Sunshine Coast organisations key to delivering one of the largest commercial aviation contracts in Australian history
3 November 2008
Sunshine Coast organisations are key to delivering one of the largest commercial aviation training contracts in Australia’s history.
Following an announcement earlier this year that Specialist Training Australia (STA), a subsidiary of Coffey International Limited, had signed agreements to provide aviation training worth in excess of $100 million to a Middle Eastern client, STA has now confirmed the client is the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
Roger Olds, managing director of Coffey International Limited, said: “We invested in the Gulf States’ market four years ago and it is wonderful to be able to deliver this training in Australia, with the support of local service providers. We had to compete against international competition that had previous relationships, but we won this on the quality of our team and a desire for the client to develop Australian relationships.”
Local small business Becker Helicopter Services, with support from KBR, will provide basic pilot training for over 100 helicopter pilots, and the University of the Sunshine Coast will provide English language training, as part of a contract for STA.
STA Program Manager Gavin Lawrence said that it was in no small part a testimony to the vision of Mike and Jan Becker, owners of Becker Helicopter Services, that STA was about to launch into the delivery of the training.
“Mike and Jan have truly helped to place the Sunshine Coast on the international map for helicopter training.”
Appreciation for help in winning and delivering the contract is also extended to a number of other people and organisations:
• The Mayor and Councillors of Sunshine Coast Regional Council
• Julie Swain, Principal Regional Development Officer, Department of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry
• KBR
• University of the Sunshine Coast.
Gavin also said that the students would be living, working and spending in the local community.
“The flow-on effects to the local community are immeasurable. I trust that the people of the Sunshine Coast will embrace this opportunity and take the chance to share this fantastic area with the National Guardsmen and their families.”
In addition to the 100 pilots being trained at the Sunshine Coast, some 200 plus aircraft maintainers will be trained under contract at Queensland Government facilities in Brisbane.
In total, the aviation training is worth in excess of $100 million over five years, much of which will flow directly into the Queensland economy. The contract was won against international competition and is thought to be the largest contract of its type won by an Australian company.
The first students will commence training on the Sunshine Coast this week.
Media contact:
Diana Krause, Communications Manager, Coffey International Limited
P: (+61) (3) 9473 1300; M: (+61) 420 959 942; E: diana_krause@coffey.com
About STA
Specialist Training Australia (STA) is a project manager and provider of integrated training solutions for the defence, police and security sectors. We are entirely focussed on delivering our services to the Gulf countries and, in conjunction with our capability partners in Australia, provide customers with access to some of the best training, education and manpower development services that Australia has to offer.
Our scope of operations range from the conduct of detailed training needs analyses, the preparation of training proposals tailored to specific customer requirements and the implementation of complex training solutions and capability development for major projects; through to turnkey training systems and facilities management, on the job training and the provision of supervisory and specialist manpower for a wide range of operational and technical requirements.
STA utilises specialist experience and capability from Australia and works closely with our customers to diagnose, define and develop their requirements. We have significant experience in working directly with our customers to develop and deliver comprehensive and sophisticated contracted outcomes.
We have achieved this though the assembly, management and deployment of teams of Subject Matter Experts (SME), working both within and external to our customer facilities. We have also considerable experience of supporting our specialist operational and management teams though both our UAE and Australian based management capability.
STA is wholly Australian owned and is a subsidiary of Coffey International Limited.
About Coffey
Coffey International Limited (ASX:COF) has been operating for nearly 50 years, and is part of the S&P ASX 300. We have a range of specialist businesses working in the social and physical infrastructure markets, and collectively, we aim to achieve our vision: to be global specialists solving emerging challenges to improve the lives of communities.
Around the world, we are providing services at every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle – starting with planning and financing the project, through development and resolving the technical challenges to the management of resources, timelines and budgets. The cycle continues as we use our specialist knowledge to ensure objectives continue to be met in the long term and infrastructure is appropriately maintained.
Our work involves a wide a range of built assets – like roads, buildings, gas pipelines, mines, and sporting facilities – just about everything that is required to meet the demands of a growing world population, rapid urbanisation and heightened environmental sustainability awareness.
Through our expertise, we are also enabling government and aid agencies to strengthen local communities, increasing quality of life and living standards. We develop mechanisms and manage projects across a range of social infrastructure, including economic development, education and training and health.
We have over 4,200 people working on projects in more than 80 countries and permanent offices throughout Oceania, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Our plans are to continue expanding our specialist businesses through organic, transformational and acquisition growth.
Visit coffey.com for more information.
18 August 2008
profile: johan hoogduyn
Name: Johan Hoogduyn
Country of origin: The Netherlands
Why did you want fly Helicopters?
It is something that's part of a big wish. I eventually want to conduct voluntarily work once I have made a living. What better can you do than being helicopter which you can use for dropping, evacuation, rescue in general or anything similar you name it.
Why did you choose Beckers?
