A New Flight Training Partnership in Dublin
A new partnership between DCU Business School and the National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC) was recently launched at Weston Airport, Dublin, by Simon Harris, T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
This collaboration will enable students to complete the B.Sc. in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies including all their flight training for a professional Commercial Pilot’s Licence within a 4-year period.
Gold standard
Successful graduates of the course are awarded the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Commercial Pilot Licence, which is a worldwide ‘gold standard’ in pilot qualifications.
Minister Harris said: “This partnership is a shining example of universities and training centres working together to deliver for students and employers. Ireland’s pilots and aviation experts of the future will now have the chance to get a degree and complete flight training in a more integrated course of studies. They will have the opportunity for academic-based learning as well as hands on experience …. this type of project is key to Ireland’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment in the future.”
The collaboration between DCU and NFC reflects the growing international recognition that degree-level studies, combined with professional pilot education and training, can contribute significantly to the quality of candidates entering the airline industry.
University experience and qualifications develop analytical skills and encourage a broader personal outlook. These enhance longer-term career prospects for pilots as they transition into management and wider leadership roles, while enriching the contribution of skill and competence they can bring to employers
National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC), based at Weston Airport, Dublin, has had a long-standing collaboration with DCU and is one of Europe’s longest established flight training academies. NFC is approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). Further information is available at http://www.nfc.ie
DCU aviation degrees
In the area of aviation, the DCU Business School offers two degree programmes. The undergraduate B.Sc. in Aviation Management currently has a student population of 200, some of whom will train to be pilots during their 3rd and 4th years under this new collaboration.
The B.Sc. in Aviation Management was launched a decade ago, in conjunction with the aviation industry in Ireland. It offers a combination of specialised aviation modules alongside standard business courses. The degree is highly regarded and its graduates have a very strong record of employment in the industry.
DCU Business School also offers a postgraduate Master’s degree in Management (Aviation Leadership). In a recent industry analysis, OliverWyman aviation consultants have identified, a global gap of 34,000 pilots by 2025 between airline requirements and actual supply of trained pilots. This augurs extremely well for career opportunities in Ireland and internationally.
To enquire about training for the combined degree/ATPL licence programme, or our 18 month full time ATPL programme, email info@nfc.ie.
