Buckinghamshire New University launches Preferred Partner ATO initiative

Buckinghamshire New University’s (BNU) School of Aviation and Security is pleased to announce the launch of its Approved Training Organisation (ATO) Preferred Partner programme with trusted partners Leading Edge Aviation and Pilot Flight Training (PFT), both based at Oxford Airport.

BNU’s Preferred Partner scheme is a quality mark initiative that gives current and perspective BNU pilot degree students further information about the range of excellent choices they can make for their modular journey towards becoming a commercial or private pilot. This includes information on the expected costs, facilities, student experiences, and support services that can be expected if students select Preferred Partners.

The initiative launched at the beginning of this academic year and brings with it a closer level of collaboration between BNU and the Preferred ATO Partners in the provision of on-site BNU tutor support during student flight training phases, joint marketing activity and periodical reviews of the student degree and flight training journey when taken with the Preferred Partners, all designed to enhance and ensure positive student outcomes on the University’s modular pilot degree programme.

The ATO Preferred Partner initiative represents the natural next step in what has been a long history of the University supporting pilot degree students into rewarding careers in commercial aviation. Choosing an ATO for modular flight training is an important step for BNU’s students. The Preferred Partner quality mark scheme, in partnership with Leading Edge Aviation and PFT, will provide them with some tried and tested flight training options in relatively good proximity to our University campuses. The University will also be working with its partners to increase its aerodrome presence at Oxford Airport, to further enhance the personal and placement tutor support offered during the all-important practical training phases of students’ degree programme.

David Warnock-Smith, Head of Research and Enterprise in the School of Aviation and Security at BNU, said of the initiative’s launch: “I’m delighted that we have partnered with two highly reputable flight schools in Leading Edge Aviation and Pilot Flight Training to deliver an outstanding enhancement to our BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes programme for our students. The initiative will give students more certainty and reassurance when selecting flight schools for the modular flight training elements of their degree programme, and it will be pivotal in the students’ overall experience of the programme and in the outcomes they can achieve. 

Director and Head of Training at PFT, Tom Saunders stated, “Pilot Flight Training is very proud to be selected as the preferred training partner of BNU this year, having trained BNU students since 2019. Based at London Oxford Airport for over 25 years, PFT sets the standard for the highest quality flight training in a professional, flexible, and friendly environment. We have a large fleet for training and solo hire, including modern glass cockpit, aerobatic, and complex aircraft, with over 15 full time instructors to ensure excellent availability and continuity. Our members lounge, and ‘Flight Club’ facilities creates an optimum environment for learning and socializing. PFT is the perfect location to start your flying journey”.

Andy McFarlane, CEO at Leading Edge Aviation commented,” We are excited to develop this partnership with BNU as a preferred partner, a collaboration that underscores our shared commitment to excellence in aviation education and training. Our state-of-the-art glass-cockpit Diamond fleet aircraft, A320 and DA42 simulators, along with cutting-edge training technology including virtual reality technology, are instrumental in providing an advanced learning platform. Our 'whole pilot' approach, which focuses on comprehensive skill development to create future Captains, has garnered us a growing reputation among leading airlines, who have recruited our graduates. We're proud to join hands with BNU in shaping the future of aviation, where educational quality and flight training expertise come together to create exceptional pilots ready for the demands of today and tomorrow’s aviation industry."