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EPAG and Cityjet announce co-operation agreement
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New training tools for student pilots
Air France cadet sponsoring has been increasing significantly these days
PART 147 Training courses
Air fleet: new equipment
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News
Our lastest news
  1. Friday July 4th, 2008: Open Day in Merville
  2. June 24-25, 2008: EAAPS general assembly
  3. EPAG and Cityjet announce co-operation agreement
  4. Presentation for EPAG students at La Motte au Bois by Tyrolean Airways
  5. September 19-20, 2006 : EAAPS general assembly, Toulouse.
  6. Information on Air France cadet programme
  7. June 2006 : EU-South East Asia Cooperation.
  8. ATPL distance learning course
  9. New training tools to train airline pilots
  10. PART 147 courses : Graduation of a first group of TNT technicians
  11. EPAG-KLS Cooperation
  12. Air France cadet sponsoring has been increasing significantly these days
  13. Commemoration day on Merville Airport, June 22
  14. EPAG tries out new GARMIN 1000 equipment installed on a DA40 aeroplane
  15. Graduation of Air Algérie Cadets

 

Friday July 4th, 2008: Open Day in Merville

As usually at this time of the year, EPAG had invited potential students and interested people to join its annual barbecue party, to visit its facilities on Merville airfield and meet students (Air France cadets, but also individual student pilots, Algerian and Dutch cadets) and staff to discuss training and get a feeling of what it is all about at EPAG’s. Over 200 visitors, some of whom having flown in, were able to attend actual training sessions on simulators. It has been a wonderful summer day for all to prepare for next year activities and to consider options for a career in aviation.

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June 24-25, 2008 : EAAPS general assembly

During its annual general assembly, held in Air France premises at Paris-CDG airport on June 24-25, the European Association of Airline Pilot Schools (www.eaaps.org) decided to broaden its scope from its original core of European FTOs to an association that is willing to represent all aviation training.

From now on any approved flying school either FTO or TRTO is invited to become member is no geographic exclusion anymore. Considering the trend towards more regulation and licences in other areas of aviation, any aviation orientated training centre is welcome join the organisation. A logical consequence is a change of name: “EAAPS” becomes “IAAPS”, the “International Association of Aviation Personnel Schools.” Becoming more representative of the whole training industry, worldwide, IAAPS will look for an observer status at ICAO. Frank Hofmann is its representative at ICAO Montreal.

IAAPS now includes 35 training organisations and associations of training organisations from all over Europe, including Airbus Training. Some member organisations carry out part of their courses outside Europe, mainly in the USA. The general assembly discussed the proposed EASA regulation which requires that all instructors training students towards EASA licences will have themselves to hold EASA licences and ratings, which in effect makes it impossible to employ American flight instructors. IAAPS is actively involved and will present its position soon as the Agency has to reconsider the consequences of such a rule, which would harm or even destroy a large part of experienced and reputed European FTOs, at the time where they are most needed by airlines.

The NPA-FCL (see http://www.easa.eu.int/ws_prod/r/r_npa.php NPA 17abc) was obviously a major agenda item for the general assembly. With the presence of an EASA representative, several aspects of the coming regulations were outlined. The transposition of JAR-FCL to EU-FCL is almost word for word, but the aviation training world must be aware of the fact that the new text has a much more binding legal status. This will lead to the benefit of harmonization but also to the detriment of flexibility which is necessary for the continuous improvement of teaching programs and methods, especially at a time when ICAO promotes a competency based approach to training, whilst old – and present – regulations are mainly based on experience requirements.

EPAG’s CEO and HT, Didier Guy and Jean-Jacques Duboille, attended the meeting on behalf of EPAG, a founding member of EAAPS.

http://www.eaaps.org/


EPAG and Cityjet announce co-operation agreement.

A team from CityJet, the Irish partner airline of Air France/KLM, visited EPAG on the 4th of July this year to evaluate EPAG’s capability to provide cadet pilots to the airline. The team comprised Tony Regan, General Manager Flight Operations; David Finn, Manager Flight Operations Resources; and Peter Moore, Pilot Recruitment Specialist. As a result of the visit and subsequent meetings, CityJet and EPAG have agreed to cooperate on a pilot training programme.

Initially CityJet will evaluate recently graduated and current EPAG students to undergo type-rating training with a view to being employed as co-pilots on the airline’s fleet of Avro RJ85 aircraft operating from Dublin, London and Birmingham.

