An opportunity has been created for aspiring Bermudian pilots to complete flight training in Atlanta.

Bermuda Aviation Camp, a summer project run by aviation enthusiast John Madiro, has secured a partnership agreement with AeroAtlanta Flight Centre, a renowned school in Atlanta, Georgia, to expand aviation training opportunities for the island’s young people.

Dr Madiro said: “The alliance promises unparalleled aviation experiences, positioning Bermuda as a key destination for world-class flight training and drawing young pilots and their families from across the island to a programme like no other.”

He said that AeroAtlanta Flight Centre had built a reputation for flight training excellence, operating a well-maintained fleet of Cirrus and Cessna aircraft.

The flight school has operated for more than three decades and trained thousands of pilots. It has superb safety and quality standards, Dr Madiro added.

Through the partnership, AeroAtlanta will provide Bermudian students with access to Atlanta’s expansive airspace, giving them the opportunity for hands-on training and a practical immersion in aeronautics.

Dr Madiro and his team will co-ordinate bookings and logistics with AeroAtlanta and future camp participants will gain the real-world skills necessary to pursue their dreams of flying if they choose piloting for personal or commercial aviation.

Bermuda is close to many top-tier American flight schools and the introductory training opportunity offered by Bermuda Aviation Camp could lead to the island being recognised in future as a “go-to location” for the next generation of pilots, Dr Madiro added.

“With expert guidance, state-of-the-art aircraft, and a structured path to certification, the sky is truly the limit.”

Dylan Miller, AeroAtlanta’s training adviser, said that the centre was excited about the new partnership and thrilled to collaborate with Dr Madiro and the Bermuda Aviation Camp team.

Mr Miller said the opportunity could be viewed as the opening of doors for young Bermudian aviators, providing them with real-world flight experiences that the island’s airspace simply cannot offer.

For those considering a career in aviation, the partnership provides a crucial stepping stone, he said.

Bermuda Aviation Camp debuted its summer programme in July. An enthusiastic group of young aviators got their first structured glimpse into aviation.

Dr Madiro noted that feedback on the programme was more than he had anticipated.

He said that although the project ran for three weeks, the organisers were thinking of expanding its timeline given the growing interest from students and their parents.

Dr Madiro said: “It was an overwhelming response because I just put the word out there within the middle of June for it to take off in early July and we got more than 60 applicants.

“But because of logistics we reduced it to 24 students and that is quite significant for a camp.”

He said the prospective aviators were taught key aspects of aviation such as flight physics, the Federal Aviation Administration airspace and regulations, functions and terminologies of airports, air traffic control and meteorology.

Dr Madiro said: “Despite their eagerness, a scarcity of discovery flights and Bermuda’s limited airspace meant the young enthusiasts were unable to take to the skies.”

He said after feedback from students, facilitators and parents, he immediately explored the need to expand horizons and turned to various US flight schools.

Dr Madiro added: “AeroAtlanta was the first to ignite the torch in making this dream a reality.”

• For more information, e-mail bermudaaviation@gmail.com