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Construction has begun on The Royal Flying Doctors Service’s new training facility in Bundaberg, Queensland.
This new facility will be built next to the existing base and will be home to the only Beechcraft King Air Pro Line Fusion Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) in Australia.
RFDS pilots from Queensland will spend at least two weeks a year at the training facility, while other non-pilot members of the RFDS will also use the simulator for endorsements and recurrent training for King Air aircraft.
Meredith Staib, CEO of the RFDS (Queensland Section) said, “I’m incredibly excited to see work commence on our new Aviation Training Facility, which will help support the ongoing training of our highly skilled pilots, as well as pilots from across Australia and Asia.
“This purpose-built facility will play a vital role as we head towards 100 years of the Flying Doctor, with innovative aviation and training technology on our doorstep helping to ensure the continuity of world-class training for our pilots and crew – allowing them to continue to provide the finest care to patients right across Queensland.”
The land for the training facility was donated by Bundaberg Regional Council, and construction was jointly funded by the RFDS, the Federal Government and the QCoal Foundation.
Bundaberg mayor Jack Dempsey said, “The council is pleased to support the new RFDS Aviation Training Facility through the donation of land joining its aeromedical base.
“It’s going to create jobs here locally during construction and will attract at least 81 pilots every year.
“It has long been my vision to see the Bundaberg Region established as a hub for emergency services training.”
Federal Transport Catherine King said, “The Australian Government is proud to be contributing nearly $15 million to make this critical project a reality. This will support the essential medical services of the RFDS by providing a world-class facility for training their pilots.
“It will also deliver a broader economic boost to Bundaberg and surrounds by supporting local jobs and attracting these pilots to visit, stay and shop in the region while strengthening our domestic medical aviation capacity.”
The RFDS Aviation Training Facility is planned to be completed by the end of 2023.
