Group editor Marty Kauchak highlights developments in the training programs designed to prepare federal air marshals and flight attendants to maintain a secure flight cabin environment. The flight cabin remains a dynamic, challenging security environment. The lack of civility in our society has migrated onto commercial aircraft, where incidents of...

In 2013, ICAO, with the cooperation of Member States, will organize regional symposia which will be generously hosted by civil aviation authorities and TRAINAIR PLUS members. The regional symposia will build on the success of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) and TRAINAIR PLUS Regional Conferences, held in 2011,...

MINT Software Systems and ASTech have agreed to collaborate on the development of an interface between MINT’s TMS and ASTech’s GEMS. MINT TMS is a Compliance & Training Management System for record keeping, as well as scheduling pilot, cabin crew, technical and air navigation service training activities. GEMS (General Examination...

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with three Singapore-based polytechnics, offering training and employment for new flight attendants. The MoUs, signed with Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and Tamasek Polytechnic, will see selected students offered training with SIA and possibly employment contracts to become full-time cabin crew. The...

RP Aero Systems has been awarded a contract by British Airways to manufacture and install a Boeing 787 door trainer at their Training Centre in Cranebank, near Heathrow, UK. The trainer will consist of a 1L main door with crew attendant seat, EDW dimming system and will be a true...

Qatar Airways has extended its flight crew training agreement with Bahrain based Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA) and has signed a long-term agreement for training to be delivered at GAA's facilities in Bahrain. This includes A320 and A330 simulator training, utilising GAA instructors, quality systems and approvals, in addition to handling...

The FAA has commissioned Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) to upgrade and modernize vital flight simulation equipment. ETC will upgrade the software and critical components of a device known as the Gyro IPT II. Built by ETC and managed by the FAA's main facility in Oklahoma City, this equipment plays a...

FlightSafety International plans to expand and renovate its Learning Center in Teterboro, New Jersey. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2013 and is expected to be completed early in 2014. The existing building will be renovated and reconfigured to provide increased amenities and improve work flow. A...

Cebu Pacific Air and CAE have inaugurated their new aviation training center in the Clark Freeport Zone, northwest of the national capital of Manila. The joint venture, known as the Philippine Academy for Aviation Training, Inc. (PAAT), will initially cater to Airbus A319/320/321 series pilot type-rating training requirements and will...

Chris Long reports on issues discussed at the recent Airbus Training Symposium held in Dubai. The task is already big – and getting bigger by the day. With over 60,000 pilots currently operating Airbus aircraft, and with that figure forecast to increase in line with the overall growth in civil...