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Media Release

February 21 2007

UniSA Aviation Academy’s new fleet touches down

In just a few moments in 2001, UniSA lost almost its entire pilot-training fleet (PDF 717kb - download Adobe Acrobat) while it was still on the ground at Parafield Airport. The photographs were memorable with one plane filleted through almost like a fish.

It was a bizarre event that grabbed media attention nationally and ultimately internationally, with quirky US program, Mythbusters, last year featuring a re-enactment of the collision.

But the academy continued with business as usual by leasing planes. Today it will take delivery of a brand new fleet. The planes will arrive at Parafield at 4.30 pm.

The five new Cessna 172S aircraft shipped from Independence in the United States, feature a glass cockpit and are unique in SA.

The new fleet will play a core role in the UniSA Summer Shark Patrol service and will also lift the profile of the highly successful pilot training Academy.

This year UniSA will welcome a record intake of 42 new students.

The first university to offer a tertiary aviation program in Australasia, UniSA is now educating about 80 students annually.

All student pilots have the distinct advantage of getting practical flight and occupational experience as part of the Shark Patrol teams working as pilots, on-board communications officers, and State Emergency Services- trained shark spotters, to ensure the service is delivered across the summer season.

Shark Patrol coordinator and program director, Steve Thatcher says the new aircraft will be a huge boost for the Academy.

“A new fleet is a real milestone for us and will ensure the Academy goes from strength to strength by offering top technology to match the quality education and training we already provide,” Thatcher said
 

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