The CEO of EPAG, Didier Guy, whilst stressing the importance of flying schools and airlines working very closely together to properly focus the training, describes this agreement with CityJet as a strategic move for EPAG in broadening its market and in creating new opportunities for EPAG trainees.

GMFO of CityJet, Tony Regan, said that CityJet have been seeking strategic partners to provide high quality ab initio pilots. Currently CityJet recruit throughout Europe. EPAG is particularly well positioned to support the airline given it’s strategic position and access to the French, Belgian, and Dutch markets. EPAG’s excellent reputation in the pilot training market in France is a major attraction for CityJet.

It is expected that the relationship will develop into an ab initio pilot training scheme where CityJet would sponsor the MCC and Avro RJ85 type-rating courses. Mr Regan said that, after an initial screening performed by CityJet, ab initio pupils would commence their training at Merville. On completion they would undergo MCC and full type conversion in Dublin on CityJet’s Avro RJ85 simulator and be employed across the CityJet network.

CityJet’s Head of Training, Captain Jack Killoch, said that he was delighted with the new relationship. He stressed the importance of rigorous screening in advance of the trainees commencing their course. This lowers the risk of failure later. This is a positive for both parties, but in particular the pupil who has made a significant investment. He stated that CityJet, unlike many other airlines, will provide a free MCC and type-rating in return for a service commitment. This lessens the financial burden for the individual thereby allowing them to focus on their flying career.

In addition, CityJet and EPAG are interested in exploring together the potential of the MPL. The advent of the MPL poses challenges for FTO’s and airlines. FTO’s will have to restructure their businesses and airlines will need to be convinced that the structure of the course meets their needs in the long term. The way forward is to strengthen bonds between FTO’s and
airline partners to manage the risks for all concerned.

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11 June 2007 : Presentation for EPAG students at La Motte au Bois by Tyrolean Airways :
another indication of EPAG’s international orientation

EPAG has established several connections with airlines which recruit ab initio pilots out from Flying school. Tyrolean, part of Austrian airlines group, is one of them, and welcomes pilots trained at EPAG. Monday June 11th, Dr Rudolf Morawetz, a psychologist in charge of pilot recruitments, presented its company, the opportunities it provides, and the selection procedures the candidates will have to go through. A general aeronautical knowledge test – a session has been delegated to EPAG and done in house to accelerate the process - , then a basic IFR flight on a flight trainer, then interviews. The recruitments are on the Dash 8, and Tyrolean expands firmly, especially towards Eastern Europe. Though the demand (and so the opportunities) are huge, the selection process remains tough. Speaking German is not mandatory, neither for the selection tests or later for flying, but Tyrolean demands that new entries gain some mastery of the language within one year of employment. Tyrolean provides type trainings for free in exchange of a mandatory minimum duration of employment. A week after Dr Morawetz’s presentation, a first EPAG graduate had succeeded and was offered a position at Tyrolean.

A Dash 8 on Innsbruck airport, where Tyrolean headquarters are, and where “mountains hide the landscape”.

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September 19-20, 2006 : EAAPS general assembly, Toulouse.

The European Association of Airline Pilots Schools (EAAPS, www.eaaps.org) convened for its annual general assembly in Airbus premises in Toulouse. Delegates obviously discussed the coming Multicrew Pilot Licence (“MPL”) which is the core of NPA31 issued by the JAA (cf http://www.jaa.nl/publications/current_npa.html) , but thanks to Micaela Versissimo’s presence, who is rulemaking officer within EASA, intense exchanges of information were possible about relationships between flying training organisations and authorities, and about the future action of EASA (cf http://www.easa.eu.int/level1/index.php) . Also attending was an observer from Airbus Training, consequence of the growing concern of the manufacturer for initial training. The association also registered two new members, one from Belgium and one from Croatia. Some delegates (see picture) were able to visit the A380 assembly line and the mockup center.


In front of a Airbus A380 soon to be delivered to Singapore Airlines, representatives from:
FT Europe, Swiss Avaition Training, KLS, EASA, Lufthansa FT, EPAG, .London University, Sabena FA, Cabair, Oxford AS.

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Information on Air France cadet programme

« Air France Magazine, the publication Air France is giving to its passengers, presents this months its “pilot cadet” programme, whereby selected ab initio student pilots are first offered training at EPAG and later join the ranks of its first officers, mainly on Airbus A320.”

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June 2006 : EU-South East Asia Cooperation.