I initially chose the country. It has to be stable weather rather than Europe where the weather is, especially around the Northsea, very unstable. Second I chose dozens of flightschool around Australia and chose Beckers because of their straightforwardness and honesty. They do not promise you mountains of gold but the tell you that with hard work AND the right attitude you can have a wonderful time..
When did you start here?
November 2007
What was theory like?
I didn't sit class. As of my previous experience because of my aeronautical degree almost 75% was clear for me. So, besides my flying, I studied hard at home for 7 weeks and did the 7 exams which I passed well.
During the week how many hours you study for cyber exams?
I usually did 8 hrs a day during previous mentioned 7 wks and during my 2-3 hours break I did initial training.
Was it enough?
Yes it was, I passed all exams. Ok, not with 98% but I passed them nicely :)
What was your "first" flight experience with Beckers and who did you fly with?
I flew with Mez for the first time. My first flight was amazing and the best , but also the most difficult, I have ever done. Helicopter flying is difficult in the beginning but after 10 hrs you get the feeling and can start enjoying it.
Best flying experience?
First solo NAV. I flew through the amazing mountains ranges where the tops were towering above layers of fog which covered the valleys. On the way way back via de coast spotted some dolphins, very nice and unforgettable.
Not so nice flying experience?
The day I decided to "just" swap over from the R22 to the R44 helicopter when I had to do my dummy CPL test. Lot of stress and all my skills were gone all the sudden because of the stress.
Luckily after 1 hour Mike got me back on track and three days later I passed my CPL :)
What was your flight test like?
The actual flighttest was "relatively" easy as Mike prepares you through and through already on the dummy test. On the dummy test you work very hard: You do emergencies , diversions in nav flights, engine failures ,questions to put pressure upon you, faking sick passenger in the back of the R44. But..... after you have experienced all this and he sees you do well he just does the things he needs to do on the actual flighttest and that is it.
And amazingly even on your flighttest he teaches you so many small tricks to improve your airmanship.
Where and what are you going to do now?
I hope that a job comes off around the Great Ocean Road. Otherwise I return to Europe and concentrate on my previous job in aeronautical engineering to set out a course to become helicopter pilot and gaining hours. So if anyone knows a nice spot: I speak 6 languages and know how to fly helicopters and I am not lazy to get my hand dirty......
Advice to new students?
In Australia the helicopter business is one in which you have to do 3-5 years of hard work until you've gained 1500-2000hrs. After that you career gets a lot better. Do not hesistate and follow your intuition. If you want something go for it and you will succeed.
Country of origin: The Netherlands
Why did you want fly Helicopters?
It is something that's part of a big wish. I eventually want to conduct voluntarily work once I have made a living. What better can you do than being helicopter which you can use for dropping, evacuation, rescue in general or anything similar you name it.
Why did you choose Beckers?
I initially chose the country. It has to be stable weather rather than Europe where the weather is, especially around the Northsea, very unstable. Second I chose dozens of flightschool around Australia and chose Beckers because of their straightforwardness and honesty. They do not promise you mountains of gold but the tell you that with hard work AND the right attitude you can have a wonderful time..
When did you start here?
November 2007
What was theory like?
I didn't sit class. As of my previous experience because of my aeronautical degree almost 75% was clear for me. So, besides my flying, I studied hard at home for 7 weeks and did the 7 exams which I passed well.
During the week how many hours you study for cyber exams?
I usually did 8 hrs a day during previous mentioned 7 wks and during my 2-3 hours break I did initial training.
Was it enough?
Yes it was, I passed all exams. Ok, not with 98% but I passed them nicely :)
What was your "first" flight experience with Beckers and who did you fly with?
I flew with Mez for the first time. My first flight was amazing and the best , but also the most difficult, I have ever done. Helicopter flying is difficult in the beginning but after 10 hrs you get the feeling and can start enjoying it.
Best flying experience?
First solo NAV. I flew through the amazing mountains ranges where the tops were towering above layers of fog which covered the valleys. On the way way back via de coast spotted some dolphins, very nice and unforgettable.
Not so nice flying experience?
The day I decided to "just" swap over from the R22 to the R44 helicopter when I had to do my dummy CPL test. Lot of stress and all my skills were gone all the sudden because of the stress.
Luckily after 1 hour Mike got me back on track and three days later I passed my CPL :)
What was your flight test like?
The actual flighttest was "relatively" easy as Mike prepares you through and through already on the dummy test. On the dummy test you work very hard: You do emergencies , diversions in nav flights, engine failures ,questions to put pressure upon you, faking sick passenger in the back of the R44. But..... after you have experienced all this and he sees you do well he just does the things he needs to do on the actual flighttest and that is it.
And amazingly even on your flighttest he teaches you so many small tricks to improve your airmanship.
Where and what are you going to do now?
I hope that a job comes off around the Great Ocean Road. Otherwise I return to Europe and concentrate on my previous job in aeronautical engineering to set out a course to become helicopter pilot and gaining hours. So if anyone knows a nice spot: I speak 6 languages and know how to fly helicopters and I am not lazy to get my hand dirty......
