Sault College enhances Flight Training Program.

• Position: FedNor Update - Brief Article

Aviation Technology (Flight) students at Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology will soon benefit from enhanced learning thanks to the purchase of two flight simulators. Announced in February 2001, the full impact of this investment will be evident in the months and years ahead, according to Tony Hanlon, Vice-President, Academic at Sault College.

"FedNor funding of $500 000 has enabled us to purchase state-of-the art instructional equipment that will increase enrolment and serve as an important element of the College's regional economic development efforts toward a nationally recognized aviation centre in Northern Ontario," says Hanlon.

The Aviation Pilot Training Program, one of 70 full-time study options at Sault College, draws the most out-of-district students. Almost all of the program's 150 students are from outside Algoma. According to the College, this translates into incremental student spending of approximately $1.5 million in Sault Ste. Marie, the creation and support of 60 full-time jobs in the community at large, as well as 10 faculty and 5 Sault College support staff positions.

Sault College Aviation Technology (Flight) students currently earn a Commercial License, Multi-Engine endorsement and Group 1 Instrument rating. The College, one of two in Canada offering these credentials, is the only one in Northern Ontario.

"In addition to cementing Sault College's position as a national leader in flight training," adds Hanlon, "this project will further enable us to pursue international flight training contracts."

In March 2001, the College hosted a delegation from Taiwan. It is hoped that between 20 to 25 Taiwanese students a year will enrol in a customized pilot training program at the College.

The enhancement of the Sault College program further strengthens Northern Ontario's position as a recognized leader in aviation training by complementing other specialized aviation programs at Canadore College in North Bay and Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

The Sault College Aviation program is also an integral component of Sault Ste. Marie's Industrial Marketing Strategy and the Airport Development Corporation's Master Plan. As a key tenant of the Sault Ste. Marie airport, the Aviation Program provides technical and skilled aviation labour and revenue through fees and fuel purchase.

FedNor and Sault College - helping northern pilots take flight!

RELATED ARTICLE: Le Sault College rehausse son programme d'aviation.

Les etudiants...