PTC Industry Talks

Getting your EASA License in SA

EASA exams in South Africa, the where, why and how you can write them. In this interview we talk with Alex Todd, head of training at 43 airschool on their recent partnership with Austrocontrol and approval as an examination out station for those looking at taking on their EASA exams in South Africa.

Relocating and operating in the Middle East. Is the grass really greener?

With the boom in air travel following years of contraction as a result of the COVID pandemic, airlines are finding themselves with increasing passenger demand and in need of experienced and qualified crew. The Middle East is one of these areas offering attractive packages and perks for South African flight crew. However, is it as easy to relocate as it sounds? Join us a former Mango Airlines captain Brad Dickson unpacks the Pro's and Cons of relocating as well as what crew can expect when being interviewed for a carrier in the Middle East.

The Exciting World of Drones

Kyle tells us about the safety aspects and career opportunities in the Drone industry.

The Importance of Aviation Specific Insurance

Find out what the difference between Disability Cover and Loss of License Cover is for Pilots. Make an informed decision about your Insurance to ensure you are covered for Aviation specific events.

ATC with Megan Evans

Everything you need to know about your Aviation Medical.

Join us as we chat with Dr Mike Collins 👨🏻‍⚕️ The loss of an aviation medical can be devastating to a pilot, however, there are some choices you can make to increase the likelihood of a long and healthy aviation career. Join us as we talk to leading South African Aviation Medical Examiner Dr Mike Collins as he sheds light on some of the lifestyle-related diseases which have shortened the working careers of professional pilots, and some of the steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of this happening and dispels some of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding pilot health. Don't miss this great episode!

What to do when your pilot career-path doesn't go to plan

As young aviators, we often start our careers with a clear objective/goal in mind. This often includes a big jet and a (hopefully) bigger salary! However, life doesn’t always go to plan and sometimes thats for the best. For Pumelela that was one of the best things that have happened to him. In this episode, we speak with Pumelela about his career journey from civilian training, military and police. Now, he’s doing what he loves - helping others. Learn More - https://www.flyafricaworld.com/

How I got my First Flying Job as a Pilot

“I need a job to get the experience, and the experience to get a job” is a popular quote amongst many. In South Africa, the mark of hours is much smaller and opportunities are not regularly available as in other countries around the world. In order to get the experience the operators are looking for, we speak about how to tap into the market when short of the desired experience and work your way up the ladder. Showing what grit and determination are needed to make it in the industry, Let 410 First Officer Murray Buys shares with us what obstacles he faced early on in his career and how he ultimately overcame these challenges to obtain his dream of becoming a professional pilot. As always, an inspiring and educational conversation you won't want to miss! 😁

The Future of Diabetes in Aviation

Aviation boasts a very high safety record and is known to be a very safe form of travel, with major accidents and incidents being relatively low compared to thousands of flights taking place around the world every single day. A major contributing factor is down to the regulations that all members in the industry must adhere to. The high-level training is conducted by operators both domestically and internationally. Pilots and other members of the industry are expected to undergo rigorous testing and assessments each year in order to prove their knowledge and skill. Pilots, cabin crew and tower controllers need to undergo an aviation medical with a designated aviation medical examiner to indicate medical fitness. but what happens when an underlying medical condition derails your career plans? We thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with Jono Collins who went through exactly that and how he overcame that in his success to being found medically for his Class 1 Medical ⛑ Joining us as we celebrate this exciting time for Jono Collins, an inspiring and educational conversation you won't want to miss! #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks

What Really Happened with the Hansie Cronje Crash?

Today we are discussing the notorious Air Aquarius Flight HS-748, as many will know during a routine cargo run just South of George, South Africa, while carrying former SA Cricket Captain Hansie Cronje crashed into the mountain and took the lives of 3 souls on board. With a storm of media covering this tragic event, this story had an extra edge of a scandal due to the accusations against Hansie Cronje for match-fixing within SA Cricket that took South Africa by storm and the International Cricket World. Many questions surround this event, an inquest was ordered to investigate the events surrounding the crash and unpack whether the accident was more sinister than it initially appeared. Joining us to walk through the events is Bruce Hyde, who back in 2002 was the accessor to the judge during investigations. #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks

What Does The Future of Training Looking Like?

Join us as we speak with Philip Adrian the CEO of European Operator MPS, building the highest quality and most reliable FSTD’s in the market. Philip has an extensive career in aviation from flight and operation experience with big players like Boeing and many others ✈️ We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Philip about the future of aviation, simulators and training within the aviation sector. An inspiring and educational conversation you won't want to miss! 😁

ACMI Operations in Europe

Join us as we speak with Dirk Tromp who shortly after finishing high school received his Pilot Licence and Instructors Rating. Thereafter went on to operate for nation flag-carriers, domestic and charter operators as well as being a partner in the start up of a successful charter operation with a footprint throughout Africa ✈️ More recently Dirk has been operating the A320 for South African ACMI Operator, Global Airways. As we chat with Dirk he shares with us what drove him to become a pilot, the pros and cons of working for and running a charter operation and final the in's and out's of ACMI throughout Europe. A great, informative and insightful conversation - you won't want to miss this one! 😁

Getting Your First Aviation Job!

