DCU and NFC Launch New Partnership
A new partnership between Dublin City University Business School and the National Flight Centre Pilot Academy (NFC) was launched at Weston Airport, Dublin last week, by Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
This collaboration will facilitate DCU students in the Aviation Management with Pilot Studies degree programme who undertake their pilot training with National Flight Centre. Students choosing Pilot Studies as their preferred option on the course can now begin their pilot training at the commencement of year 3, which will allow them to complete their B.Sc. and Airline Transport Pilot training within a 4-year period.
Minister Simon Harris, T.D., 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. I want to thank DCU and the National Flight Centre for partnering to deliver this for students and the aviation industry. This type of project is key to Ireland’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment in the future.”
DCU President Prof Daire Keogh said: “As the Ireland’s University of Enterprise, DCU is delighted to collaborate with the NFC on this initiative. The partnership will offer world-class opportunities to DCU students and support the development of talent in the aviation industry which is facing a global pilot shortage.”
National Flight Centre, Head of Training, Darragh Owens said: “There is 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. NFC is delighted to collaborate with DCU in facilitating these outcomes with our new collaboration”
About the Author
Mark Dwyer Mark is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 737 for a major European airline. In addition he is also a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Base Training Captain on the B737. Outside of commercial flying Mark enjoys flying light aircraft from the smallest 3 Axis microlights up to heavier singles. He is also an instructor and EASA Examiner on single engines and a UK CAA Examiner. He flies the Chipmunk for the Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF). Mark became the Chairman of the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) in 2013 and has overseen a massive growth in the organisation. In this role he has worked at local and national levels. In 2015, Mark won ‘Upcoming Aviation Professional Award’ at the Aviation Industry Awards sponsored by the IAA. Mark launched this website back in 2002 while always managing the website, he has also been Editor and Deputy Editor of FlyingInIreland Magazine from 2005 to 2015.
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