Pilot hopefuls and plane spotters to get airside at training open day

Aviation buffs keen to get airside to check out display aircraft will be excited about the inaugural open day of Cairns Flight Training this weekend. What’s planned for the event.

Aviation buffs keen to get airside to check out display aircraft will be excited about the inaugural open day of Cairns Flight Training this weekend.

Launched earlier this year to meet surging demand for local commercial and private pilot training the Cairns Flight Training venture has been heralded a huge success.

The Cairns Flight Training Centre has expanded its operations from one to three planes based at the Cairns Airport since opening in March. Cairns Flight Training Centre flight instructors Jordon Ward and Flinn Kelly will be available to field questions at the open day on Saturday. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns flight instructor Flinn Kelly said TAFE and CQuniversity would join with trainers to create a one-stop pilot training information day at Cairns Airport’s general aviation section.

“It will give people an opportunity to come along and get information about how to become a commercial pilot and it goes out to anyone interested in getting their private pilot’s licence,” he said.

On display will be a fully retrofitted Beechcraft Baron 58 and two Cessna 172 model S aircraft and pilot hopefuls will have the chance for one-on-one talks with industry professionals.

Plane spotters gather for the last flight of the 747 at Brisbane Airport. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

“There will be seven or eight instructors floating about and they will be there to answer any questions on the day,” Mr Kelly said.

“They can come out and have a bit of a look at the planes but will be need to be escorted for safety reasons; we will be 200m from the runway.”

The open day will be held on Saturday from 8am to 2pm at Cairns Flight Training on Tom McDonald Dr.

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Originally published as Pilot hopefuls and plane spotters to get airside at training open day