A number of trial flights were undertaken during the day.
More than 300 people attended the recent Aviation Open Day, hosted by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s School of Aviation Te Kura Rererangi. Despite the less than perfect weather, 110 aspiring aviators from across Aotearoa New Zealand came to learn more, with 40 prospective students taking to the air in trial flights during the day.
Presentations on the Bachelor of Aviation (Air Transport Pilot) and the Bachelor of Aviation Management were held at regular intervals throughout the day so prospective students could learn about each programme and which one might suit them best. There was also a presentation on career opportunities, including two presentations on air traffic control careers by a team leader from Airways, New Zealand’s air navigation service provider.
Visitors were also taken in groups on a tour of the Aviation Centre, including the flight simulator suite and the maintenance hangar.
Forty students went on pre-booked trial flights, with their whānau watching the flight paths on a screen projected from the School’s ‘Spider Tracks’ flight following system.
School of Aviation Chief Executive Ashok Poduval says it was a hugely successful day, and one of the most attended Open Day events for the School of Aviation.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of about 40 of our current students who volunteered as tour guides to show people around the centre and answer the myriad of questions from our prospective students and their families. Our flight instructors also did a wonderful job of safely accomplishing 40 trial flights during the day, which is no mean feat. I have no doubt this interest will translate into greater aviation student numbers in the coming years which is exciting for Massey and the industry.”
Learn more about the School of Aviation here.
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