Close X
Friday, September 20, 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

Trudeau boosts B.C.'s housing plan with $2 billion in federal financing

Trudeau boosts B.C.'s housing plan with $2 billion in federal financing
The federal government is doubling the financing available for a British Columbia housing plan the prime minister called "transformative." Justin Trudeau was in Vancouver on Tuesday to announce that his government was adding another $2 billion in financing to the province's BC Builds plan aimed at constructing more middle-income rental housing.

Trudeau boosts B.C.'s housing plan with $2 billion in federal financing

B.C. New Democrat government delivers throne speech, budget on way in election year

B.C. New Democrat government delivers throne speech, budget on way in election year
The political agenda for British Columbia Premier David Eby's NDP government heading into an election this fall will take shape today with the delivery of a throne speech starting the spring legislative session. The speech outlining the government's goals this year comes just ahead of the provincial budget on Thursday and the election this fall.

B.C. New Democrat government delivers throne speech, budget on way in election year

Prime Minister in Vancouver Tuesday to make housing announcement alongside Eby, Sim

Prime Minister in Vancouver Tuesday to make housing announcement alongside Eby, Sim
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Vancouver today, set to make a housing-related announcement alongside Premier David Eby and Mayor Ken Sim.  Trudeau's public itinerary says he'll make the announcement this morning, and then head to a local high school to meet with students before an event at a community centre with seniors in the afternoon. 

Prime Minister in Vancouver Tuesday to make housing announcement alongside Eby, Sim

Feds fund legal advice for Ukrainians in Canada as immigration questions linger

Feds fund legal advice for Ukrainians in Canada as immigration questions linger
Justice Minister Arif Virani says the government will expand a legal advice hotline for war-displaced Ukrainians in Canada to help them understand their rights and navigate the immigration system. The news comes as many Ukrainians anxiously wait to find out whether Canada will offer them a permanent stay after their emergency visas expire. 

Feds fund legal advice for Ukrainians in Canada as immigration questions linger

Lisa Beare fills B.C. portfolio vacated by Selina Robinson, who quit over Gaza remark

Lisa Beare fills B.C. portfolio vacated by Selina Robinson, who quit over Gaza remark
British Columbia Premier David Eby has named a new post-secondary education minister to replace Selina Robinson, who recently resigned over comments about the Middle East. Eby says in a statement that Lisa Beare, previously the minister of citizens' services, will fill the post-secondary education and future skills portfolio.

Lisa Beare fills B.C. portfolio vacated by Selina Robinson, who quit over Gaza remark

North Vancouver home of two 'terrified' seniors repeatedly vandalized

North Vancouver home of two 'terrified' seniors repeatedly vandalized
Police say two seniors in North Vancouver are "terrified" and flummoxed to explain why vandals have targeted their home five times in the last year.  North Vancouver RCMP say the most recent harassment came on Saturday at 12:40 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., when a security camera recorded two suspects kicking the home's front door before running away.

North Vancouver home of two 'terrified' seniors repeatedly vandalized