Date: Wednesday, 20 June

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Address:Aviation Australia, Technical Training Centre

25 Boronia Road

Brisbane International Airport

Aviation Australia adds assets to cater for growth

Source: Aviation Business Asia Pacific, May/ June 2012

While much of the local training market is in the doldrums, because of the high Australian dollar and the emergence of off-shore competition, Aviation Australia says its international student market remain strong.

An initiative of the Queensland Government, Aviation Australia has put more than 2000 local maintenance engineers and cabin crew attendants into the workplace in the 10 years of its existence; alongside those fee-paying international students, both business to business and self-sponsored.

Now the organisation is investing in equipment, facilities and human resources to underpin further growth and to align itself more precisely with the new CASA licensing regulations.

In June last year CASA dictated a shift from a knowledge-based licensing environment to a competency-based regime, motivating Aviation Australia to align its resources to enable it to expand its competency-based qualification outcomes in an authentic environment.

‘We recently purchased a King Air C90 through Hawker Pacific and we will keep that as an operational aircraft,” says CEO Bill Horrocks. “We will put it on the Australian register and we will use it to do our competency assessments and on the job training for our students, even though it may not actually fly.”

“This is an example of how we use any profit at Aviation Australia makes, by reinvesting in training equipment. That’s what is expected of us, from a dividend point of view, investment to train and skill individuals to support the aviation industry.”

The equipment stores were also recently enhanced by the donation by Qantas of an RB211 engine off a B747, which Bill Horrocks describes as ‘Qantas’ way of investing in the industry training system through us.

Aviation Australia currently has around 470 students under training – and about half of those are international students. But the organisation is also now taking apprentices from the Northern Territory.

“We’re picking up apprentices for block release,” Horrocks says. “These are working apprentices who needs to be released to conduct off the job training. They are being released to us at our Cairns campus. A number of training organisations around Australia use our courses, but this is a first for us in terms of apprentices being block released across to us for training from the Northern Territory.”

Bill Horrocks hints at more success in the international market to announce over the coming months.

Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC)

Source: Cairns Post, May 19 2012

The aviation industry in Cairns is the back bone of the Cairns economy and currently directly employs 6,300 people with another 23,200 aviation dependant jobs in the region.

This represents about 22% of the regions employed workforce and about 21% of economic activity in the region.

The western side of the Cairns airport delivers a diverse range of services including maintenance repair organisations ,engine and propeller overhaul and repair, fixed and rotary wing regular public transport, charter and tourism services, aeromedical services, police air wing , private aircraft owners, Royal Flying Doctor Service, fuel supplies, fire fighting, mail delivery services for the Cape, coastal surveillance, aircraft detailing ,weather services, corporate jet handling, Customs, domestic and international freight, aircraft brokering, pilot training, engineering training and cabin crew training.

Cairns being at the gateway to the Asia Pacific Region also brings millions of dollars of off shore maintenance work each year to the region and in fact some maintenance organisations currently conduct over 60% of their total work load each year on foreign registered aircraft that have been flown to the region for specialised engineering maintenance.

To support the continued growth of the aviation companies in Cairns aviation training was established and is conducted at the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre (CASC).

The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre was established by local industry leaders and was assisted by Federal and State Government grants. The Cairns Aviation Skills Centre once established contracted Aviation Australia to deliver aviation training and has for the past 9 years delivered Avionics and Mechanical apprentice training along with all other aviation related training including most recently Cabin Crew.

Today more than 267 aircraft apprentices have graduated from the facility and are mostly engaged in local employment.

A head start to a career in aviation

Source: The Sunshine Coast Daily, 26 May 2012

Tahnee and Amy Sievers' flight attendant careers are off to a flying start.

The Pelican Waters sisters completed a full-time eight-week course and were among the first in Australia to train with newly upgraded fully simulated aircraft cabin trainers. The latest technology incorporates simulated fires with smoke, hydraulic doors, and deployable oxygen masks for de-compression training.

It is remote controlled and operated from an instructor station fitted with 14 video and infrared cameras for safety and recording of all training.

Tahnee and Amy graduated yesterday from their Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations) at Aviation Australia in Brisbane.

"I wanted a career in aviation as it would give me a good career, a good lifestyle and an opportunity to travel," Amy said.

Read more.

We are coming to Melbourne!

22 May 2012

For the first time, Aviation Australia will be taking part in the Herald Sun Melbourne Career Expo, Victoria’s premier education, training and employment exhibition.

