An Open Day at CTC Aviation Training in New Zealand has attracted a large crowd to hear former students talk about their airline careers.
Nearly 200 people gathered at the company's Hamilton base to hear two Jetstar pilots provide personal insights into their time with the airlines. It is the largest crowd that has ever attended one of CTC's Open Days.
First Officer Jason Franklin was a former CTC instructor who went on to fly with Air New Zealand Link and then Jetstar was one of the pilots who spoke on the day.
“My involvement with CTC lasted almost six years," he told the crowd, "and throughout that time I had the privilege of working with cadet pilots who are now airline pilots flying for major airlines in New Zealand and around the world. The CTC Wings programme has a proven track record and is one that provides those who are willing an opportunity to fast-track the success of their goal to become an airline pilot.
“The partnership between CTC and Jetstar provides an exciting opportunity for CTC cadet pilots to gain their first airline experience flying for one of the most dynamic and fastest growing airlines in this part of the world.”
CTC's program has been running for only three years, but has provided 26 pilots for trans-Tasman airlines like Jetstar, and another six are set to join them shortly. The success of CTC's program underlines the fast path to the airlines that has grown in popularity since flight training academies were established in both Australia and New Zealand over the last 20 years.