Advice to new students?
In Australia the helicopter business is one in which you have to do 3-5 years of hard work until you've gained 1500-2000hrs. After that you career gets a lot better. Do not hesistate and follow your intuition. If you want something go for it and you will succeed.
14 August 2008
12 August 2008
andrew bennett takes to the skies!
Here's a great movie submitted by Andrew taken when he was training with Niels at the school in January. Enjoy!
11 August 2008
dynamic roll over
jahan hassan // Jul 19, 2008 at 11:38 am Go to Best Aviation Articles for a look at Mike's article on Dynamic Roll Over submitted last month.
I am taking summer course about “Helicopter dynamics” and during class, phenomena related to helicopter flight is too difficult to visualize in mind, so I end up with no learning during class.
This article with clear illustrations made me a bit easy with helicopter dynamics. This article was very much interesting and written in such an attractive manner that I read it whole in one time, which I usually don’t.
Thank you writer and beckerhelicopters.
07 August 2008
forecasting the weather
At all times the pilot is at the mercy of the elements that we call the weather. It is with sound knowledge of the science of meteorology that we are in a position to make decisions as a pilot to safely operate our aircraft within this mass we call the atmosphere.
Definition of forecast: The ability to predict, or to calculate the weather beforehand, so that the person reading the forecast can make provision or allowance for. This does not mean it will happen, as we cannot see 100% into the future. In aviation weather forecasting the probability of the forecast happening is only 50% or greater.
At Beckers we've erected this ...
Definition of forecast: The ability to predict, or to calculate the weather beforehand, so that the person reading the forecast can make provision or allowance for. This does not mean it will happen, as we cannot see 100% into the future. In aviation weather forecasting the probability of the forecast happening is only 50% or greater.
At Beckers we've erected this ...
04 August 2008
28 July 2008
where is fergus?
22 July 2008
christine's ferry flight
Former student Christine Lalo shows pictures of her recent 15 hour ferry flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. Remarkably 4.5 hours of that was flying over water! We are proud of her as many pilots don't like to fly this direct route.
Before the big crossing
Pic taken during a stop
Arriving at Kuching Airport the ATC were very friendly, as they seldom hear female pilots call on the radio. She was given VIP treatment until she landed.
One of her proudest moments of the trip? Landing in her hometown of Miri.
Before the big crossing
Pic taken during a stop
Arriving at Kuching Airport the ATC were very friendly, as they seldom hear female pilots call on the radio. She was given VIP treatment until she landed.
One of her proudest moments of the trip? Landing in her hometown of Miri.
18 July 2008
ciao from italy
Mike and Jan says Ciao! from outside their hotel located in a beautiful village, not far from the Agusta (helicopter) factory in Italy. Are we jealous? You bet! But there's a lot of serious work for Mike as he completes his Agusta type course. Just recently Mike got to experience a flight with the company's test pilots in an A139, flying over the whole region and into Switzerland. Jan got to enjoy the views from the luxury of the back seats.
They return to Australia on Thursday 24 July 2008.
16 July 2008
from a swiss perspective
Name: Susanne Gisler
Country: Switzerland
Why do you want to fly helicopters? Well actually, 14 months ago I was driving a motorboat when I looked up and thought "I should be up there and not here!" I love doing special things so it was then I decided to learn to fly helicopters :)
Why did you choose Beckers? My instructor in Switzerland told me to contact Michael Pestalozzi also from Switzerland and a former student from Beckers. He told me to go to the Beckers' website and from there I contacted Jan Becker. I came because I wanted to train as soon as possible.
When did you start here? 3 days ago.
What are you planning to do at Beckers? To do all my practical, about 40+ hours and then return to Switzerland and finish my PPL(H) licence.
What was your first flight experience at Beckers like? My first flight was with Niels. It all went really quick. I thought were just going to plan my flight programme but instead we headed out to fly! I am glad I remembered two of the most important words you need to know when flying ... "YOUR CONTROLS!" :)
Country: Switzerland
Why do you want to fly helicopters? Well actually, 14 months ago I was driving a motorboat when I looked up and thought "I should be up there and not here!" I love doing special things so it was then I decided to learn to fly helicopters :)
Why did you choose Beckers? My instructor in Switzerland told me to contact Michael Pestalozzi also from Switzerland and a former student from Beckers. He told me to go to the Beckers' website and from there I contacted Jan Becker. I came because I wanted to train as soon as possible.
When did you start here? 3 days ago.
What are you planning to do at Beckers? To do all my practical, about 40+ hours and then return to Switzerland and finish my PPL(H) licence.
What was your first flight experience at Beckers like? My first flight was with Niels. It all went really quick. I thought were just going to plan my flight programme but instead we headed out to fly! I am glad I remembered two of the most important words you need to know when flying ... "YOUR CONTROLS!" :)
There's a lot to learn but I don't care because I am looking forward to it!
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