Notes
http://www.pilotweb.aero Pilot September 2017 | 13
FLIGHT TRAINING
From August, the CAA is changing the way
that it runs ATPL Theoretical Knowledge
Examinations, reflecting changes being
introduced across EASA states, and already
in place in Australia and New Zealand. The
new exam ‘platform’, known as Quadrant,
poses four styles of question:
Multiple-choice — the current style where
candidates choose a single answer from
four options
Multi-select — candidates select answer
options from a list. This will replace some
current questions where a list of
numbered options is provided in the
question stem and the candidate
selects the correct group of options in
the answer
Inline — candidates complete sentences
using a dropdown menu
Text — typed in answers, for example to
answer calculation-type questions, or
those requiring the extraction of data
from a chart or table.
The CAA says all questions will be reviewed
to ensure their suitability for delivery in this
way and to make sure ‘candidates are not
disadvantaged’. It will monitor candidates’
comments to identify questions that may
require amending or withdrawing. caa.co.uk/
Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/
Applications/Exams/Register-for-a-
professional-pilot-exam/
Eighteen-year-old Jack Hawkins has been
awarded the Nick Davidson Memorial Flying
Scholarship for 2017. Chosen from more
than eighty applicants, he has had his first
flying lesson with easyJet Captain Gary
Merchant. Gary first met Nick at Surrey and
Kent Flying Club in 1990, where Nick was his
instructor and instrumental in him becoming
a commercial pilot. The pair became friends
and, Gary said, “When Nick became terminally
ill, he wanted a positive action for the benefit
of aviation to be created after his death. The
idea of a worthwhile scholarship for a
deserving young person was born.” About
Jack Hawkins, he commented: “He showed
determination in his ambitions, realism with
his personal targets, and sensible alternative
plans if his career path was frustrated in any
way. His enthusiasm is infectious and he has
all the characteristics for eventually becoming
a fine aircrew member.”
Nick Davidson died in 2012 from cancer
and the scholarship is sponsored by his
family, supported by Biggin Hill Airport,
Adams Aviation Supply Company, Shipping &
Airlines Ltd, and Surrey & Kent
Flying Club. Nick’s own career
went from instructor to flying
night mail with Willow Air at
Southend, eventually gaining his
command with British Airways on
its Airbus fleet in 2008.
First scholarship winner John
Harrison is now in the final
stages of qualifying for his ATPL.
The second winner, Steven Inch,
joined the RAF after gaining his
PPL, and after completing his
basic training at the RAF College
Cranwell has recently been
streamed for fast jet training.ACS Aviation took over operation of Perth
Airport in November 2016 and has grown
rapidly, taking on seven new permanent
staff across all departments. Says Managing
Director Graeme Frater, “We are rapidly
developing as a real centre of aviation
activity and excellence in Scotland, and... well
on course to post a significant increase in
turnover.” Two Cessna 152s, a Piper Warrior
and an AL42 flight simulator have been
added to the fleet, and a Diamond TwinStar
is due later this year. “It represents a
significant investment in the business, but we
see this as essential as giving us the edge in
the marketplace,” says Frater.
Louise Ewart, ACS’s recently appointed
Director of Business Development, is heavily
involved in its Women in Aviation initiative.
“To have a female presence in the
boardroom is particularly important in an
industry that is very male oriented,” she
says. “We aim to encourage woman into
aviation through various events and open
days. We are holding our inaugural Woman in
Aviation Day on 23 September, giving women
of all ages the opportunity to explore the
possibility of working in aviation and to
connect with others in the industry.”Capt Gary Merchant (left) and student Jack HawkinsACS Managing Director Graeme Frater