The aim of the project was to give Asian experts the opportunity to observe real-time training of the JAR-FCL ab initio pilot training process. During four days EPAG has discussed of selection processes, demands of the Theoretical course, methodology of exam delivery and practical training, which will include the role of Flight Training Devices approved by JAR FCL. Recruiting and training of instructors with the required regulatory qualifications will also feature.

They observed all the ab initio JAR FCL pilot training process in both the theoretical and practical phases.

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ATPL distance learning course

EPAG is in partnership with Hub'Air which use the Bristol Distance Learning system (the leading provider of JAA distance learning in the United Kingdom).
Over the coming month, EPAG and HUBAIR team will be working with you to help you make a success of this phase of your training - that is, to help you pass the JAA theoretical knowledge examinations .. More ...

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New training tools to train airline pilots

Two twin engine DA42 Twinstar, and an Alsim FNPT2 DA42 simulator have been delivered to EPAG. The Austrian made DA42, engined with two Thielert Centurion diesel engines, is equipped with a Garmin 1000 EFIS set, similar to an airliner instrument panel. EPAG’s are the first two fully de-iced DA42 delivered in France, approved to fly in known-icing conditions. Consistent with EPAG’s fleet of 10 single engine DA40 D which has already flown over 11 000 hours, they allow for smooth transitions and efficient training.

This modern fleet is for the time being operated in parallel with conventional Socata TB20 Trinidad and Beechcraft BE58 Baron twins.

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PART 147 courses : Graduation of a first group of TNT technicians.


On Wednesday December 21st, the graduation of a first group of maintenance technicians from the well-known operator based in Liege, Belgium, was celebrated at IAAG. This happy ending for the graduates is probably only the beginning of a larger cooperation between TNT (www.tnt.com), the WAN (Wallonie Aerotraining Network) and IAAG.

During a social gathering with the laureates and their instructors, Mr Marc De Veirman, TNT Hangar Manager, presented to Mr Didier GUY, IAAG Director General, a commemorative tablet as a symbol of this first achievement and of a nascent cooperation.

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EPAG-KLS Cooperation

Increased harmonization of flight crew licensing regulations, and the merging of Air France and KLM, made possible a fruitful cooperation between KLM Flight Academy, (KLS, http://www.pilootworden.nl/index2.html), and EPAG, the two “FTOs” who carry out ab initio pilot training for these two airlines, and who have known each other for years now through their common involvement within the European Association of Airline Pilot Schools (EAAPS, www.eaaps.org).

 


Anton Schmidt and Didier Guy, General Manager of KLS and EPAG, surrounded from left to right by Mr Verdiesen and Mr Fouw, students of KLS, Bert Daniels, KLS instructor, Bernard Le Boette EPAG instructor, and Pierre Cantonnet, EPAG Flight operations.

Over fifty Dutch “cadets” came to Merville to be trained on EPAG’s FNPT2s, whilst a Beechcraft B58 Baron went to Groningen to supplement KLS’s aircraft in finishing their IR course. Flight Instructors were exchanged along with this common use of the training tools. For both flight schools, it is a pragmatic answer to a temporary need, but it is also the opportunity to learn from each other.

This first cooperation will end later in 2006, and nothing has been defined yet as a follow up. Both schools will discuss further possible cooperation (e.g: developments MPL, Single Engine training). In any case both schools are confident that their partnership will make them stronger, more relevant, more efficient, to satisfy the needs of all their trainees and customers.

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Air France cadet sponsoring has been increasing significantly these days

All airlines appeared recently to experience difficulties in convincing a large enough number of young bright individuals to undertake the selection procedure and the flight training route to become airline pilots. Air France faced the same situation last year, and ten cadets positions were not assigned when the courses began at EPAG.

The situation is back to normal this year, and 48 ab initio trainees are to join EPAG in 2006. It is no surprise, as Air France offers a very attractive scheme: all the training is paid by the airline, and the trainees are offered from day one a preliminary employment contract. The initial selection is sharp, but the success rate is excellent. Becoming a first officer on an Air France Airbus A320 within two years, then flying a long haul aircraft, and being promoted to captain when the seniority list allows, how can someone miss this opportunity?

Information is available on http://devenirpiloteairfrance.com/. Speaking fluently French is a prerequisite. But, as for any European airline nowadays, it is accessible to any European national.

The training scheme at EPAG designed to meet specific requirements of Air France training captains. Its purpose is to prepare the trainee to a real first officer position, not to a transitional arrangement as second officer or to a mere legal minimum CPL-IR-ME JAR licence.

