To deal with the looming pilot shortage, Starlite is securing its future supply of pilots by providing the best of all possible training – not just for helicopter pilots, but for fixed wing pilots – and to cater for the growing need for professional drone pilots.
Starlite Aviation Training Academy
Starlite has two decades of unrivalled African-centric aviation training and operations experience. It prides itself on stringent adherence to aviation safety standards, the quality of its flight training and ground school, and its modern aircraft fleet. In recognition of its high standards, Starlite is particularly proud that after a rigorous selection process, it was chosen to provide training all the way to ATPL on a three-year contract for the SACAA’s cadet programme.
At both its Durban and Mossel Bay bases, Starlite offers the full range of helicopter and fixed wing pilot training, from intro flights, Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Night and Instrument Ratings, Aircraft Type Conversions, Hour Building/Hire and Fly, Simulator training, Additional Pilot training courses and the English language proficiency rating.
Starlite offers civilian helicopter pilot training programmes for all key helicopter types, from ab-initio training on the Guimbal Cabri G2, Robinson R22,R44 and R66 and then on to MD, Bell and Airbus products. .
The Academy is committed to providing skills development, knowledge, and technology transfer, to enable a self-sustaining solution to its customers, not only in South Africa, but across numerous African countries. Starlite’s experience is that the African air transport industry seeks African based solutions to an African aviation skills development need, illustrated by over a decade of repeat business.
Safety is a cornerstone priority. Starlite has become a globally recognised leader in providing superior professional and customised helicopter, fixed-wing pilot and maintenance engineer training. The Academy has trained ab initio, private, commercial, instructor helicopter and fixed-wing pilots, totalling over 130,000 hours of instruction and averaging in excess of 7,500 flying hours per annum. It has become by far the largest helicopter training school in Africa, with our fixed wing training division on the same growth trajectory. It features an accredited SACAA examination test centre at both of Starlite’s training bases, as well as helicopter, fixed-wing and drone pilot training at both bases
To ensure that the Academy provides the most modern aircraft for training, Starlite was the African launch customer of the European manufactured next generation training helicopter, the Guimbal Cabri G2. The Cabri G2 has unparalleled safety features, not traditionally found in training helicopters. Starlite has already become the first company in the world to achieve the key fleet milestone of 10,000 flight hours on the Guimbal Cabri G2, within only 3 years of operation.
Starlite is also the first company in Africa to introduce the R44 Cadet, the latest generation American manufactured training helicopter, fast becoming another favourite choice of training helicopter by students
In 2017 Starlite introduced latest generation fixed-wing training aircraft, the South African manufactured Sling 2, and such was its success that Starlite doubled its fleet in 2019.
Leading the way, Starlite’s drone school was launched in November 2019 in Durban and will launch in January 2020 in Mossel Bay.
Starlite is also the only civilian company to train the South African Air Force and the South African Police Air Wing. Contract and Full-time training courses are centred at the Mossel Bay base, which will be further expanded with a full featured campus providing accommodation for up to 200 students. The new state-of-the-art facilities will include lecture theatres, a medical centre and sports facilities. A notable feature is that the campus will be run entirely ‘off the grid’ using solar energy and other renewables.
Simulators
At its Mossel bay base Starlite operates the Elite Evolution S723T FNPT II MCC Twin Turbine Helicopter and the S923T FNPT II MCC Fixed Wing simulators which are EASA / FAA/ SACAA certified.
A key benefit of these state of the art simulators is the advanced MCC platform it teaches crew co-operation between Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring. In addition, it enables realistic Instrument and/or night training utilising upper functions – such as: colour weather radar, EFIS, Autopilot and SAS System, GPS Radio Altimeter and Landing Gear use.
The helicopter simulator is based on the very common AS355 Twin Squirrel turbine helicopter. It allows practice of single engine failures and profiles, hydraulic failures, tail rotor failure and LTE, and all other systems with zero physical/financial risk. It is particularly valuable for practicing ship-borne and oil platform operations plus approaches in all weather. It is able to handle specific approach and departure profiles and features a fully customised visual and navigation aid data base.
The fixed wing simulator is configurable to three types – Piper Arrow, Seneca III and King Air B200. Featuring Totally Integrated Systems, Dual Electro-Mechanical Dynamic Control Loading Yoke and Pedals, fully instrumented for Pilot and Co-pilot stations. Full autopilot capability with flight director and navigation coupling to GPS and VORs. Auto pilot can be controlled by Pilot or Co-pilot
This simulator is approved for: 5 Hours towards initial PPL & Night Rating, 20 Hours towards initial Instrument rating, 25 Hours towards ATPL, and 3 Hours towards Multi Engine ratings. In addition, it is an excellent platform for in-cockpit CRM training, LOS/SPOT and MCC Training.
