RAWALPINDI: The Askari Flying Academy (AFA) - a pilot training institute operating near the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport Chaklala - offered students an opportunity to observe aviation training classes during a visit.

The academy has trained 400 pilots and the same number of flight dispatchers so far, a statement said.

An open day was held at AFA in which students of Government Technical School H-8, Army Public School and other private schools participated along with their parents.

“Established in 2007, it is a project of the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved class II ground and flying training organisation that offers private pilot licences on single-engine piston aircraft including instrument rating training on Cessna 172 aircraft.”

It also offers courses to aspiring flight instructors and flight operation officers, the statement said.

“AFA has a team of qualified aviation staff, including Muhammad Qasir Ansari, who has vast experience in flight operations serving in the PIA for 40.”

According to flight instructor Qasir Ansari, Cessna 172 aircraft is the world’s most popular lightweight aircraft, ideal for aviation training. It accommodates four people and has a maximum speed of 228 kilometres per hour at sea level, he said.

Mr Ansari said that a total of 16 students, including five girls have been pursuing training at AFA. Of the 16 students, 11 have been pursuing commercial pilot training and five were getting flight operation officer training. He said that the academy was also one of the first to offer a simulator training centre with a Red Bird MCX Advanced Aviation Training Device in Pakistan.

Mr Ansari said that AFA was going to collaborate with Olympus Flying Academy Greece for EASA licences. “We are preparing students for the CAA exam which they have to pass,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2025