As anyone travelling by plane these days knows, pilots are in demand. That demand is also poised to grow as aviation in Canada faces retirement pressures over the coming years.
The good news for those entering the aviation industry is that some of the best opportunities to train are right here in Wetaskiwin!
Since the 1970s, Absolute Aviation has earned a national reputation for its skilled training of the next generation of pilots – both commercial and recreational – and flight instructors, says Eric Schletz, Operations Manager, Chief Flight Instructor and Chief Pilot. As a full-service business, they also provide aircraft rental and maintenance service.
“We are definitely seeing increasing job prospects for licensed pilots, and we’re starting to see pay come up as well,” notes Schletz, who shares with students experience he’s earned through more than 5,000 hours in the sky.
Not only is safety key for the Absolute Aviation team, so is a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of flight training.
Using a state-of-the-art flight simulator, students experience a wide array of flight situations, without having to burn fuel. When it’s time to take to the skies, their planes burn approximately 25 per cent less fuel than others, reducing both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Why Wetaskiwin?
For flight training, Wetaskiwin’s location is ideal. First, there’s the high number of clear, storm-free days, making it one of the best places in Canada to learn to fly. “Our air space is just incredible – we have more flying days here than anywhere else,” Schletz says.
Where other schools might have to shut down for winter, “we’re a 24/7, 365-day operation.”
Additionally, the proximity to Edmonton international airport gives the students practice working in controlled airspace without all the unnecessary delays of a busier airport.
From a business perspective, Schletz also commends the City of Wetaskiwin for boosting economic growth in the community.
From supporting Absolute Aviation’s corporate and community events to providing the opportunities for business growth, “they’re a great partner.”
In turn, the company welcomes skilled team members, who live and raise their families in Wetaskiwin, attracted by the many amenities the city offers.
This business profile is the fourth in a series from the City of Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development office. To learn more about initiatives to grow local business and industry, visit investwetaskiwin.ca.
READ MORE: For this Wetaskiwin manufacturer, location really is everything!
READ MORE: Carving out a successful business, close to home
READ MORE: Manufacturing solutions in Wetaskiwin … and around the world
READ MORE: Home Hardware brings growth home to Wetaskiwin
READ MORE: Wetaskiwin agriculture manufacturer builds global success