With breath taking scenic views and warm temperatures, the Republic of Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean and truly a tourist hotspot. It is therefore not only ideal for pilot training but also to relax and enjoy the beautiful islands for leisure. It is here, where the Maldives Aviation Academy (MAA) has just completed its first-ever simulated flight training programme. The brand new ELITE S812 FNPT II has turned MAA into a fully established flight training organisation (FTO) with the capability to offer integrated CPL with ME rating and IR training.
Situated on Gan Island, the second largest island of the Seenu Atoll, Gan International Airport is one of the three international airports in the Maldives. The former Royal Air Force (RAF) and military airbase in the 1950s now functions as an international airport with a high volume of air traffic, which makes it the perfect location for MAA students to fulfil their dreams of becoming a professional pilot.
The awarded and prestigious FTO offers programmes for the private pilot license with the possibility of adding a night rating. This option is the first step towards becoming a professional pilot and allows students to fly after sunset in VFR conditions, making time building more flexible and enjoyable – especially in the Maldives with good weather through much of the year.
„Even though the Maldives offer almost 365 flying days a year our S812 FNPT II flight simulator is going to give MAA a huge increase in attractivity as an FTO“, says ELITE sales manager Mr René Huddlestone. „We are extremely proud to being able to contribute to the success story of MAA in the Maldives.“
MAA officially commenced classes on 10th January 2022 and is preparing to train a new batch of students this year. The academy is also working to introduce more programmes in the future.
These are interesting times in the aviation industry of the Maldives, as the Ministry of higher education of Maldives offers pilot training opportunities for students as part of loans and scholarships programs. They provide this opportunity to a limited number of five to twenty students each time. Any pilot in the Maldives holding a CPL license can be employed to fly as a seaplane pilot. For the captaincy requirement in the seaplane there is the requirement of an ATPL. In order to be employed to fly heavier turbo prop aircraft like the Dash-8 and the ATR pilots require to hold at least a frozen ATPL license. As ubiquitous as yellow cabs are in New York, no one leaves the Maldives without noticing the seaplane taxis. Albeit impractical to flag down, they are the safest and fastest transportation in this island nation.
The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometres. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometres, only 298 square kilometres of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.
About ELITE:
ELITE Simulation Solutions AG is a global provider of IFR training software, flight controls and flight training devices, with over 450 certified simulators sold worldwide since 1987. ELITE builds and supports EASA, FAA, CASA, ANAC and DGCA (among others) certified flight training devices and offers customer-specific developments to both private and government entities. Our hallmark is quality and our creed is excellent customer service. ELITE offices are located in Zürich, Switzerland and Orlando, Florida USA. Website: www.flyelite.com