New aviation training aircraft take off 

Source: ONE NewsA new high-tech Canadian-built air trainer is put through its paces by Massey University's School of Aviation

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A multi-million dollar fleet of new training aircraft has been launched by Massey University's School of Aviation in Palmerston North.

The high-tech Canadian-built air trainers replace the school's old fleet of aircraft in which two student pilots died following a mid-air collision.

The 14 new aircraft, costing more than $8 million, represent a huge commitment for the university, but one it hopes will see its unique Bachelor of Aviation programme really take off.

"These planes will put us back at the cutting edge of the technology. It's what pilots and companies want," says Steve Maharey, Vice Chancellor of Massey University.

Two of the school's old piper aircraft collided in mid-air three years ago after their student pilots failed to see each other.

The new Canadian-built trainers carry the latest state-of-the art safety features, including a special air traffic warning system.

"Risk can never be totally eliminated. The only way to be totally risk free is not to fly," says Ashok Poduval of the Massey Aviation School.

Not only does the new aircraft have a special traffic advisory system which warns of other aircraft in the area, it also has amazing visibility, says ONE News reporter John Newton who took a flight.

"It just enhances all aspects of flying as compared to what we've currently got," says Craig Whyte, chief flight instructor.

Massey is the only university in New Zealand with an aviation school and one of just a few worldwide to offer degrees in aviation together with pilot training.

"There is no falling behind in the aviation industry and these planes return us right to that front edge again," says Maharey.

To be a professional aviator today, the university says students not only have to learn to be a pilot but also how to handle a machine that's technologically advanced.

The new fleet of air trainers meets those needs.