Horizon International Flight Academy (Horizon), located in Al Ain, in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has become the first academy in the Middle East to earn the coveted Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR) certificate. The awarding of the certificate by Austro Control - Civil Aviation Authority of Austria - means that Horizon has fulfilled the requirements and regulations of one of the most elite civil aviation organizations that facilitates the implementation of common procedures for operations, training and licensing.
JAR are a series of regulations covering the aviation industry that have been implemented by the European states of the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). The objective of this certification is to permit the free movement of aviation personnel throughout JAA states. Graduates from Horizon will now be able to work in any of the 31 JAA countries such as United Kingdom, France, Spain Portugal, and Sweden, in addition to the UAE.
Mansour Al Faheem, a board member of Horizon, was recently nominated by the board as interim General Manager.
Commenting on this achievement, Al Faheem said: "This accomplishment is in line with Horizon's strategy to become a leading global flight training academy operating from the UAE. This new accreditation opens up new career opportunities for our graduates, and complimented by the fact that both our flight instructors and students hail from all over the world, this continues to position Horizon as leading world-class flight training academy in the Middle East.
Horizon was awarded the JAA approval for all its fixed wing courses including the -, Modular Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL), Instrument Rating (IR) and Multi Engine Class Rating.
Established in 2003, Horizon has graduated nearly 400 pilots since its inception and provided training to both military and commercial pilots in the Middle East and North Africa region. The academy has continued to distinguish itself by its state-of=the-art training facilities, which can accommodate over 300 students, as well as its diverse and highly-qualified team of instructors originating from the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia, USA, Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa and Jordan.
Horizon has an impressive fleet of aircrafts that began with Bell helicopters and has grown to include Robinson R44 helicopters, Cessna 172SP's and Diamond 42 aeroplanes. With over 50,000 flying hours, the academy has maintained an impeccable flight safety record, largely due to the in-house maintenance department that ensures the fleet remains efficient and operational for training at all times.
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About Horizon International Flight Academy
Horizon International Flight Academy (HIFA) was established in 2003 and is fully-owned by Mubadala Development Company. Known as the UAE's leading pilot training organization in the Middle East for fixed wing and helicopter training, HIFA's client base includes Etihad Airways- and operators of both the defense and police sectors in the GCC and MENA region. Located within the boundaries of Al Ain International Airport (UAE-HIFA continues to expand its training portfolio to cater to the demands of the regional and international aviation industry. The Academy follows the European Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) curriculum and is approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. It is the region's first and only Academy with JAR certification -".
For more information please contact:
Rashed Al Harmoodi
Mubadala Development Company
E: ralharmoodi@mubadala.ae
M: +971 (0)50 657 8686
Salam Kitmitto
Edelman Public Relations
E: salam.kitmitto@edelman.com
M: +971 (0)50 800 8268
© Press Release 2010
