First pilots graduate from Lao Civil Aviation Flight Training Centre (Vientiane Times)

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Director of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Mr. Vanpheng Chanthaphone and Vice President of the Swiss NGO PACTEC International Mr. Gerald Bourgeois last month gave the first professional pilots trained in Laos their wings.

The six students – including one young woman – started their training at the Civil Aviation Flight Training Centre (CAFTC) in Vientiane in November 2014.

After a one-year preparation course they were selected for an intensive two-year flight training programme operated by PACTEC that prepared them for the Commercial Pilot’s Licence, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Rating.

Trained to international standards, these young men and woman will now join the ranks of Lao Skyway, which has another four pilots in training at the Lao Civil Aviation Flight Training Centre.

Lao Skyway is also in the process of selecting another four candidates to enroll in the Professional Pilot Training Course. This continued investment in human resources will pave the way for Lao Skyway to face the challenges of the Asean Single Aviation Market.

This historical event is the result of a long-term cooperation between the DCA, CATC, PACTEC and Lao Skyway and represents an important milestone for the aviation community in Laos.

PACTEC International is a humanitarian NGO registered in Switzerland and has been working with the Lao Department of Civil Aviation since 2004.

Originally from Vientiane Times.