Cobham Aviation Services Australia today launches the Cobham Cadet Pilot Program

Aspiring pilots with little or no flight experience are eligible and encouraged to apply for the 53-week, world-class residential program. It comprises all the necessary and desirable elements to prepare cadets for the role of First Officer on Cobham's highly-modified Dash 8 aircraft.

Cobham conducts aerial surveillance on behalf of the Australian Government with a fleet of 10 Dash 8 aircraft.

Cobham’s General Manager Special Mission, Ken Millar, said: "This is not regular passenger transport flying; it’s unique, hands-on, low-level flying. Ultimately, graduates will have the rare opportunity to combine their love of flying with national security and environmental protection".

Cobham launched the program in response to the global pilot shortage and to create entry-level opportunities to join its dedicated crews. The Adelaide-headquartered aviation company is partnering with leading pilot training provider, Flight Training Adelaide.

"Flight Training Adelaide is a highly reputable and highly professional pilot training organisation and we are thrilled to partner with them on this exciting initiative," Ken said.

The program will commence in early 2019 with eight cadets based at Flight Training Adelaide’s premises at Adelaide’s Parafield Airport for the duration of the course. The cadetship is funded primarily from Federal Government Vocational and Education Training (VET) Student Loans. Cobham will subsidise the balance of training fees.