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- Friday
July 4th, 2008: Open Day in Merville
- June 24-25, 2008:
EAAPS general assembly
- EPAG
and Cityjet announce co-operation agreement
- Presentation
for EPAG students at La Motte au Bois by Tyrolean Airways
- September
19-20, 2006 : EAAPS general assembly, Toulouse.
- Information
on Air France cadet programme
- June
2006 : EU-South East Asia Cooperation.
- ATPL
distance learning course
- New
training tools to train airline pilots
- PART
147 courses : Graduation of a first group of TNT technicians
- EPAG-KLS
Cooperation
- Air
France cadet sponsoring has been increasing significantly these
days
- Commemoration
day on Merville Airport, June 22
- EPAG
tries out new GARMIN 1000
equipment installed on a DA40 aeroplane
- 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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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.”
more...
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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
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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EPAG and Cityjet announce co-operation
agreement
