Canadian Mennonite University Collaborates with Flying Colors
Pilot Training
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) has a new Integrated
Aviation and Baccalaureate Program delivered in cooperation with
Flying Colors Pilot Training. The program consists of a
comprehensive commercial pilot flight-training module integrated
with a baccalaureate degree program.
Canadian Mennonite University and Flying Colors Pilot Training
cooperatively developed and deliver this program. The objective is
to prepare pilots with superior capabilities. The 2001 Human
Resource Study of Commercial Pilots in Canada, reporting survey
results in its section on hiring criteria, states that "many
operators indicated a preference for college and university
graduates," and "in focus groups, air operators said they believed
that college or university graduates would generally make better
pilots because they had acquired more broad-based skills,
especially non-technical skills".
Ready to Go On Graduation Day
The integrated program will begin in September 2003. Normally
the program requires four years to complete. Students will earn
their Private Pilot certification, Commercial Pilot's License,
Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings at Flying Colors, and a
three-year baccalaureate degree at CMU. Degree programs available
for integration with the aviation training are the Bachelor of
Arts, Bachelor of Theology or Bachelor of Church Ministries.
Flying Colors delivers its award-winning aviation
program from its location at Winnipeg International Airport using
the most modern and best-equipped training aircraft available. All
flight training is Transport Canada approved and is performed to
international ICAO standards. The program is open to all Canadians
as well as international and American students.
"Our new cooperative program with Flying Colors presents another
exciting option for students," said Wesley Toews, Assistant Dean at
CMU. "Now they may draw on the resources of these two
student-oriented, innovative institutions to prepare themselves for
vocations as pilots of exceptional skill and character."
Aviation Internship Program
"Aviation in
today's world presents many challenges, at all levels!" explained
Flying Colors president, Michael Gillespie. "The CMU program
uniquely prepares our pilots to understand and interact
constructively in response to conflict situations at the personal,
local and global levels. Our graduates will find their skills and
knowledge valued in many contexts which involve justice, peace,
communication, culture, conflict transformation and dispute
resolution."
"All commercial pilots must meet the same minimum government
standards in Canada," said Michael Bland, General Manager and Chief
Flight Instructor at Flying Colors. "But, this very unique program
offers our students an exceptional opportunity to set themselves
apart from the crowd, to develop and exhibit those leadership,
ethical and communications qualities which are so valuable in
today's industry."
The Manitoba Aviation Council congratulated CMU and Flying
Colors Pilot Training on the announcement of their new program.
Fred Petrie, Executive Director, reports that development of
aviation training has been a major focus of the Council's
activities, with completion of two major studies. "The new
CMU-Flying Colors degree program, developing aviation's leaders of
tomorrow, certainly supports the direction of industry development.
It is an important initiative in supporting our industry's
continuing growth." (Students with pre-existing flight experience
should contact the Flying Colors Chief Flight Instructor for prior
credit information.)
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