With a particular focus on our Flight Attendant Training Program, this is the perfect opportunity for guests to talk to our knowledgeable staff and find out how you can join the glamorous life of a Flight Attendant.

The event will take place from 27th – 29th July at the Melbourne Convention Centre. See us at stand #187.

Aviation Australia has trained over 830 students in the Certificate II in Aviation (Flight Operations) since 2006 and their graduates boast working for some of the top airlines around the world including Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, Qantas and Emirates Airlines.

Aviation Australia’s Examination System

14 May 2012

The Australian and European air safety regulatory bodies, CASA and EASA recently completed reviews of Aviation Australia’s assessment procedures and examination database.

Aviation Australia supported these reviews and provided the regulators with full access to relevant information. Aviation Australia was not under any formal direction and nor was there any regulatory action required.

At the conclusion of the reviews CASA and EASA stated that Aviation Australia satisfies their requirements for assessments and examinations.

The integrity of student exams is central to the business of Aviation Australia. Reflecting this fact, close management of the company’s exam database and procedures has the highest priority. This included the introduction in early 2011 of increased exam security measures and independent qualified exam supervisors.

Aviation Australia is committed to providing professional and quality training to all of its students and customers. These are essential ingredients to Aviation Australia being the leader in delivering excellence in aviation training.

Success for Aviation Australia’s first Part-Time Flight Operations course

9 May 2012

Soaring on the success of Aviation Australia’s full-time Flight Operations Certificate II course, six students graduated recently from the company’s inaugural part-time course. The recent graduation was the culmination of the students training over 12 weeks where they learnt all of the necessary skills and theory to be employed as flight attendants with airlines either in Australia or overseas.

The part-time course is a recent innovation at Aviation Australia, which offers students who cannot attend full time training the opportunity to prepare for their dream job as a flight attendant.

Since Aviation Australia’s inception of Flight Attendant Training in 2006, the company’s full-time Flight Operations course has prepared more than 780 graduates for employment with 34 airlines worldwide.

Aviation Australia is dedicated to delivering professional and high quality training and skills to assist students gaining employment within the aviation industry. The company’s training philosophy ensures graduating students are well prepared for their new and exciting careers whether it be as a flight attendant or as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Madilyn Fletcher, a successful graduate from the part-time course, said ‘I decided to pursue a career in aviation to travel the world and meet new people’, Almost immediately after graduation, Madilyn, along with her fellow students Natasha Dodds and Lisa-Jane McLean, were interviewed by Tiger Airlines, Jetstar and Qantas.

Aviation Australia’s part time course consists of 6 hours of theory and practical tuition each week over a 12 week period. Students complete 15 modules, including aviation medicine, emergency evacuation procedures, airline employment and aviation security.

Laurence Beraldo, Business Manager for Flight Safety Training Services commented that ‘running part-time classes allows our students to pursue their dream job whilst balancing the demands of other commitments such as work, family, and study.

He also said, ‘the combination of classroom based theory, online examinations and practical training within our state of the art training facilities gives our graduates a distinctive advantage when they seek employment with airlines worldwide.’

Aviation Australia graduates to join Etihad

14 Dec 2011

Jeff Wilkinson, Etihad Airways Vice President for Maintenance, and Bill Horrocks, CEO Aviation Australia surrounded by new technical recruits and Etihad Airways ground staff in Brisbane.

Eight graduates from Aviation Australia will shortly join Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi.

The graduates from Australia’s leading aviation training organisation will spend the next two years in the UAE capital deepening their technical knowledge of aircraft maintenance systems.

Aviation Australia is the only training organisation in Australia that provides students with engineering qualifications recognised by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority.

This is the third time Etihad Airways has hired technical graduates through Aviation Australia, and brings to 22 the number of Queensland graduates brought to Abu Dhabi.

The graduates will complete their aircraft maintenance certification, acquiring aircraft maintenance licenses, which will help them to eventually become fully licensed aircraft engineers.

On completion, the graduates will become part of Etihad Airways’ team of aircraft engineers, and work at the airline’s maintenance hub in Abu Dhabi, or at one of the airline’s six line maintenance outstations in Sydney, Mumbai, Dublin, Lahore, London-Heathrow and Manchester.

Etihad Airways Vice President for Maintenance, Jeff Wilkinson, said: “The relationship between Queensland and Abu Dhabi has been made even stronger with these latest graduates coming to complete their development at our world class facilities in Abu Dhabi.

