Governor-General visits CTC Aviation in Hamilton

New Zealand Governor-General, Lt Gen, The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, visited CTC Aviation’s airline pilot training centre in Hamilton yesterday.

The Governor-General toured the flight training organisation’s state-of-the-art facility situated at Hamilton Airport.

Peter Stockwell, CTC Aviation Chief Operating Officer - Ab initio Training (NZ), said, "It was a privilege to host the Governor-General at CTC Aviation. We’re honoured that he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to learn more about our airline pilot training programmes and our global business.

"Given that our company is headquartered in the UK and the Governor-General serves as the Queen’s representative in New Zealand, this made his visit even more meaningful to our staff and trainees."

Mr Stockwell said a highlight of the Governor-General’s visit was giving him the opportunity to try his hand at flying in one of CTC Aviation’s two fixed base flight simulators.

"We set up the simulator to mimic flying near Hamilton and landing at the airport. He seemed to really enjoy the experience," said Mr Stockwell.

The Governor-General’s tour of CTC Aviation included walking the apron to view the company’s fleet of training aircraft. He also took time to meet with some of the organisation’s trainee pilots, flight instructors and support team.

CTC Aviation is a global airline pilot training company with Crew Training Centres in the UK, New Zealand and USA. Approximately 350 trainees pass through Hamilton each year. Worldwide, the company trains and recruits approximately 3,000 aircrew for more than 50 global airlines annually.