CQUniversity partners with Airspeed Aviation to deliver pilot training

CQUniversity and Airspeed Aviation have partnered to deliver tertiary qualifications and professional flight training for airline pilot trainees in Tamworth and Scone.

Local student Commercial Pilots will now have the option to live and work in regional NSW while studying for a degree in Aviation.

Airspeed Aviation CEO Ben Wyndham said students would also receive government assistance to pay for the practical training component – a training option that until now was only available in the capital cities.

"We are so pleased to be able to bring full-time Commercial Pilot Flight training back to Tamworth'" Mr Wyndham said.

"This partnership with CQU will enable us to invest in our Tamworth Airport premises and grow our instructor numbers to help battle the shortage of commercial pilots that is imminent' post-COVID."

Mr Wyndham explained that as the airline industry recovered' it was becoming increasingly important to attract' train and retain skilled aviation jobs in the regions.

"This program is designed for students working towards a career as an airline pilot but will assist those seeking a career in small planes and bush flying too'" he said.

"Our fleet matches the aeroplanes that our student pilots will fly early in their career' meaning they will be better-placed than other graduates to win those first jobs."

CQUniversity Head of Aviation Professor Doug Drury said he was thrilled to have a new flight training provider in regional NSW.

"This partnership with Airspeed Aviation will provide potential students who want to train in Tamworth or Scone to become pilots with the opportunities to do so.

"We're excited to have Airspeed Aviation join the CQU network."

Mr Wyndham said candidates with a Private Pilot Licence and previous flying experience would be given advanced standing in the course' meaning they could qualify with less than two years of study.

"Local places in the FEE-HELP loan supported Bachelor of Aviation and Diploma of Aviation programs will be strictly limited each trimester and are conditional on acceptance into CQUniversity."