Cambridge, ON - June 12 2022

The entire team at Aviation Solutions would like to congratulate their Chief Instructor and Principal Consultant, Mike Schuster, on being selected as this year’s recipient of the Transport Canada Aviation Safety Award.

The award is presented annually to one Canadian person, group, company, organization, agency, or department in recognition of exceptional dedication and contribution to Canadian aviation safety.  The presentation took place during Aviation Solutions 69th Flight Instructor Refresher Course held May 30-31 in Cambridge Ontario and was presented by Nicholas Robinson, Director General of Civil Aviation, who joined the course virtually from Ottawa.

He noted Mike’s long-term commitment to operating Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs), as well as tackling the challenges of the pandemic.  Previously, all FIRCs were required to be delivered in person, until Aviation Solutions provided the first fully online course in June 2020.

“Michael not only took those challenges head on, but did so in very short order,” said Mr. Robinson.  “During the pandemic, most instructor rating flight tests were not allowed, so what did Michael do?  He fully revamped his flight instructor refresher course and was the first fully online and virtual platform in Canada.  For a period there, this virtual course was the only way to renew a flight instructor rating.  Because of this… over four hundred flight instructors were able to keep up their qualifications in this dynamic and changing environment.”

“What shouldn’t be lost is the hours in redevelopment, thought processes, and creativity that went into actually allowing this to happen” he continued.  “In delivering high aviation safety standards, it can’t be understated how important this has been to the Canadian aviation system.”

The FIRC provides flight instructors with theoretical and practical professional development opportunities in order to renew their flight instructor rating, in lieu of a flight test.  Mr. Schuster has also contributed to aviation safety efforts as an author, presenter, and panelist in various forums, as well as through other flight operations and safety-related roles in the aviation industry.

“I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award” stated Mr. Schuster during the surprise presentation.  “Safety and quality are a team effort.  All of the presenters I’ve worked with on this course, we can’t do it without a team, thanks to all of you for your contributions.”  Many of Aviation Solutions’ past and present presenters joined in on the ceremony, both in person and virtually.  “I look forward to making use of this recognition to continue promoting excellence in flight training” he added.