Degree in air transport with commercial pilot training for the first time in Asia

Monday, 5 November 2012 11:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Gateway Graduate School is to offer a BA (Hons) in air transport with commercial pilot training for the first time in Asia. The agreement in this regard was signed in the United Kingdom a fortnight ago, between Professor Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University and Dr. Harsha Alles, Deputy Chairman of Gateway.

The three year degree that will commence in March 2013 is a unique program in the UK higher education sector, as it allows students to obtain a university degree and a frozen ATPL at a lower cost than would be incurred in obtaining both qualifications separately.

With Gateway partnering with Skyline Aviation, a flying training academy that is fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, students are able to complete the entire course in Sri Lanka, thus making further savings on high living costs abroad.

The BA (Hons) air transport with commercial pilot training represents a unique and exciting program of study which allows students to obtain a recognised UK Honours degree and qualify for a ‘frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) – the highest category that there is, in just three years of full-time study.

The course is designed specifically to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue a career in the airline industry, initially as commercial airline pilots but with the medium-term objective of being eligible for progression into airline management roles.

Commercial piloting is a professional qualification, therefore, the commercial pilots in the past did not require a degree. However, with increasing competition, internationally, there is an emerging trend to recognise commercial pilots who are also graduates.

With this in mind, plans have already been made to offer a one year top-up degree for commercial pilots with two or more years of experience. Further, those who have already received a private pilot license in the past can obtain credit for it if they wish to join this program and complete their frozen ATPL and the degree.

The Bucks New University (BNU) has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893 as a school of science and art. BNU offers education to over 9,000 students studying on a range of courses linked to many sectors.

Providing education from foundation level all the way up to graduation, the Gateway Group has built a reputation of being not only one of the largest but also one of the most trusted educational institutions in Sri Lanka.

Gateway now opens new horizons in higher education through innovative programs, offering students affordable options of completing high quality internationally recognised degrees right here in Sri Lanka.

The initial launch of this exciting programme is to take place on 7 November at 5.00 p.m. at the Waters Edge with the distinguished presence of Professor Derek Godfrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor, BNU and officials of BNU, Gateway and Skyline.

Call Varuni on 0772256356/0112593213 or visit Gateway Graduate School at 26, McLeod Road, (bordering Duplication Road) Bambalapitiya and reserve one of the very limited places that will be available for the launch.