Join us as we talk with Head of Training @43airschool, Alex Todd and Flight Instructor, Gareth Abrams 👨🏼‍✈️ Not sure what to do after getting your Commercial Pilot Licence - we've got you covered with all the best insight scoops and advice from two well accomplished and travelled pilots! ✈️

EASA Licence Conversion - everything you need to know!

Join us as we talk with Former SAA Captain Wayne Jolly 👨🏼‍✈️ Shortly after mass retrenchments at SAA and the Covid Pandemic made many pilots in South Africa redundant, Wayne saw opportunity in Europe and used his downtime to obtain both his EASA and UK ATPL Licenses. During this episode Wayne shares his journey to achieving these milestones and shares some the insights and lessons learned for those thinking about following the same path ✈️

Upset Prevention & Recovery Training EXPLAINED

Today we are joined by Kevin Simmonds, a well-known and respected voice in the South African Commercial Aviation scene. Kevin operated the Boeing 737 for South African Carrier, Mango Airlines as Captain, Instructor and heads up the implementation of their Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. In this episode, Kevins breaks down why loss of control in flight is the leading cause of accidents in commercial aviation, the origin of UPRT and how its implementation can reduce incidents going forward as well as common scenarios that lead to loss of control in flight. Watch out for our next episode, coming soon! - SHARE on social media with #ptcindustrytalks and @ptcaviation

Will Pilot Training Organisations be able to match the coming demand?

Joining us on the podcast today is Maximilian Buerger, Founder and Managing Director from AFM.aero (an marketing intelligence platform for the pilot training industry) Our first "non-pilot" on the podcast and we couldn't think of anyone better than Max. During this episode, Max details how he got involved in the pilot training industry, the effects of Covid19 on the airline industry and what the data is saying about a world during (and hopefully after) Covid19. Watch out for our next episode, coming soon! - SHARE on social media with #ptcindustrytalks and @ptcaviation

What really happened on Nationwide Flight 723?

Joining us on the podcast today is Daniel Perry a First Officer at Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA). Daniel was the First Officer on Nationwide Flight 723 when on the 7th of November 2007 off RWY 01 out of Cape Town the Boeing 737-200 experienced an Engine Separation on take-off leading to a fuel leak and a loss of the aircraft hydraulics systems. An informative talk, telling us what really happened and the value of quality training! Watch out for our next episode, coming soon! - #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks

Post Maintenance Test Flying in the Boeing 737

Joining us on the podcast today is Matthew Rogers a Boeing 737-800 Captain and Head of Mango Airlines Post Maintenance Program. Matthew has a wealth of knowledge on this topic and we're excited to bring his wisdom to the table with this extremely informative discussion and interview. Watch out for our next episode, coming next week 🎧 - #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks

We're breaking down a Pilots License for you!

Are you looking to join the Aviation Industry? Well, you're in the right place! 👨🏼‍✈️ We know that choosing a Flight School can be a difficult venture - that's why we're chatting with the Head of Training at Africa's largest Flight School, 43 Air School's Alex Todd to give you the insight scoop on what to remember when selecting your flight school. Alex's flying career started while still in school at a small flying club in Port Elizabeth, after a brief experience in Charter and Surveying within South Africa, Alex progressed into Airline Instruction, delivering MCC and Type Rating instruction to private and airline trainees with PTC Aviation. Most recently, Alex has now been with 43 Air School for ±4 years and has been paramount in their success. Watch out for our next episode, coming Wednesday 20th Oct 🎧 - #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks

What does an Airline Operator look for when hiring Pilots?

SPONSOR SHOUT OUT - Located in the Heart of the Sunshine Coast - 43 Air School is Africa's best and busiest Flight School offering a wide range of aviation courses from a Private Pilots Licence, Airline Pilots Licence, Aircraft Mechanic Courses and so much more! Learn More - www.43airschool.com ---- As the former Director of Operations for SAA and now for well-known, Global Airways - Sandy is easily one of the best and with a great understanding of the airline industry, pilot selection, and management we couldn't think of anyone better to propose this important question too. If you are looking to position yourself in the best possible way for a long and successful career in aviation, Sandy is the man to listen to! 👨🏼‍✈️ Sandy's career started in the South African Airforce from 1982 to 1989, he then continued on to Comair in 1989 till he resigned in 1991. He moved into South African Airways from 1991 all the way through to 2018 where he moved from Chief Standards Pilot, Chief Pilot to Head of Flight Operations. Watch out for our next episode, coming soon! - #ptcaviation #ptcindustrytalks