Flight gives us the means to travel and experience exceptional views and a sense of freedom, says Trevor Darmanin, flight instructor with Malta School of Flying and Malta Wings.

Trevor Darmanin

Most children dream of being pilots one day. What makes flying aircraft such a fascinating prospect?

No matter how many times you experience it, the feeling of being airborne remains magical. Flying gives us the privilege to enjoy exceptional views, travel to different countries and experience the freedom of the skies while operating state-of-the-art equipment and interacting with other industry professionals who work as a team to make every flight possible and safe.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a pilot?

I have nursed a fascination for aircraft ever since I was young. I used to love watching airplanes take off and land and I was convinced that one day, I would be able to fly too.

The first time you flew an aircraft: what was the experience like?

It felt just like a dream. A part of me still couldn’t believe that I was flying an aircraft myself. It also made me very eager to progress through my training courses and earn my wings.

When were Malta School of Flying and Malta Wings set up and with what aims?

Malta School of Flying was set up in 2004. Initially, the school offered private pilot licence training, night training and training for pilots who intended to transition onto more complex aircraft. Then in 2006, Malta Wings was set up with the intention of providing customised aviation solutions such as aerial photography and surveillance services to the local market.

Our organisation has invested in a large fleet of aircraft

How have the companies grown in recent years?

Both companies have grown at an incredible rate. Apart from aerial photography and surveillance, Malta Wings now holds airline certification issued by Transport Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate in order to operate commercial passenger transport and cargo flights. Passenger flights range from sightseeing flights operated regularly around the Maltese islands to personalised air taxi flights to airports in the European and North African region.

Malta School of Flying has also grown to become the largest training organisation in Malta. The list of courses provided has increased significantly and the organisation operates on a 24x7 basis while employing a team of almost 30 members of staff in various areas.

Tecnam P2006T cockpit.

What training and courses do you offer?

Apart from the private pilot licence and night rating, for the past years, our training organisation has also been providing training towards the basic instrument flight module, airline transport pilot licence theory requirements, commercial pilot licence, multi-engine piston rating, and single-engine and multi-engine instrument rating. The organisation is also certified to provide training for holders of a non-European pilot licence who intend to obtain a European pilot licence as well as for pilots requiring refresher training.

In 2014 our training organisation also introduced instructor training. We are now qualified to conduct courses for qualified pilots who intend to become flight instructors, as well as for current flight instructors who intend to further their studies in order to be able to instruct at night, on multi-engine aircraft or in instrument conditions.

We are already working to introduce multi-crew courses and jet-orientation courses which our students will find useful in preparation for their first airline pilot position.

Do you cater for all levels, from basic induction courses to commercial flying?

This has always been our aim. In summer, we welcome students who are as young as 10 years old for induction training. Young students receive a good introduction to the world of aviation and an overview of what career possibilities exist. Students can then progress through their initial and advanced pilot training with our organisation.

What aircraft do you use for such training?

Cessna 172 over Grand Harbour.

Our organisation has invested in a large fleet of aircraft which consists of two new Tecnam P92JS two-seat single-engine aircraft, two Cessna 172 four-seat single-engine aircraft, a Cessna 152 two-seat single-engine aircraft and a Tecnam P2006T four-seat twin-engine aircraft. Complementing this fleet of aircraft is a brand new Alsim ALX FNPT II MCC simulator.

How do these aircraft differ in specifications and capabilities?

The Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 are probably the most common light aircraft flying around the world due to their proven reliability and forgiving flight characteristics.

The new generation Tecnam P92JS training aircraft boasts a wide and comfortable cabin, superior handling characteristics and operating costs which are far lower than similar training aircraft. The P2006T twin-engine aircraft makes it possible for commercial, multi-engine and instrument pilot training to be carried out locally. The aircraft boasts state-of-the-art equipment such as an electronic flight instrument system, autopilot and weather detection equipment.

The ALSIM ALX simulator is extremely capable and can simulate piston, turbo prop and jet aircraft. This top-of-the-range simulator translates into huge savings for students and added training flexibility.

Apart from passenger transport, there are various services associated with aircraft, including cargo, surveillance and photography. What is the demand for such services?

The demand for these flights has definitely increased over the last years. Our aircraft are very suitable for aerial photography and surveillance missions especially thanks to their high wing design providing unobstructed views, slow speed capability, stability and manoeuvrability, allowing the pilot to accurately position the aircraft as required by the photography or surveillance team. Most aircraft also feature a window which may be opened in flight. Photography and surveillance missions can be varied, ranging from footage of the Maltese countryside to photoshoots of tankers sailing tens of miles off our coastline.

We launched priority cargo flights to accommodate customers requiring the immediate transfer of small cargo. On most occasions, this involves organising a flight at short notice, sometimes even less than two hours. Overall the company is committed and equipped to provide the flexibility which our customers require.