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Virgin Australia has welcomed the first group of graduating pilot cadets from its inaugural training program.
After 55 weeks of intensive training, the group of seven fully qualified pilots will be initially be sent to Brisbane and Perth as first officers on Virgin Australia’s Fokker 50 and ATR 72 turboprop fleet.
Virgin Australia acting chief operating officer Lawrie Turner said the program has delivered on its promise to invest in the future of pilots in this country.
“When we launched the program in 2012, we were responding to the increasing global demand for well trained and experienced pilots. As Virgin Australia continues to grow its fleet of 148 aircraft, these pilots will be flying us into the future.
“The last 55 weeks have been challenging for these cadets and they have demonstrated their professionalism and skills to the highest levels. I congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to seeing them take to the skies on their first commercial flights in the coming weeks.” Mr Turner said.
The program included 183 hours of flight training and 74 hours of simulator training as well as visits to maintenance hangars, aircraft inspections and even a test flight with Sir Richard Branson when he was in Australia in May.
The cadets graduate with a Private Pilots Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL); Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR), Air Transport Pilots License (ATPL) subjects; Multi- Crew Training and Jet Conversion Training.
