By Aleta Vinas, ANN Correspondent

Pan Am International Flight Academy's airline namesake may have gone belly up several years ago but the flight training continues. With around a dozen training centers from Florida, Miami, Orlando and Vero Beach to as far west as Phoenix (AZ), if your career is in the sky, PAIFA has a location nearby.

Marilyn Ladner, recently promoted last June, to Senior Vice President Career Pilot Development, has 25 years of experience in aviation training and administration. The promotion came as somewhat of a surprise, Ladner told ANN, "I was just told I was promoted."  Shortly thereafter double trouble hit with hurricanes Frances and Jeanne causing extensive damage and the moving of some airplanes and students to the Phoenix facility. Repairs continue, but Ladner has weathered the storm.

In regards to recent hiring by the airlines, Ladner had this to say, "We are definitely seeing an increased rate of hiring, which is a good sign. It signals that the industry is continuing to strengthen." Ladner adds, "After three years of unpredictable demand, this is quite a relief."

PAIFA offers ab initio pilot training. Once this core training is completed, a student can choose the traditional flight instructor path or the airline path.

The airline path involves Air Crew Education (ACE) training. According to Ladner, these senior courses were developed "in concert with the airline you plan to go to." Several airlines that recruit from PAIFA visit the campus frequently to talk to the students.

To be sure the airlines needs are met by the PAIFA graduates, the Airline Advisory Committee was formed in 1999. The committee is made up of representatives from Southwest, American Eagle, Delta Connection/Comair and Mesa Airlines, to name a few. Working this close with the hiring airlines allows the students "to be ready for the airlines," says Ladner.

PAIFA also trains flight engineers and flight attendants for some airlines who contract out to PAIFA rather than train in-house. Air traffic controller training is also being done for non-US civil authorities. PAIFA trains controllers for around 75 countries.

If you're at the Women in Aviation Conference stop by the PAIFA booth #619.

FMI http://www.panamacademy.com