Starlite’s Drone Training and Operations
Recognising that Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) – or drones – are the fastest growing sector of the aviation industry, Starlite has been leading the way in both drone training and lawful operations. After a lengthy process, the SACAA has granted Starlite a coveted Remote Operating Certificate (ROC). This enables Starlite to provide professional drone operations at all the key centres in South Africa, in particular, the high demand area of Gauteng, using Starlite’s Heidelberg maintenance base.
Starlite is also able to provide drone operator training to enable aspiring drone pilots to obtain a Remote Pilot’s License (RPL).. With certified training facilities in Durban and Mossel Bay and an experienced team of skilled flight instructors, the school offers both full time and flexible training options and can arrange discounted accommodation for out of town students.
The Remote Pilot’s Licence (RPL) minimum requirements are:
- At least 18 years of age
- A certificate in Radio Telephony
- A certificate in English Language Proficiency
- Successful completion of the Practical Flight Training syllabus
- Successful completion of Theoretical Knowledge Training and examinations
- Successful completion of a Skills Test, with a designated examiner.
* Class 3 medical certificate, to be obtained before commencement of training
Drone regulations in South Africa are closely modelled on existing aviation law. They separate drone flight into commercial operations and hobby operations. The laws around the legal operation of remote control aircraft – also known as drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) introduced a framework for where and how drones can be flown, and who is allowed to fly them.
These restrictions and regulations don’t, on the whole, apply to the kind of hobby quadcopters that are a popular Christmas present, and if you are flying a drone for fun the main thing to be aware of is where their use is banned. That’s within 10km of an airport, 50m of people and buildings or roads and no higher than 120m (400 feet) above ground. Also, a hobby drone must be flown within line of sight, which means you shouldn’t be flying at night.
Remotely Pilot Aircraft are being used as marketing tools for many organisations such as tourism departments and real estate agents. Today, many businesses are starting to think beyond the traditional use of photos or videos, however, the possibilities for the commercial use of an RPA go far beyond photos and videos.
One of the most common questions we are asked is, “How can I use my drone to make money?” or; “What drone careers are available?” RPAs can be used to supplement existing data imaging tools to capture images of the land and structures during the construction of new buildings.
Drones are being used in projects such as road design, assessment of landfills, coastal erosion projects and the design of golf courses. Unmanned aircraft are increasingly being used in many different commercial operations, simply due to their efficiency and reduced operating expenses, offering many options for drone careers. Overall, there are many possibilities for individual drone careers, or opportunities for businesses and government departments to use drones to improve their operations or provide new revenue opportunities.
The first thing anyone who wants to fly a drone professionally – whether for direct payment or not, is to acquire a Remote Pilots Licence (RPL). Once you have that, you can seek employment in this growing industry and work towards the other requirements to start your own firm.
Starlite: Group Overview
The Starlite Training Academy is proud to be part of the much larger Starlite Aviation Group which has grown into a multi-disciplinary aviation group, offering a wide range of helicopter and fixed wing services worldwide. Having operated in more than 30 countries and on five continents in some of the toughest environments, including Antarctica, the Company has mission readiness as one of the key factors of its success.
The Starlite Aviation Group was founded by CEO, Slade Thomas and Vice Chairman, Karl Kebert with the vision: ‘To rule the African Skies’. The Company expanded rapidly and grew its vision: ‘To be a globally significant player in the international aviation industry.’
Starlite’s business model is based on the company being a trusted long-term partner to corporate, commercial and military customers, and it is considered to be a leader in operations, maintenance, training and aircraft sales.
Safety
Starlite intensely guards its impeccable safety reputation. A key to the company’s safety record is the constant review of its safety management systems (SMS). Great emphasis is placed on the company’s own SOPs and regulatory compliance with whatever authority it is operating under. The company also introduced the supply and assembly of mobile aircraft hangars, allowing the firm to undertake quality compliant maintenance in remote locations.