The trainees are grouped each month in batches of eight, three consecutive batches being further grouped to form a class for the theory instruction. consequently, the flow of students is smoothing, providing a better use of the training tools within the FTO and later for the type rating training.

Air France cadets trained at EPAG were the first airline pilot trainees in France to sit for ATPL theoretical examinations in English language: not with standing all existing legal requirements and the coming ICAO level 4 rule, everyone at EPAG and at Air France is convinced that every opportunity must be seized anyway to increase the ability of airline pilots to use the English language.

Air France cadets make only half of EPAG’s activity. Self sponsored students and cadets sponsored by other airlines make the other half.

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Commemoration day on Merville Airport, June 22

The 385th Bomb Group Veteran Association contacted EPAG one year ago, in order to organize a visit of Merville airfield where their B17 were operating in 1945. EPAG then informed the city council, whose members decided not only to welcome the group of veterans but also to make the day of their visit a day of commemoration, to mark the friendship between France and the USA and to honour all those who fought for our liberty during WW2. The councils also voted a budget necessary to have the last B17 "Flying Fortress" in flying condition in Europe, fly to Merville on that occasion.



Arthur Driscoll, vice president of the Veteran Association, told how he made an emergency landing in Merville on April 5, 1945, his aircarft being severely hit by the flak first over Dunkerque then over Nurnberg. It was his 13th mission over Germany; one of his crewmember, seriously wounded, was left in Merville hospital. Arthur Driscoll gave us an aeronautical chart of Merville airport, stamped "secret", which shows how the airfield stood at the time with its three concrete runways, only one remaining in use today.

It has been a wonderful day for aviators, and also an emotional moment for these veterans who could see again in flight the airplane which they flew and with which they fought 60 years ago . The group, the veterans and their families, could feel the warmth of the welcome (It was also a hot day, but this is not the point here).

The kindness and maestria of the crew of the "Pink Lady", operated by the association "Forteresse toujours volante" ("Still Flying Fortress", or, as her arrival was not "still": "Always Flying Fortress"), was an essential part of the success of this day, for the general public as well as for the students and staff from IAAG and EPAG. The pilots, Captains Bezy and Domine, mentionned that unfortunately, due to the skyrocketing insurance prices based on aircraft weight without any consideration for the type of operation, this flight might be one of the very last for a European B17.

During the official celebration, the President of the "Communauté de Communes" (Community of Cities) also gave news on the project to develop Merville airfield, especially with a leasure area south of the runway.

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EPAG tries out new GARMIN 1000 equipment installed on a DA40 aeroplane

Flight Experiments of GARMIN 1000 instruments on a DA40 took place at EPAG. just Below, you can see a short final on 04 runway at Merville. After the introduction of the first 6 DA40 TDI equipped with a traditional instrument panel, a new stage in the modernization process of the airfleet is in progress at EPAG. EPAG will try out also soon a twin-engine DA42 which is equipped with the same instrument panel. The putting into place of these new teaching means requires an adaptation of the training programs , and will not be able to intervene before one year, since all these materials are not certified yet and will be possibly ordered
only within sight of the results of the experiments.


Landing with a Garmin 1000 equipped DA40

Parking Avion de l'EPAG
EPAG's flight line on Merville apron

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Graduation of Air Algérie Cadets


Air Algérie and Amaury de la Grange have a long and successful history of working together.

After a long interruption, a new group of pilot cadets began an ATP integrated course at La Motte au Bois in 2003. A second group followed soon. Forty seven of the original fifty young men and women gratuated, and they are beginning their carreer as first officers on Air Algérie's ATR72s or B737s. The flying training was carried out in partnership with SEFA, the State-owned flying school. Approved by the Algerian Civil Aviation Authority along a route similar to JAR-FCL, the training scheme proved very satisfying.

The graduation was celebrated at the headquarters of EPAG, in the castle of La Motte au Bois. Representatives of all the parties involved gathered for the students, and wished them a happy and successful continuation of their pilot life. On the picture above, from left to right, among the students, can be recognized: Jean Luc Barroy, CFI EPAG, Didier Guy, CEO EPAG, Djelloul Tabet, Consul of Algeria in Lille, Maxime Brugel, Deputy Ops Manager of SEFA, Mohamed Charef, Director of Operations Air Algérie, Ahmed Debarri, Air Algérie representative in Lille, Kouider Chaa, senior Flight Instructor EPAG, Denis Apvrille, Director of SEFA, Lionel Champanay, senior Flight Instructor EPAG, Bernard Michel, Head of Traning EPAG.

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