CTC selected to train Virgin Atlantic 'Future Flyers'
CTC Aviation will provide selection and training services for both the inaugural and subsequent Virgin Atlantic ‘Future Flyers’ airline pilot career programmes under the regulations of the Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL).
The foundations of the ‘Future Flyers’ programme are based upon CTC Aviation’s existing flagship brand of CTC WINGS which sponsors aspiring pilots to achieve their career ambitions. This fully-sponsored programme with Virgin Atlantic has been both designed and uniquely funded in such a way so as to make it accessible to a wide range of talented applicants, thus enabling genuine diversity and opportunity within a broader community of aspiring pilots.
This exciting new programme not only supports the airline’s strong desire to introduce Pilots from a diverse training background who are trained as airline pilots from the outset, but also sets out to identify the airline’s future Captains and operational leaders, which is becoming increasingly important as Virgin Atlantic continues to structure the organisation for the future.
This pioneering MPL programme is the first to have been designed to enable graduates to enter directly into flying wide-body, Airbus A330 aircraft as co-pilots on Virgin Atlantic’s extensive long-haul network. The MPL route was selected by the airline after careful comparison with the traditional means by which they have previously hired their pilots. It was concluded that CTC WINGS MPL graduates would bring skills that are more relevant and focussed towards the company’s overall needs.
The initial course of 6 recruits will embark on a journey from trainee through to co-pilot at CTC Aviation’s new generation Crew Training Centres in both the UK and USA; training on brand new, Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and Traffic Advisory System (TAS)-equipped Diamond DA40 aircraft and Airbus full-flight simulators.
The Virgin Atlantic ‘Future Flyers’ MPL programme lasts for approximately 18-months and initially comprises 6-months of classroom and theoretical knowledge training, followed by 5 months of core skills flight training at CTC Aviation’s newest Crew Training Centre in Phoenix, Arizona.
Upon returning to the UK trainees will complete an Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) module and complete further training on both A320 and A330 full-flight simulators, culminating in A330 aircraft base training. Upon MPL issue, they will then commence ‘flying the line’ as an A330 co-pilot for this most iconic of airlines.
The programme also offers the exciting opportunity to elect to complete a BSc Honours Degree in Professional Aviation Pilot Practice in association with Middlesex University and the Aviation Skills Partnership.
David Kistruck, General Manager, Flight Operations at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Our people have always been at the heart of Virgin Atlantic and we’re delighted to offer this opportunity to a whole new generation of flyers. They’ll be part of the Virgin family from day one and will enjoy an opportunity like no other to join us straight onto long-haul aircraft, building their career as an ambassador for one of the world’s most iconic brands. It’s an exciting chapter in our history to be able to offer this career programme that closes the gap between the dream and the reality of piloting a long-haul aircraft and we’re looking forward to finding our diverse and talented flight crew for the future.”
CTC Aviation’s CEO, Rob Clarke said: “We are honoured that Virgin Atlantic has chosen us as a training partner to deliver their Future Flyers Programme. A key focus for us has always been to enable talent to enter the flight deck and we have developed this CTC WINGS airline pilot career programme for Virgin Atlantic with just this sort of opportunity in mind; one that identifies potential irrespective of social and financial background and enables motivated individuals to pursue their airline pilot career goals and beyond.”
