Department Works With Aviation Students

Students of the closed Career Academy School of Aviation have no intention of waiting around wondering what will become of them. The students are involved in discussions with the Department of Education and Culture to help determine how they will complete their flight training.

Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said today he remains focused on helping the students. "We will stand by our students to the completion of their flight training.

"Students of the Career Academy School of Aviation share a common dream: to become professional pilots. They have invested time and money in that dream, and now it is being threatened," he said. "We want to assure the students that the province of Nova Scotia stands behind them. We are committed to seeing them through to their goal of becoming professional pilots."

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, a large group of students, parents, and concerned individuals met to formulate questions of the minister, to express their views, and to come together on main issues of concern. Today, a smaller group of students presented those concerns to the minister at a closed meeting. Mr. Harrison said his department's intention is to earn the students' confidence.

By this Saturday, Aug. 22, all 103 students will have met individually with staff and provided details of their education to date. Department staff will compile information on each student's financial situation and requirements to complete training. Pulling together this information is crucial to solving their dilemma and drawing up a plan that ensures students receive the education their contract provided for.

Mr. Harrison has mobilized the department to examine various "train-out" options for the students. All available staff are working at contacting flight-training institutions across Canada, and discussions are under way with eight schools in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario. Under discussion are accommodating students at these schools and/or combining resources to set up a satellite school in Halifax.

Students are concerned about whether they will receive diplomas following their train-out. Their contract with the Career Academy School of Aviation provided for diplomas on graduation. Mr. Harrison said the province aims to fulfil that aspect of the students' contract through affiliation with a diploma-granting institution.