National

Western Community Colleges launches new aviation training program at Abbotsford International Airport

Darpan News Desk WCC, 19 Apr, 2024 10:51 AM

Abbotsford, BC (April 19, 2024) – Western Community College (WCC) is soaring to new heights as the only International Air Transport Association (IATA) Authorized Training Centre in Canada to offer IATA certified aviation training programs, other than the IATA itself. The IATA designs and develops training programs in all areas of airline operations applicable for all airlines globally, such as cabin crew training, cargo and logistics, air navigation and ground operations.

Western Community College’s new aviation training programs such as the cabin crew program are IATA certified, while their commercial and private pilot licenses, and night rating programs are Transport Canada certified. WCC plans to introduce additional IATA certified airline operations training programs in the near future. WCC’s new aviation training programs will be located at the college’s new aviation wing at the Abbotsford International Airport.

WCC is hosting an open house for its new aviation training programs on Saturday, April 27 at their new aviation wing at the Abbotsford International Airport (Hangar F, 120-1185 Townline Road, Abbotsford BC, V2T 6E1) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Western Community College’s new aviation training program authorized by IATA is a game-changing initiative that marks a significant milestone in aviation education,” says Gurpal Dhaliwal, President, Western Community College. “We are proud to be the only authorized training centre in Canada other than the IATA itself to offer IATA authorized airline operations training, including cabin crew training, which will give our graduating students the advantage of having this training before their competitors, giving them a leg up when applying for aviation jobs globally.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 320 airlines or 83 per cent of total air traffic, supporting many areas of aviation activity and helping formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Its airline operations training programs help aviation businesses operate safely, efficiently and sustainably, building career opportunities for the people they employ.

“The aviation industry in Canada stands as a cornerstone of the nation's transportation network and a vital component of our economy, directly employing approximately 160,000 people across the country,” says Sohail Mahmood Durrani, Head of Aviation Training at WCC. “We're thrilled to offer a comprehensive suite of IATA designed and developed airline operations programs and Transport Canada certified pilot training programs to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive educational experience to foster the next generation of skilled aviators.”

WCC aviation students will gain invaluable, hands-on, real-world experience being trained on the reliable CESSNA 172, an aircraft renowned for its safety and versatility.

Western Community College’s aviation training program includes:

● Private Pilot License (PPL): A foundational course that equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the skies.

● Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This program takes the fundamentals to a professional level, preparing students for a career in commercial aviation.

● Night Rating: Specialized training that extends a pilot’s capabilities to operate at night, a critical skill for comprehensive flight readiness.

● Cabin Crew Training Program: This IATA certified program is crafted to ready students for the exciting world of airline hospitality, emphasizing customer service excellence and safety.

“Flying and a career as a pilot entails huge responsibility and hard work but the rewards last a lifetime. In the 32 years working as a pilot, I have never met a pilot who didn’t love their job,” explains Robert Wickins, Chief Flight Instructor at Western Community College. “Western Community College is the starting point for a pilot’s career. Our experienced instructors with real world experience, modern facilities and top notch equipment makes our flight school a great option for students.”

For more information about WCC’s aviation training program, visit https://wcc.ca/programs/aviation/.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada's spy agency saw low-level Chinese meddling activities in 2019 election: Gould

The former minister of democratic institutions says she was told after the October 2019 federal election that Canada's spy agency had seen low-level foreign interference activities by China. Karina Gould, who held the portfolio from early 2017 to November 2019, said in a classified interview last month that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service indicated the activities were similar to what had been seen in the past.

Canada's spy agency saw low-level Chinese meddling activities in 2019 election: Gould

BoC holds key rate at 5%

Governor Tiff Macklem says economic data since January has improved the central bank’s confidence that inflation will continue to slow, even as economic growth picks up. The governor says while the Bank of Canada is seeing the evidence it needs to begin lowering interest rates, it needs to see price pressures ease for longer to make sure the decline in inflation is sustained.

BoC holds key rate at 5%

B.C. announces one-time $430 rent relief benefit to low-income seniors

The British Columbia government is granting a one-time $430 benefit to the roughly 20,000 seniors in its support program for elderly low-income renters. B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says eligible seniors don't need to apply for the payment, which will be sent out this month.

B.C. announces one-time $430 rent relief benefit to low-income seniors

Two blows to B.C.'s credit status, as S&P cuts rating and Moody's turns negative

British Columbia's credit status took a double blow on Tuesday, with S&P downgrading the province due to the risk of "outsize" deficits, and Moody's turning its outlook negative. S&P Global Ratings blamed big government spending as it dropped its credit rating for the province and BC Hydro's provincially guaranteed unsecured debt from AA status to AA-minus.

Two blows to B.C.'s credit status, as S&P cuts rating and Moody's turns negative

B.C. makes it easier to salvage timber damaged by wildfires

The B.C. government says it's making it easier for forestry companies to salvage timber damaged by wildfires. Sustainable Forestry Innovation Minister Andrew Mercier says in a statement that changes to the price of fees for harvesting timber on Crown land make salvage "more economic," and will speed up forest regeneration.

B.C. makes it easier to salvage timber damaged by wildfires

B.C. moves alone on Surrey Police Service after mayor, council refuse to leave RCMP

British Columbia is moving ahead with the transition to an independent police service in Surrey after the mayor and council refused to part ways with the RCMP. Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says a plan is in place for the continued transition to the independent Surrey Police Service, and he'll release more details next week on how that will work.