Saudi Aviation Flight Academy (SAFA) has been declared as a Part 141 approved Pilot School by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SAFA is currently the only Pilot School in KSA with a Part 141 approval by GACA. The GACA physical inspection for Part 141 approval was held on the 23rd and 24th of June 2013, and headed by Captain Samir Shaban. Captain Shaban expressed his satisfaction with the academy performances and complimented its efforts, policies, procedures, and discipline to meet the Part 141 requirements. He mentioned that SAFA is doing a very well in establishing a Pilot School in the country.
SAFA accomplished this very important milestone in its’ effort to establish a complete and professional Flight Academy for the Kingdom. “This is a very important and a great achievement for SAFA. Especially at the time when we have just completed one year of our actual operations at Thumamah”, stated Captain William Roe, Managing Director for SAFA. Captain Roe continues, “Though we have accomplished a lot during the last one year, this one remains at the top, as it indicates our acceptance and recognition by the authorities. With this approval SAFA takes a huge leap towards fulfilling its’ mission to fuel the growth of aviation in the Kingdom by providing a world class center of excellence for pilot training”.
Captain Vincenzo Peccarino, the Head of Training and the Deputy Managing Director at SAFA was instrumental in developing the curriculum for Part 141 approval, and he stated that the SAFA curriculum is designed with the highest standards and consistent with the international requirements for students who aspire to become professional pilots. He also mentioned that at SAFA the approach to training and the teaching methodology are of very high quality and meet most airline(s) expectations, and to the level of any internationally reputed flying schools.
As a further step towards developing the academy, SAFA is also planning to start its next phase of expansion soon with the construction of Phase 1 which is expected to start in September 2013. The construction mobilization plan has already been approved by management and has commenced. The handover of the project is projected to occur in October 2014. This phase of expansion will include a new Maintenance Hanger, Apron, Covered Aircraft Shelters, Simulator buildings, and the main Academy Building. Captain Roe stated, “It’s an exciting time for the entire SAFA family. Many things are happening at a time and there will be more to come soon. We are improving every day and focusing our resources for establishing a quality academy that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be proud of.. We already have 10 aircraft and 2 simulators on campus and 10 more aircraft and 8 simulators on order. Our team of instructors is increasing and currently we have a cadre of international instructors with thousands of hours of flying and teaching experiences. This is a great opportunity for students in Saudi Arabia who are considering a pilot course, whether its’ for a career path as a commercial pilot, or just for recreation. We are here to help all to achieve their ambition(s)”.
Since SAFA started accepting students in June 2012, 69 students have enrolled to its’ various pilot training programs. Many students have already completed their courses and passed the GACA check rides and received their Pilot Certificates. Some of the SAFA graduates have also been accepted by leading airlines in Saudi Arabia. Though the majority of our students are Saudi nationals, we also have students from different countries and cultures. The current enrollment includes students from India, Pakistan, Italy, Canada, United Kingdom, Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and the GCC. “Though our primary aim is to support Saudi students to enter into aviation, we are open to all nationalities who are interested in becoming a pilot as long a certain security requirements and residency status is confirmed. SAFA is committed to building and developing a welcoming and inclusive community and there is no nationality barrier for admissions. As long as an applicant meets the admissions criteria, holds a Saudi residence visa, and passes a security screening by the Ministry of Interior, we are happy to train them”, said Mr. Saleem Bava, the Head of Admissions & Marketing at the Academy. Mr. Bava also mentioned that the two Admissions Open Day events held at the Academy campus in last one year clearly indicated the need of such an academy in the Kingdom. Students interested in joining SAFA are advised to visit the SAFA website (www.saflightacademy.com) for all information and to submit their application for admissions.