AviAssist Launches Pathway to Aviation Course for Youngsters

The AviAssist Foundation has launched a unique course to sensitize youngsters on aviation as a possible career. The course was inspired by the AviAssist Aeronautical Knowledge for Safety course (AK4S) which is gaining traction in Africa to introduce new professionals and those transitioning into aviation safety.

Africa’s aviation sector is poised for rapid growth, with major aircraft manufacturers forecasting a need for 22,000 new pilots, 25,000 new technicians, and 28,000 new cabin crew by 2045.

Far more professionals still will be needed in the many other domains of aviation such as ground handling, air traffic control, dispatchers, inspectors, sales & commercial managers, to name a few.

Africa risks having more aircraft than professionals available to fill, fly, maintain, and operate them safely without significant investment in skills development and retention strategies.

“This online course offers pupils (16+) and students and entry-level aviation professionals a great way to combine the fun of aviation and learning, “said Capt. Steven Becker, lead course developer for the P2A course with the Foundation”.

Fellow course developer Pacific Shyaka and I used a fantastic leaflet of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) from some years back. The leaflet puts together 11 modules. Those modules answer common questions about flying and tie basic aviation to the subjects like math, physics, history, and science. It offers an engaging, accessible pathway into the world of aviation”.

Both courses take their inspiration from the French Brevet d’Initiation Aéronautique (BIA). Still little known to the wider public, this national qualification offers students a meaningful introduction to the world of aviation and aerospace. The diploma is awarded by French government authorities in collaboration with national aeronautical federations.

“We usually train industry professionals," said Tom Kok. "After launching the Aeronautical Knowledge for Safety course, we saw growing interest from high school and university students. For many, that course is too advanced as a first step. So we created Path to Aviation to let students explore aviation.

P2A is their first step—a bridge between education and aviation. We also hope to inspire African governments to integrate Path to Aviation into their curriculum. Aviation Africa is all about nurturing Africa's aviation future, so launching this initiative here is only natural”.

Youth aviation clubs such as African Women in Aviation – Kenya, the Young Aviators Clubs of Africa (YACA) or the Royal Aviation Children Club from Zimbabwe can now provide their members with an opportunity to earn their first certificate in aviation from an organization with a long-standing presence in Africa since 1995.