Hamish Taana of Napier (pictured above) is about to have his dream come true after being accepted as a cadet pilot for Jetstar. The 22-year-old graduate from the CTC Aviation Training airline pilot training school in Hamilton is about to start his training with the airline.
Hamish has been accepted as part of Jetstar’s Advanced Cadet Programme which, all going well, will see him graduate to a first officer in 12 months. The training will take place at CTC’s training centres in the UK and at Jetstar in Australia.
“The amazing thing about the programme is that I get a chance to advance really quickly to become part of the flying crew for an Airbus A320 even though I currently only have 225 hours’ flying time,” says Hamish.
“Part of Jetstar’s philosophy in taking people like me with such low hours is that they get the chance to bring me into their systems and processes without the need to have me make a change from any other airline procedures I may have learned. Obviously they are investing in my potential rather than my experience.”
He says the news that he had been accepted into the programme was overwhelming, especially for his parents, strong supporters of their son’s desire to make a career as an international airline pilot.
“Mum and Dad were pretty emotional when I told them. It is completely understandable given the fact that thousands of people want to make it as an airline pilot. I’m fortunate to be making my dreams come true.”
Hamish will be bonded to Jetstar for a period of time once he has his A320 type rating as a first officer.
- Report and photograph supplied by ©CTC Aviation Training