DAE Flight Academy gains operational momentum to commence 'first officer' training from March 30

In the run-up to its operational beginning, two Academy aircraft took to the skies recently, as four DAE University students - who won a familiarization flight as the prize for their research on environmental issues at the Dubai Air Show- completed their first light-plane experience.

The aircraft will become their "classroom" once they enter the flight portion of their degree program.

DAE Flight Academy and DAE University are the education and training units of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, and together, they spearhead the continued development of qualified personnel to meet the needs of the region's rapidly expanding aviation and aerospace industry.

His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Managing Director, DAE Group, said:

"The fast-paced growth of the regional aviation and aerospace sector brings to focus the need for qualified professionals. By offering world-class training locally, DAE Flight Academy not only meets this demand but also puts the spotlight on Dubai as a truly integrated hub for the industry".

Cadets with no previous experience in flight can acquire the knowledge and skills to become a first officer in only 12 to 14 months at the DAE Flight Academy.

They will graduate with a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and two turbine type-ratings - qualifications that are in great demand from airlines in the region.

Bob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DAE said: "The aerospace sector in the region is booming. New airlines are being launched; airlines are increasing their fleet size and network; privatization is on the rise; airports in the GCC as well as India are undergoing major expansion. All these factors indicate an elevated demand for qualified industry professionals".

He added: "Our research shows that the GCC region and India will require nearly 24,000 new pilots, over the next ten years. The training offered by DAE Flight Academy will help meet the growing demand for first officers by offering world-class training within the region".

DAE Flight Academy's frozen Airline Transport Pilot License is approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority and recognized internationally.

It also complies with the Joint Aviation Regulations (JARs) being adopted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

DAE Flight Academy's fleet consists of advanced single engine training aircraft with all-glass cockpits featuring electronic instrumentation depicted on a computer screen, similar to the avionics found on modern commercial airliners. The Academy also offers cadets a multi-engine experience in a new turbine powered Very Light Jet (VLJ).

From day one, cadets will train in an authentic airline training environment, where they learn to fly as a crew and are trained using advanced training devices and full-motion simulators that create a variety of mission scenarios to help hone critical thinking and judgment.

Dr George Ebbs, President and Chief Executive Officer of DAE University added: "Compared with traditional training programs, the DAE Flight Academy provides a specific airline training experience to a more advanced level in a significantly shorter time. We accomplish this through our focus on multi-crew training, an innovative curriculum that builds judgment, and modern flight & simulation equipment".

The first cohort of cadets is being selected through a rigorous screening process, which is currently underway. The screening includes medical, psychomotor and psychometric tests.

DAE Flight Academy currently has 16 faculty members and staff, while modern training aircraft stand ready to welcome the first batch of students at the Academy premises.

The mission of DAE Flight Academy is to develop career pilots through customized programs offering industry-specific training experience.