Horizon set to expand fleet, begin pilot training course

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mohammed Humaidan Al Zaabi, General Manager of Horizon, said Horizon recently procured four Robinson R44 helicopters to add to its current fleet of Bell 206 helicopters and five Cessna 172 Sky hawk aircraft recently bought to launch its fixed wing pilot training programme.

The newly acquired Cessna training aircraft are equipped with the most modern avionics, Gamin 1000 and are the ideal training aircraft. Cessna has also chosen Horizon to be its authorised service hub and a centre for Cessna pilot training programme.

With the recently approved Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) programme, the academy is currently evaluating twin engine aircraft to add on to their training fleet.

''Procurement is in the final stages for acquiring twin engine fixed wing aircraft and simulators for both the fixed wing and helicopter training programmes,'' Al Zaabi added.

Later this year the academy will be officially launching their ATPL programme, which trains pilots for the Airline industry to internationally recognised standards.

To enhance the programme, a Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) Course will also be offered.

He said other courses to be offered by the end of this year include Private Pilot Licence for Helicopters and fixed wing, as well as a pilot training programme for Qualified Military Pilots.

This programme, offered only to Military Pilots, enables them to acquire a civilian licence from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on completion of the course.

The academy began training helicopter pilots in September 2003 after receiving approval from the GCAA and on a curriculum equivalent to the standards of European Joint Aviation Authority (JAA).

Owned by Mubadala Development Company (MDC), the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government, Horizon is the only flight training organisation of its kind in the Middle East, offering helicopter and fixed wing pilot training courses, it was stated.