IRVIN AEROSPACE A DIVISION OF BIRD AVIATION
(SACAA ATO 0371)
Our specialist flight training organisation located at Vereeniging Airport Gauteng. Whether you are starting out in your flying career or a professional pilot looking to further your skills, we have a course that will cater to your flying needs. Vereeniging Airport has multiple runways, fuel and night flying facilities. In addition, the aerobatic box at the field enables us to undertake aerobatic training at the airport. The close proximity to the general flying area and navigational aids means minimal time wasted getting to and from training areas and as a result the maximum time can be spent on teaching the lesson at hand.
The area is known for good flying weather for a large part of the year which is a stark contrast to many coastal airports that lose a lot of training time owing to poor weather. With an on-airport maintenance organisation, downtime due to aircraft serviceability problems are minimised. Our flight school also caters for owners who have their own aircraft and wish to train on them.
Training courses offered are: (Fixed Wing) Private Pilot License, Night rating, Commercial Pilot License, ATPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating, Multi Engine Rating, Simulator training, Ground School Lectures, Radio Telephony courses, Aviation English Language Proficiency Tests, Foreign License Validations, Hire & Fly, Conversions, Renewals, Aerobatic course, and Weight shift microlight training.
We have a fleet of 10 aircraft and we are open six days a week, Mondays to Saturdays as well as Sundays on request. We have a multitude of diverse students from all over the world, from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Napoli, India and many more. Facilities at our flight school include fully equipped lecture rooms, briefing rooms, student accommodation, student study rooms, online exam centre with two exam stations, private parking and two hangers for our fleet. Our dedicated full-time flight instructors and staff will provide all the support and guidance to instil a high standard of professionalism and discipline.
This year MATA celebrates its 10-year anniversary in operation. Regardless of this unprecedented world epidemic, MATA still prevails in bringing more opportunities to the country and our students. We believe in serving our industry with impeccable training aids and has gained an unchallenged reputation in the services we provide.
MATA has welcomed students from private, commercial and military operations from all corners of the globe this year, to take part in the variety of aviation training and non-aviation training that MATA offers, from 1st year Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in the field of Mechanics and Avionics to Cabin Crew, Airport Grounds Staff Training, DG, CRM, SMS, Aviation Regulatory Training, Aviation Type Training, re-current type training and Aviation Trade Tests, fire-fighting, OHS, heart saver and CPR training.
First year apprentice training accommodates COVID-19 measures relating to virtual training. We have introduced new on-line based examination platforms. Creating online profiles for instant access to results and certification. In the past year MATA has accomplished hosting EASA examination sessions for engineers. Advanced Technical Training is high on the priority list for our academy, as we are strongly invested in the safety of all our engineers. Constant additions are added to stay current to new technologies released including the introduction of new CBT training platforms and virtual training allowing students to log in and attend classes via webinar assistance with world renowned instructors.
MATA prides itself being the largest privately owned training academy which includes cabin crew training on our acquired Boeing 737- 300 Trainer. We have ensured cabin crew training equipment used in practical demonstrations of procedures is effectively sanitised between each use. This includes portable breathing equipment, oxygen masks, life vest mouthpieces and any other item which is used near the face of the delegate. Cabin crew modules also include self-defence training exclusive to MATA students.
MATA is upgrading its trade test facilities adding another fixed wing twin engine aircraft to ensure we keep up with industry standards. In addition, MATA has opened additional training facilities at Grand Central Airport offering pilot ground school training, cabin crew, aviation regulatory training and all our first aid training offerings. Timing is often out of our control, but our ability to be nimble and keep pivoting, is the motivation in ensuring that even during a major world epidemic we are still able to provide students with efficient, trusted and safe training.
Amongst aviation related training, we offer non-aviation related training including First Aid Training, Firefighting, Soft skills and the heart saver courses accredited by the American heart association rewarding you with 1000 vitality miles. Junior student and family CPR and choking training which is conducted at schools, creches, schools and community centres around the country.
At this juncture, MATA understands the financial impact of the pandemic and has provided payment relief for students wishing to continue training within our organisation adding to an entire aviation value chain. As MATA enters its 10th year of operations we look to the future with excitement and will be using this time to ensure that we maintain our high standards and reputation and look forward to bringing to the aviation and non-aviation community our ever increasing variety of CBT based training platforms to complement our traditional classroom training offerings.