Sky high prospects for student pilots with new training venture

For the first time in 15-years the kick off of a new Cairns aviation venture is set to launch the careers and hobbies of local pilots through hands-on flight training at the Cairns Airport.

FOR the first time in 15-years a hands-on flight training is now available at Cairns airport for commercial and private pilot trainees.

Operating a Cessna 172 with updated Garmin avionics and soon to add a larger, faster instrument-rated twin engine Beechcraft Baron, Cairns Flight Training has been in the skies since late March.

A flight training vacuum filled by the new business has generated strong demand from CQUniversity students studying to become commercial pilots who require flight hours at the controls of a real aircraft.

To date the business already has 15 pilots on the books.

Cairns flight instructor Flinn Kelly from Cairns Flight Training on the tarmac with his Cessna 172 aircraft. Picture: Brian Cassey

Cairns Flight Training chief flight instructor Dean Tierney said the new service was a game changer for Cairns-based flight students at CQU doing a Bachelor of Aviation who previously had to a crew airtime in Townsville.

“That was the catalyst that got us up there (from Townsville) and it has been a really important part of making this viable,” he said.

A Beechcraft Baron similar to the plane to be operated by Cairns Flight Training at the Cairns Airport.

“We have been welcomed with open arms from Cairns Airport management and the general public as well.

“When we started we expected a handful of students but that number has tripled and we are trying to meet demand at the moment.”

The business also offers theory and practical training for aircraft users looking to get their private pilot’s license.

Cairns Flight Training is located at the Cairns Airport in the general aviation sector. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“We cater to someone who has no experience through to someone who has experience that wants to finish their qualification, the facility is open to everyone,” he said.

Cairns flight instructor Flinn Kelly currently is the only trainer based at the general aviation section of the Cairns Airport but Mr Tierney hoped additional pilots would be added when needed.

“It’s really exciting to see this idea we have had for a long time come to fruition and really shows how many people would love to take up flying in Cairns but just have not been able to do it,” Mr Tierney said.

“To be able to see someone with no experience learn to fly brings a lot of satisfaction as flight instructors and we’re really excited to be offering that in Cairns now.”

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Originally published as Sky high prospects for student pilots with new training venture