Third batch of Mihin Lanka trainee First Officers take wing

Wednesday, 5 March 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Airline leverages on dynamic recruitment process and focused training

Mihin Lanka, Sri Lanka’s low cost carrier is proud of the rapid progress made by its 3rd batch of cadets inducted in July 2013. The airline fulfilled its commitment to clear four Trainee First Officers to fly on line as fully fledged pilots within a mere six and half months, well ahead of the scheduled eight months. Two more pilots are scheduled to follow suit before end of March 2014.

Mihin Lanka Chief Pilot – Training and Standards Capt. Themiya Abeywickrama said: “This achievement has been made possible by the talented and dedicated young pilots from our 3rd batch, as well as the commitment of the Sri Lankan Airlines resident simulator instructors and the passion of Mihin Lanka’s veteran Instructor Captains who have shared their expertise with this new batch of pilots. Teamwork and dedication were pivotal for achieving this milestone, cemented in customised training programs. We were lucky to leverage on the ADAPT interview process by Alpha Aviation UK, which tailor-makes the interview process for the qualities we were seeking in our third batch of cadets. We are pleased with the results as it demonstrates the company’s agility in responding to evolving trends in the marketplace to ensure sustainability of our operations.” The selected candidates were required to have a Commercial Pilots License from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. After the suitable candidates are selected by the ADAPT aptitude process, they have to undergo a six week stint at the Ground School, during which they are introduced to working systems on bigger and modern airplanes. Thereafter they start on the Type Rating Course, which includes Aircraft Type Specific ground school and simulated flight training, which takes approximately six to eight weeks. Only then can they commence flying aircrafts with an Instructor Captain. This is called line orientation during which they have to fly a minimum of 40 (Take offs and Landings) sectors to a maximum of 60 sectors before they get final clearance to fly online. Trained by some of Asia’s foremost training pilots, these cadets are poised for a dynamic career in the aviation industry. Currently flying to 10 destinations in the region, including Seychelles, Bahrain, Dubai, Sharjah, Gaya, Varanasi, Madurai, Dhaka, Jakarta and Medan - Mihin Lanka, with its modern Airbus Fleet is fully geared to go beyond. Passengers onboard Mihin Lanka can also enjoy, upgraded meals, kids meals, duty free items for sale and in-flight entertainment and much more benefits.