The aviation industry is essential to the sustainable growth of a globalized society as it significantly increases social and economic activity. However, the adoption of new laws, constant technological advancements, the growing concern about climate change, and fierce competition have changed the dynamics of education in the aviation sector.
Aviation training schools, thus, need to offer a quick, more contemporary, and long-lasting response to this changing environment. Only a small number of educational institutions are meeting the demands and adequately training students for the current aviation industry. International Flight Operations Academy (IFOA) has created a preceding reputation as one of the most prominent aviation institutions around.
IFOA aspires to be the most known global aviation operations training organization by educating and inspiring the talent that will help shape the future of a safer, more effective, and sustainable aviation sector. With its top-notch, reasonably priced learning and services, the institute promises to constantly provide educational excellence and aviation education competence.
Inception against the Odds
Vincent Incammicia, CEO of IFOA, co-founded the institute with Kenneth Kronborg in Switzerland. The Swiss-based Institute was founded during the pandemic and is based on the principles of the reputable Danish business Kronborg Air Consult. IFOA combines more than 100 years of experience in a variety of aviation sectors, making it the aggregate of combined knowledge and experience base. The entire IFOA team promotes a “think outside the box” and “work smart” culture for its students to gain competitive advantages by acquiring the required competencies and optimizing operational and environmental efficiency. This culture also enhances the critical decision-making abilities required in the current aviation industry.
The IFOA is committed to providing an education of the highest Swiss caliber that is benchmarked against contemporary global standards. Instead of only passing exams, the institute’s training curriculum emphasizes learning & development. In contrast to the majority of existing programs, the IFOA emphasizes topics that are directly connected to the prospective student roles in the aviation sector rather than in-depth general aviation theoretical knowledge. As a result, IFOA is abandoning the outdated, traditional training approach in favor of creating and maintaining a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) approach.
Exclusive Training Programs
IFOA is working to create a framework that seamlessly connects basic skills training, vocational education, and higher education so that the present and upcoming generations of aviation professionals can take advantage of a distinctive experience. The institute has developed suitable training programs to ensure that students enhance aviation safety skills and efficiency to the highest possible level necessary for their
challenging and complex area of responsibility.
The initial training is intended for both new and seasoned aviation professionals (such as crew controllers, operations controllers, navigation officers, etc.) who are eager to advance their theoretical knowledge and build the necessary competencies for their upcoming position in a highly dynamic and demanding Operations Control Center (OCC).
The following topics are covered in CBTA introductory training program:
- Meteorology (MET)
- Navigation (NAV)
- Air Law (LAW)
- Operational Procedures (OP) and Flight Planning (FPL)
- Air Traffic Management (ATM)
- Dispatch Resource Management (DRM) and more.
The institute’s advanced training program is intended for students with prior aviation experience who wish to expand their knowledge and increase the competencies necessary to perform in the extremely tough and dynamic sector.
- North Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, and Trans-Polar Operations
- Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
- Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO)
- Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS)
- International Flight Planning Specificities
- Isolated airport operations;
- Fuel efficiency development
- Hazardous Weather (including tropical weather and volcanic ash)
The IFOA’s key strength lies in its extensive portfolio which is completed by the following training services:
- Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air – Initial and Recurrent training
- Train The Trainer program
- Aviation Sustainability
- Ground Handling and FBO training.
Prerequisites for Success
Attracting and engaging the next generation of operational and ground personal talents is essential to reaching aviation sustainability perspectives. The IFOA’s main objectives are to facilitate the effective implementation of training programs, reduce costs, upgrade quality, increase efficiencies, and generate synergies between the real aviation world and the students.
Moreover, the institute supports the students to understand how the aviation industry operations impact the environment and supports identifying solutions to mitigate these impacts to enable the sustainable development of the aviation sector.
Vincent believes that students must be extremely passionate about aviation because it is a tremendously rewarding yet difficult field to break into. To succeed in the field, one needs to possess traits like resilience, critical thinking, a good attitude, and the ability to adjust to changes in the daily routine. Furthermore, it is crucial to exhibit leadership at all organizational levels.
Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
The IFOA team is comprised of both male and female professionals from different countries who speak at least 10 different languages. The institute’s instructors were chosen in large part based on their valuable competencies rather than just their background in working with well-known aviation organizations. The complete crew is made up of certified instructors and extremely knowledgeable professionals from reputable aviation organizations in the international aviation business.
IFOA places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness as one of its key values. The institute designs the workplace in a way that enables the team to produce its best work and perform at its peak. The culture of creativity, freedom of speech, inclusivity, teamwork, and a variety of views is promoted. IFOA aspires to give any aviation enthusiast the chance to enroll in high-quality, inexpensive vocational training programs before entering the fascinating aviation industry.
A Flexible Approach
IFOA’s training model is entirely flexible, and the institute does not hesitate to adapt the delivery of programs to the students or organizations’ needs. Therefore, its training can be delivered effectively in the classroom, digitally, or through a blended learning model. Additionally, the IFOA is actively collaborating with strategic partners to create and offer proactive vocational training programs about the future of the aviation sector based on the state of air travel in 2035 and beyond.
Words of Wisdom
When it comes to Post secondary careers, Kenneth believes, Aviation is a growing field, with innumerable career opportunities to explore. Students can start or continue their careers in an airline or business aviation company as operational control and ground personnel. This personnel plays a key role in every aviation organization and, as pilots and mechanics, are continuously learning. The world of aviation is fascinating. Students should maintain flexibility with the careers they wish to pursue and keep their alternatives open. They should also be resilient and driven by passion.
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