Pilot Training College simulators installed at Cambridge Airport receive CAA approval.

Thursday 15th December 2011

Cambridge Airport has this month further consolidated its position as a dedicated East of England aviation hub as new tenant, international flight training organisation Pilot Training College (PTC) confirms CAA approval on its Boeing 737 simulator. Approval of the remaining professional pilot training courses is expected shortly.

The recent installation of the Boeing 737 NGW simulator in hangar one took eight weeks to complete. Constructed from an actual 737 cockpit, the simulator is fitted with a CFM-56-7B26 Engine Simulation Model and certified to a FNPTII-MCC level. With high definition visuals and the latest image generation software, the new generation simulator will enhance the learning experience for student pilots.

The SIM is fitted with TCAS-27.0, Weather Radar, EGPWS, DEU, Dual FMC, Dual GPS, plus many pre-programmed system faults and failures for training. The simulator represents a substantial investment for Pilot Training College in the United Kingdom bringing another level of training experience to the airport.

Pilot Training College will also base a fleet of Piper Seminole aircraft at the airport that will enable training up to Multi-engine Instrument Rating Standard and it expects to receive delivery of a FNPTII procedural trainer which it will use to train to MEIR standard.

The Boeing 737 simulator at Cambridge will be used to train to Multi-Crew Co-operation and Jet Orientation standard which is necessary in helping students transition to larger multi-crew turboprop and jet aircraft. The training period for the Multi-Crew Cooperation Course is approximately eight days. Pilot Training College expects to train up to 300 pilots next year; a significant proportion of which will be streamed through the Cambridge Training Centre.

PTC operates other Training Centres in Ireland at Waterford and Dublin, and in Florida, USA and holds contracts with leading airlines from around the world such as Flybe, Nasair, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Air Astana. Archie Garden, Airport Director states:

"PTC provides the aviation market with the additional flight training capacity needed to meet growing demand within the business aviation and regional airline market segments, With the recent implementation of our GPS instrument approach system, along with the simulator installation we are convinced that PTC customers will enjoy an enhanced training experience along with the additional benefits of training in the conveniently located, superb city of Cambridge." In addition Cambridge Aero Club, and three other leisure pilot training operators, currently offers general aviation training in a wide range of aircraft and helicopters.

Cambridge Airport is conveniently located just minutes away from the beautiful and historic city of Cambridge and within easy access to London's King Cross by train in just 45 minutes providing PTC customers with many choices in terms of lodging, nightlife and airline service.

About Cambridge Airport:

Cambridge Airport is part of the Marshall Group of Companies, a private family business, owned and managed by the Marshall family. The business was founded in Cambridge in 1909, and entered aviation in 1929. The Marshall Group activities include Cambridge Airport, Marshall Executive Aviation, and Marshall Aerospace, focused on engineering and technology.

With a 1965m/6447ft runway accepting aircraft up to Boeing 757 or Airbus 320 it is suitable for intercontinental business jets as well as small cabin aircraft. It boasts CAA Category 7 Fire & Air Traffic Control status and has full navigational aids and communications, which include radar approach coverage up to 30nm. It has invested in a new GPS approach to complement its ILS system.

Cambridge Airport primarily targets the east of England market with a strong focus on Cambridge and its business, academic and industrial sectors. A strong provider to the equine community Cambridge Airport is 10 miles from Newmarket and offers regular services for the transportation of horses.

About Pilot Training College:

Established in 2002, Pilot Training College (PTC) is a leading European and USA based (JAA) Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) certified flight training organisation with Training Centres in Waterford, (JAA IRL/FTO-005-03), and Dublin, Ireland (JAA IRL/RTF/A13-11) and also in Florida, USA (JAA IRL/FTO-009-08).

A major draw to Pilot Training College for many commercial airlines are the benefits in training from three distinct locations. PTC Waterford and Cambridge can provide trainee pilots with excellent IMC conditions ideal for instrument training, while PTC Florida which is located at Melbourne International Airport provides students with the broadest possible flying education with over 300 days a year of near perfect Visual Flight Rules (VFR) training conditions. PTC has access to over 40 modern aircraft and invests heavily in its aviation technology and infrastructure.

PTC is fully certificated to provide JAA integrated pilot training which is a fast paced intensive course that sees pilots trained in under 14 months and also provides a series of JAA modular training courses that allow more flexibility both in the study programme and in the financing of the course.

PTC also has a Training centre at Weston Executive Airport in Dublin which specialises in training to Private Pilots Licence level.www.cambridgeairport.com