It was a proud moment on November 29 for seven students of the Massey University School of Aviation as they received their Professional Pilot Licence (PPL) at a ceremony held at the Manawatu Campus in Palmerston North.
This was a special year for all students receiving their Wings as the School celebrated its Silver Jubilee.
Air New Zealand Captain Chris Kriechbaum, who monitored the development of the pilots in his capacity as the Manager of the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute and the University Partner Relationship, was the Guest Speaker.
He said that Massey University was the only Partner offering a degree in Civil Aviation in New Zealand.
“This is significant as we look for future management roles in our group. It is the only University that offers training on glass cockpits. We chose to partner with Massey to ensure a good supply of newly-qualified pilots,” he said.
He urged students to take a lead from people in Christchurch and be resilient, build on their people skills and to be ready to work as part of a team.
Outstanding School
Congratulating the pilots, School of Aviation Chief Executive Ashok Poduval said, “Go overseas and get your experience but come back, because we need you. “Massey is one of the few tertiary education institutions in the world to combine professional pilot training with university degree qualifications.”
Students had photographs taken with the University’s $8 million aircraft fleet.
Among those who received their PPL at the Ceremony were Byron Andrews (New Plymouth), Spencer Beavis (Auckland), Brandon Cawood (Manawatu), Michael Dwyer (Auckland), Peter Kim (Auckland), Greg McGhie (Manawatu), and Daniel McGimpsey (Southland).
The Bachelor of Aviation students will pursue their training to complete their academic qualifications to ensure that they have the requisite skills for a successful career in the industry.
Award Winners
Former Southland Boys’ High student Daniel McGimpsey received the ‘Outstanding Student Award,’ the ‘Air New Zealand Flying Award’ and the ‘Airways Corporation Academic Award.’
Cawood won the ‘Palmerston North International Airport Professional Attributes Award,’ the ‘Hugh Francis Navigation Award’ and the ‘Craig Merryweather Memorial Scholarship.’
Craig’s father David presented the Scholarship while his brother Geoffrey made a substantial contribution to the Memorial Award Fund.
Andrew Vialoux, a former Rangitoto College pupil and Dean’s List student, received the ‘Air BP Academic Award’ for the highest grade point average of the Massey 56 and 57 student groups.
He is a member of the ‘North Shore Model Aero Club’ with keen interest in radio control aircraft modelling through the ‘Model Flying New Zealand Organisation.’
Beavis won the ‘Fieldair Engineering Ltd Aviation Systems Award’ and a cheque for $1000 from Fieldair’s Charles Giliam.
Minors won the ‘Manager of Professional Programmes Award,’ while Lachlan McIntosh received the ‘Air BP Scholarship (Flight Instruction Award).’