HEMS
Starlite has become a world leader in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). An example of this leadership is a recent project with Spectrum Aeromed for the integration of a helicopter and fixed wing ICU platform. These are capable of dealing with two patients and are fitted with high level emergency medical monitoring equipment such as a ventilator and defibrillator. Starlite’s ability to operate 24 hours a day has been a key part of this initiative. Using sophisticated Night Vision Systems allows for safer night flying when clear visibility for medevac operations is required.
Oil and Gas
Starlite has developed industry leading expertise in oil and gas support, specifically for the challenging conditions in Africa. In June 2010, Starlite purchased a brand new large helicopter, the Sikorsky S92, the first of its kind on the African continent (featured extensively in SA Flyer at the time). This aircraft opened the door for the company to compete in the oil and gas industry.
Starlite has recently entered a joint venture with GEPetrol in Equatorial Guinea, providing helicopter services in its coastal waters and supplying HEMS and search and rescue services. Additionally, this will see Starlite training local crews in such operations, for example, pilots engineers and other staff that are required in the oil and gas industry.
Anti-Poaching Ops
Starlite Aviation has gone on to develop many unique operational skills. One such is its unique experience in combating the massive scourge of Rhino poaching. The company has led the field in using the most up to date technology which includes night vision goggles and an FLIR equipped Bell 407 for night surveillance.
Through Project Ezemvelo, the company’s primary role in wildlife protection is to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions through collaboration with conservation bodies and governments, to provide support to anti-poaching units, patrolling, intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance. This includes border patrols, locating poachers day and night, game counting and herding, the relocation of endangered species.
Aircraft Sales
Starlite Aero Sales deals in the sale of a range of new and pre-owned helicopter and fixed wing aircraft through a wide network of contacts in the local and international markets.
The company specialises in the sale of the full range of Robinson helicopters, the Guimbal Cabri G2 and Elite simulators. Starlite Aero Sales’ integrated aviation solution includes all the associated support services including: Sales, Finance, Insurance, Importing and Exporting, SACAA Registrations & Airworthiness, Maintenance, Spares, Training, Charter and Aircraft Management.
Starlite Aero Sales is an accredited service provider with all the major banks in South Africa and assists customers with the process of financing all aircraft types.
Tourism
For clients who require high end luxury travel for business and pleasure, the company provides seamless fixed wing and helicopter charter.
Starlite provides a variety of scenic flight packages for flights to game parks and wine farms. Tourism flights operate from both Virginia Airport, Durban and Mossel Bay Airfield, Western Cape.
Maintenance
Starlite has numerous dedicated aircraft maintenance organisations (AMOs) providing maintenance and logistic requirements for all aircraft operated by the group, The Company has a dedicated assembly line in Durban for Robinson and Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters and has a vast third party maintenance capability.
Johannesburg and Durban are the company’s primary AMOs. In addition, satellite AMOs have been established at key locations worldwide, providing onsite maintenance through a permanent group of qualified maintenance engineers for the fleet of helicopters.
Staff Development
It is a truism to say that a business is only as good as its staff. This is particularly the case with Starlite, which has to operate in very remote and demanding conditions – in a job that requires the highest levels of skills, knowledge and experience to meet the exacting technical and safety standards of helicopter operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Starlite has implemented leading corporate social responsibility practices that integrate with the firm’s training policy. An important component of these are internships which are granted by the company to upskill disadvantaged and handicapped locals to ensure their marketability in the workplace.
Klara Fouche, Starlite Group Director of Training and Aero Sales says. “There is much work to do on the African continent with regard to rescue and relief, air ambulance, and passenger and cargo transportation,” says she says. “Starlite’s 20 years’ experience and wide-spread presence on the African continent provides the assurance that the company is poised and ready to fulfill any contract, regardless of the complexity or challenging environment worldwide.”
The Future
Fiona McCarthy, Director of Group Operations, concludes: “Our aim is to increase our reach even further into Africa, providing medevac standby and passenger and cargo transportation to the most remote, inaccessible and hostile areas. Ultimately, our goal is to become the service providers of choice to governments and corporate clients and to provide support in unstable and unpredictable environments globally.”
Conclusion
Working to suit the requirements of any clientele, Starlite has successfully been able to penetrate a variety of new markets, driven by its stellar reputation, competitive strategies and the monitoring of key trends.
The company has developed a multi-disciplinary range of competencies in a wide variety of very challenging fields. As the global social, economic and political climates become increasingly turbulent in the coming years, Starlite is working to ensure that it is ready to deal effectively with any challenging developments through its adaptable, resourceful and flexible culture.
* This article was originally published by SA Flyer Magazine, you can view their article here