10-Year Company Flies New C172s

Cessna Aircraft Company has appointed its first Cessna Pilot Center in India, selecting Touchwood Entertainment Ltd Aviation Academy Raipur.

Cessna Pilot Centers are independently owned and are the only flight schools to use Cessna's integrated computer-based instruction -- a unique method of teaching ground school that Cessna says is easy, thorough and fun.

Students using this course complete their private pilot's certificate in an average 54.5 hours... almost 30 percent less than the national average in the United States. All Cessna Pilot Centers operate fully insured, new Cessna 172 aircraft that are currently under factory warranty.

Touchwood Entertainment Ltd operates on a five-acre complex in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The 10-year-old company started aviation-related activities in 2004 by offering ground handling services for airlines and private air operators, and it began offering flight training in 2007.

"Aviation in India continues to experience rapid growth, creating both a shortage of pilots and extended demand for business aircraft. The time is right for establishing a first rate training option there," said Brumley Smith, Cessna's director of pilot centers. "Touchwood Aviation Academy has a central location that draws students from all regions of India and offers an experienced staff of former Indian air force instructors training with an all-Cessna fleet. This is an excellent partnership that benefits the people of India."

There are nearly 300 Cessna Pilot Centers in nine countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa and the United States.

FMI: www.cessna.com