Delta Connection Academy Boasts First FAA-Approved FITS Program

Delta Connection Academy made history on January 4, 2008 when Steven Harden became the first flight school student pilot nationwide to complete the 141 FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) program designed to increase aviation safety, reduce the number of accidents and improve pilot skills and decision making in technically-advanced aircraft.

The new FITS program focuses on a redesigned training platform for aviation. For years, student pilots were taught how to pass a practical test -- rather than practical operation.

With the introduction of the 141 FITS program, Delta Connection Academy student pilots now focus on real-world, scenario-based training that enhances aeronautical decision making, risk management, and single pilot resource management skills. Instead of treating each element as a separate or stand-alone lesson, scenario-based training efficiently integrates these important concepts into every instructional exercise.

"I’ve had both traditional and now FITS training and without a doubt the FITS is a much better, more realistic approach to flight training," said Harden. "Since I was old enough to look up in the sky, I wanted to fly. To have my instructors pin my first two bars on my epilates, it was a very proud moment for me."

Delta Connection Academy offers the FITS program to give each student an edge as they enter the job market. According to the Boeing Company, more than 18,000 pilots will be needed nationwide each year between 2008 and 2024. More than 30,000 pilots will reach mandatory retirement age over the next 10 years underscoring the need for highly skilled pilots. For Harden, he has transitioned to working on his commercial flight rating with aspirations to fly for a major airliner and eventually own a charter service.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection Academy operates a fleet of more than 115 aircraft, including the latest in technically advanced aircraft with new Cirrus SR20 G2 aircraft and AeroSim Technologies Flight Training Devices. The Academy has trained students from 90 different countries and has placed pilots with 30 airlines including (but not limited to) all Delta Connection carriers, American Eagle Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines and Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines.

FMI: www.deltaconnectionacademy.com