From The CFI's Desk

Chief Flying Instructor
Glen Buckley

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Welcome everyone to our new revamped website. We hope you find the information and articles written for the website of value.

We have a busy couple of months ahead with the opening of two new MFT operations out of Darwin and Gove in the Northern Territory. Dan has left us here in Melbourne to head up these operations and I am pleased to say it is off to a flying start. I joined him in Alice Springs to accompany him on the long drive into Darwin. A great trip although while I was driving, we did hit a small kangaroo during the night. Can’t tell you how relieved I was to be driving Dans car and not mine. Fortunately no damage, to the car anyway.

We arrived about lunch time on Saturday into Darwin after a relaxing brief dip into the Mataranka Station Hot Springs. I headed out and did Profiency Check flights on two of the new Instructors assisting at the school. This operation is being conducted with AV8, a large charter organisation operating a diverse fleet of single and twin engine aircraft. This will open up many career opportunities for staff and students to become involved in Charter Flying and Instructing in this exciting part of the world and with this reputable organisation. I look forward to revealing more at a later date.

A few happenings with the staff, as you know Dan has moved up to Darwin and heading up our Operation there. Anthony Lee - my Business Partner and Airline Training Captain, has had his first child a daughter Georgia. Congratulations from us all at MFT. In more great news, Charles Hessman a Grade One instructor with MFT has secured a Darwin based position conducting coast watch operations in a Dash 8 with Cobham. He will be with us for a couple of months until he takes up the position in June. A big step and a great career move for him.

After a slow period for International Students joining us due largely to the strong Australian Dollar, we are seeing some growth in this area. We have had some great new students joining us from overseas. Although we have only a small number they always add to the atmosphere at MFT and it’s been great to see them joing the staff and other students for a Friday night barbecue and drinks.

Until next time, cheers.
Glen