“Australia is a hugely important for Etihad Airways. We have made enormous investment in the local market flying beween Abu Dhabi and Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane 21 times a week, with an additional three flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Sydney operated by our partner Virgin Australia.”

“Aviation Australia is one of the world's most comprehensively resourced training centres, and has been established to support the development and growth of both the Australian and international markets. Aviation Australia currently offers courses for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Flight Attendants and English Language Training in our Queensland campuses.”

http://www.aviationbusiness.com.au/news/aviation-australia-graduates-to-join-etihad

Etihad Recruits.jpg

ABC 612 Radio visits our Cabin Crew Training facilities

November 17, 2011

Scott Rollinson from ABC 612 Radio recently visited our Cabin Crew training facilties and observed our Cabin Crew students in action. Check out the link below to the story which went live on the 17 November.

http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2011/11/17/3369540.htm?site=brisbane

Aviation Australia - Excellence in Aviation Training

Aviation Australia celebrates 10 years

October 4, 2011

Today, Aviation Australia has celebrated 10 years since its inception in 2001. The celebration was hosted at Aviation Australia’s Flight Safety Training facilities at Brisbane Airport amongst staff and special guests; Anna Bligh, Premier, and Minister for Reconstruction; The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining - Department of Education and Training and Aviation Australia’s Board of Directors.

Aviation Australia was initially set up by the Queensland Government in 2001, to train aeroskills apprentices. Today, Aviation Australia specialises in Aircraft Maintenance Training; Cabin Crew and English Language Training in its Queensland campuses, and is a training partner to over 60 airlines and aerospace companies, governments, defence forces and regulatory authorities around the world.

Aviation Australia is also the only training organisation in Australia that provides Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) basic courses (EASA credits are transferable internationally). Aviation Australia’s training programs comprehensively cover every subject required under the CASA 100.66 and EASA basic requirements.

Mr Bill Horrock’s, Aviation Australia’s CEO says “We are very proud of our achievements and today we are able to acknowledge these achievements and recognise our staff and Board of Directors for their contribution and hard work over the past 10 years.”

“Aviation Australia facilities are very different to what they were in the beginning. We started with one office housing 21 staff, with temporary training facilities located off site to today, housing over 100 staff and up to 400 students at any one time. We are now one of the world’s most comprehensively resourced aviation training centres, with our main campus located at Brisbane Airport and another campus located in Cairns. We have a world class training facility which has been established to support the development and growth of aviation and aerospace industries in both the Australian and international markets.” says Mr Horrocks.

Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) students graduate

AVIATION AUSTRALIA GRADUATES TAKE TO THE SKY

September 16, 2011

Aviation Australia’s reputation as a training centre for aviation training excellence strengthened this week, with the graduation of its first group of Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) students on Tuesday 13th September. The group of 17 students have been based at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane campus since May 2010, and have successfully completed the theoretical components of the Certificate IV in Aeroskills program. The program included English language training and upon completion of this component, the students commenced their 12 month technical training.

Once the students return to Saudi Arabia, they will continue to work towards the completion of their Certificate IV in Aeroskills. They will be required to complete practical training components of the Certificate IV, under supervision of qualified personnel.

Aviation Australia has partnered with Specialised Training Australia (STA), to deliver this program to 204 SANG students and will continue delivering this training until 2014. Mr Bill Horrocks, CEO Aviation Australia says “This is the first group of students to graduate as part of this overall program. This program has been very successful with all students meeting the full requirements within their relevant trades.”

Aviation Australia Launches PART 66 Roadshow

August 26, 2011

On the 27th of June 2011 CASA released new Australian maintenance regulations and subsequently issued all Australian AME licence holders with a Part 66 licence.

Many of these licenses reflect "exclusions" which limit the privileges of the licence holder against the full category of licence.

To assist AME's through these new regulations, Aviation Australia will be holding nationwide information sessions on training and career pathways for Part 66 AME licensing.

In these forums attendees will have the opportunity to determine how the training towards licensing process works and learn about the broad range of flexible training options available to lift exclusions, gain additional endorsements and ratings plus how initial licensing may be achieved.

For more details please click here.

COMPANY
	Management Team
	Board Of Directors

FACILITIES
	Campus
	Equipment
	Facilities
	Virtual Tour

USEFUL LINKS
	Careers @ AA
	Useful Links
	Licences & Accreditations
	Policies & Procedures