Skyborne Airline Academy is marking the first anniversary of its EASA Integrated ATPL programme and one year of training for its first intake – Cadet Pilot (CP) 001.
Skyborne has 38 students currently going through its EASA Integrated ATPL programme, with 11 more planned to start in 2020 to date. Across all courses, Skyborne trainees have so far conducted 2,450 hours of aircraft flying in the UK and Spain, 1,420 hours of simulator flying and 2,640 hours of ATPL theory lessons. The academy also boasts a 100 percent first series pass rate for its Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR) training.
Lee Woodward, chief executive officer, Skyborne, says: “We couldn’t be prouder of our Integrated ATPL trainees for their resilience and commitment throughout the first year of their studies. Skyborne was created to offer innovative, airline-focused training that provides our graduates with the tools they need to thrive. An ethos that continues, even during the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19.
“At Skyborne, we have introduced a number of measures to ensure continuity and support for our cadets during this time. Our Skyborne Virtual Airline Training Platform (VATP), has allowed us to continue ground school lessons remotely via video link and is UKCAA approved.
“In response to the short-term challenges Covid-19 could present to airline placement, we’ve launched our Skills Continuation Training policy, ensuring all Skyborne graduates from April 2020 receive 12 months of free simulator time, assessment preparation training and IR revalidation ahead of airline selection. There will be further challenges ahead, but together we will come through this.”
Chris Coles, Skyborne cadet, says: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the first intake of Integrated ATPL students to train at Skyborne. We’ve experienced many benefits from studying on one of the earlier courses and have managed to have a lot of fun while making great new friends along the way.
“I’ve had a lifelong passion for aviation and I chose Skyborne because of the emphasis it places on cadets, coupled with its brand-new facilities. It mainly comes down to the people however, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies so far, thanks to our brilliant instructors and staff.
CP001 trainees have completed 30 hours per week of virtual classroom lessons and computer-based training (CBT) since UK lockdown measures were introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus in March. With their ATPL ground school training now complete, CP001 are currently preparing for their UKCAA exams.
