Close X
Thursday, September 19, 2024
ADVT 
National

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

Darpan News Desk WCC, 19 Apr, 2024 10:51 AM
  • Western Community Colleges launches new aviation training program at Abbotsford International Airport

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/.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. to spend $24 million on community walking and cycling projects

B.C. to spend $24 million on community walking and cycling projects
The British Columbia government is handing out $24 million to more communities that want to improve their walking and cycling infrastructure. The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program is part of a cost-sharing agreement with Indigenous, local and regional governments that provides up to $500,000 for infrastructure projects, and up to $50,000 to develop the active network plans. 

B.C. to spend $24 million on community walking and cycling projects

Canada welcomes Gaza ceasefire vote at United Nations Security Council: Joly

Canada welcomes Gaza ceasefire vote at United Nations Security Council: Joly
Canada welcomes the United Nations Security Council's call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas during Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Monday.  Canada has been asking for a sustainable ceasefire since December, she said at a press conference in Ottawa.

Canada welcomes Gaza ceasefire vote at United Nations Security Council: Joly

Group asks Vancouver for more time over Crab Park homeless site cleanup

Group asks Vancouver for more time over Crab Park homeless site cleanup
An advocacy group and others are making a final plea to the City of Vancouver to hold off on its second phase of a plan to clean up the site of a homeless camp in Crab Park. The group called Stop the Sweeps and residents of the encampment oppose the move, saying they're being offered small, fenced pens to live in while the city bulldozes their community, which includes a warming tent and kitchen.

Group asks Vancouver for more time over Crab Park homeless site cleanup

Man found dead in Surrey

Man found dead in Surrey
B-C's police watchdog says it is investigating the death of a man in Surrey.  The Independent Investigations Office says police responded to a report of threats being made in a domestic dispute yesterday. 

Man found dead in Surrey

Cyclist injured in crash

Cyclist injured in crash
West Shore Mounties say a cyclist was seriously injured after a crash involving a vehicle in View Royal. Police say officers responded to the scene yesterday around 4:45 P-M and found the 55-year-old cyclist with life-threatening injuries.   

Cyclist injured in crash

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war
Global Affairs Canada says two more Canadians have died in the war between Ukraine and Russia, bringing the total number of Canadians killed in that conflict to 11. An obituary for Alain Derasp says the veteran of the Canadian Forces Royal 22nd Regiment and father of four died in Ukraine on Feb. 27.

Global Affairs says two more Canadians have died in Ukraine-Russia war