Tayside students sprint to their aircraft for the ’50 flights in one hour’ challenge.
Tayside Aviation in Dundee celebrated 50 years in business this week by launching 50 training flights in just one hour at Dundee Airport.
During its 50 years, Tayside has trained more than 5,000 commercial airline pilots, 6,000 RAF cadets and flown a staggering 1,500 flying scholarships, including 300 from as far away as Hong Kong. It has also flown an estimated 33 million miles since its launch in 1968, the equivalent of 70 trips to the moon and back.
The company employs 35 staff and is an important contributor to the local economy, thanks to trainee pilots from more than 12 countries coming to Dundee to train and stay for the duration of their course.
Tayisde boss Jim Watt said, “We are delighted to have reached our 50th year in business and with 50 students under training. Last year, we were awarded the RAF Central Flying School Trophy for delivering excellence in flight training which was a fantastic endorsement, also recognising 30 years of serving the RAF. We are also excited about the year ahead with plans to create a pilot training academy.”
Planes ready, student pilots and instructors ready… go!
One of Tayside’s oldest customers is Loganair, and the Scottish airline recently signed up for Tayside’s latest initiative, pairing flight training with a degree.
Maurice Boyle, Loganair’s Chief Operations Officer said, “Loganair is committed to employing high quality airline pilots and the innovative partnership with Tayside Aviation and Middlesex University will provide opportunities for a wider range of talented people to embark on an aviation career.”
